After a busy day in the classroom, Forest School gives your child the chance to recharge in the outdoors through play-based exploration. Time in nature helps kids relax, refocus, and grow in confidence—while having fun!
Why focus on play? Because it works. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), play sparks joyful learning and supports self-regulation, language, thinking skills, social growth, and knowledge across subjects. It’s essential for kids from birth through age 8.
In our Afternoon Forest School, children ages 3.5 to 7 learn together in mixed-age groups. This setup encourages younger children to learn from older peers while building leadership and cooperation skills.
Our Outdoor Classroom is right next to the Visitors’ Center and includes bathroom access. All children must be fully potty-trained and bathroom independent. To help build comfort, we recommend practicing at home or visiting TNC to get familiar with the space.
To reduce waste, we provide rain pants and boots from our Gear Library during your child’s enrollment. If your child outgrows them, we’ve got the next size ready—no need to buy new gear!
“The teachers at the Forest School have thought carefully and deeply about fostering children’s growth along all the important criteria. Through the Forest School, our child has developed independence, a great curiosity regarding plants and animals, an overall sense of connection to nature, the ability to relate to his peers and to resolve conflicts; creativity in both problem solving and artistic endeavors, and the ability to assess risks in an age-appropriate way. We’re very grateful that our child was able to participate in such a wonderful program.”
Han Lee, 2021-2022 Parent
Ages 3.5-7
3:30-5:00 pm
Click session below to register
Monday/Wednesday
Tuesday/Thursday
Winter 2026
January 5 to March 18
Makeup Days:
March 23 & 25
Winter 2026
January 6 to March 19
Makeup Days:
March 24 & 26
Spring 2026
April 13 to June 10
Makeup Days:
June 15 and 17
Spring 2026
April 14 to June 11
Makeup Days:
June 16 and 18
Afternoon Forest School Enrollment Process
-
Click on one of the links listed in the "Date & Pricing Information" section above.
-
If you decide to join Forest School, your family must have current Family Membership or higher. Your child will be enrolled after membership is verified.
-
Seasonal attendance is due at the time of registration. Payments made 5 days after scheduled payment date will result in a $50 late fee.
-
Please feel free to email the Forest School Director if you have any questions.
