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.”
Children ages 3.5 to 7 years
Afternoon Sessions 3:30-5:00 pm
Autumn 2026
| Mondays | Wednesdays | Mondays & Wednesdays | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM Session | PM Session | PM Session | |
| Session 1: | September 28-December 7 | September 23-December 9 | September 23-December 9 |
| Makeup Date: | December 14 | December 16 | December 14 & 16 |
Register by clicking View More button in list of Upcoming Events
Winter 2027
| Mondays | Wednesdays | Mondays & Wednesdays | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM Session | PM Session | PM Session | |
| Session 1: | January 4-March 22 | January 5-March 24 | January 4-March 24 |
| Makeup Date: | March 29 | March 31 | March 29 & 31 |
Register by clicking View More button in list of Upcoming Events
Spring 2027
| Mondays | Wednesdays | Mondays & Wednesdays | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM Session | PM Session | PM Session | |
| Session 1: | April 19-June 7 | April 14-June 2 | April 14-June 7 |
| Makeup Date: | June 14 | June 16 | June 14& 16 |
Register by clicking View More button in list of Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Events
Afternoon Forest School takes place during the school year so please check back again at the end of Summer/early Fall for our upcoming schedule.
📅 Upcoming Events
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Afternoon Forest School Enrollment Process
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Afternoon Forest School is a program provided to members with a Family Membership or higher.
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Current members: links to Afternoon Forest School are provided in the quarterly newsletter.
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New members: information about how to enroll in member-only programs is provided in registration materials.
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Tenafly Nature Center uses CampDoc to collect health information, emergency contacts, other important safety data. Parents must complete the form and provide the required information at least 7 days before the start of the session.Tenafly Nature Center uses CampDoc to collect health information, emergency contacts, other important safety data. Parents must complete the form and provide the required information at least 7 days before the start of the session.
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Forest School uses Class Dojo to share daily updates about your child's time in the program. This free app requires signup via email.Forest School uses Class Dojo to share daily updates about your child's time in the program. This free app requires signup via email.
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Seasonal attendance is due at the time of registration. Payments made 5 days after scheduled payment date will result in a $50 late fee.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Visit our Forest School Policies page for full details, payment options, and our cancellation policy.
Please feel free to email the Forest School Director if you have any questions.
