Outdoor and Nature-Based Childcare: Forest Schools and Nature Programs 2026

In an increasingly screen-dominated world, a growing number of parents are seeking childcare that prioritizes outdoor play and nature connection. Forest schools, nature preschools, and outdoor learning programs offer an alternative to traditional indoor classrooms—rain, shine, or snow. Children spend most or all of their day outside, learning through exploration, play, and direct engagement with the natural world.

This guide explores outdoor and nature-based childcare options, helping you understand what they offer and whether they might be right for your family.

What Is Nature-Based Childcare?

Types of Programs

Forest school/Waldkindergarten:

• Originated in Scandinavia
• Mostly or entirely outdoors
• All-weather approach
• Child-led exploration
• Natural environment as classroom

Nature preschool:

• Significant outdoor time daily
• May have indoor space too
• Nature-integrated curriculum
• Often at nature centers or parks
• Licensed childcare program

Outdoor learning program:

• Regular outdoor time prioritized
• May be part of traditional program
• Nature incorporated into activities
• Variable outdoor commitment
• Growing in traditional settings

Farm-based programs:

• Located on working farms
• Animal interaction
• Agricultural learning
• Seasonal activities
• Connection to food sources

Philosophy and Approach

Core beliefs:

• Children benefit from nature exposure
• Outdoor play develops whole child
• Risk-taking builds resilience
• Nature is the best classroom
• Less structure, more exploration

Learning happens through:

• Free play in natural settings
• Exploration and discovery
• Hands-on experiences
• Seasonal and weather changes
• Natural materials as tools

What a Day Looks Like

Typical forest school day:

• Arrive and gather
• Morning exploration/free play
• Snack outdoors
• Teacher-facilitated activity
• Continued exploration
• Lunch (often outdoors)
• Afternoon activities
• Story or circle time
• Departure

Activities might include:

• Building shelters
• Climbing trees
• Identifying plants and animals
• Creating nature art
• Mud play
• Stream exploration
• Fire building (supervised, older children)
• Gardening

Benefits of Outdoor-Based Care

Physical Development

Research shows:

• Improved gross motor skills
• Better balance and coordination
• Stronger immune systems
• Reduced obesity rates
• More physical activity overall
• Better sleep patterns

How nature promotes physical development:

• Uneven terrain challenges balance
• Climbing builds strength
• Running and exploration natural
• Fresh air and exercise
• Less sitting, more moving

Cognitive Benefits

Studies indicate:

• Improved attention and focus
• Enhanced creativity
• Better problem-solving skills
• Stronger executive function
• Increased curiosity
• Nature reduces ADHD symptoms

Why nature helps cognition:

• Novel environments engage brain
• Open-ended play sparks creativity
• Real-world problem-solving
• Less overstimulation than screens
• Sensory-rich experiences

Social-Emotional Development

Children develop:

• Resilience and confidence
• Risk assessment skills
• Cooperation and teamwork
• Self-regulation
• Appreciation for nature
• Sense of wonder

How outdoor play builds these:

• Manageable challenges build confidence
• Group play requires cooperation
• Weather teaches adaptability
• Open space reduces conflict
• Natural consequences teach cause/effect

| Benefit Area | What Children Gain | |--------------|-------------------| | Physical | Motor skills, fitness, immunity | | Cognitive | Attention, creativity, curiosity | | Social-emotional | Resilience, cooperation, confidence | | Environmental | Nature appreciation, stewardship |

Finding Nature-Based Programs

Where to Look

Search resources:

• Natural Start Alliance directory
• Local nature centers
• Audubon societies
• State parks
• Forest school associations
• Local parent groups
• CCR&R agencies

Online directories:

• naturalstart.org
• forestschoolassociation.org
• naturebasedpreschool.org
• Local outdoor education networks

Questions to Ask

About the program:

• How much time is spent outdoors?
• What's your all-weather policy?
• What's the teacher training in outdoor education?
• How do you handle safety/risk?
• What's your emergency protocol?
• Where exactly are you located?

About licensing:

• Are you licensed as a childcare program?
• What regulations apply to outdoor programs?
• What insurance do you carry?
• What safety certifications do staff have?

About logistics:

• What do children need to bring/wear?
• What about bathroom facilities?
• Where do children eat lunch?
• What if weather is extreme?
• What ages do you serve?

Evaluating Programs

Quality indicators:

• Trained outdoor educators
• Clear safety protocols
• Appropriate ratios
• Emergency plans
• Parent communication
• Intentional curriculum
• Beautiful, accessible site

Visit and observe:

• How do children engage?
• Are they happy and active?
• How do teachers interact?
• What's the site like?
• Does it feel safe?
• What's your gut telling you?

The All-Weather Question

"There's No Bad Weather"

The philosophy:

• Only inappropriate clothing
• Children adapt to weather
• Every season offers learning
• Rain, snow, sun all have value
• Resilience builds through exposure

Reality check:

• Programs do have limits
• Extreme conditions require adjustment
• Safety always comes first
• Children need proper gear
• Some indoor backup usually exists

Weather Policies

Most programs address:

• Temperature limits (often below 0°F or above 100°F)
• Lightning protocols
• Air quality alerts
• Extreme wind or storms
• How decisions are communicated

Questions about weather:

• At what point do you go inside or cancel?
• How do you notify parents?
• What indoor backup exists?
• What if my child is sick-ish in cold weather?

Dressing for Outdoor School

Essential gear:

• Quality rain suit/jacket
• Waterproof boots
• Layers (wool, fleece, synthetic)
• Warm hat and mittens
• Sun protection
• Extra clothes always

Gear tips:

• Invest in quality rain gear (it matters)
• Mud-resistant everything
• Mittens better than gloves for young children
• Wool socks stay warm even when wet
• Label everything clearly

Seasonal needs:

| Season | Essential Gear | |--------|---------------| | Winter | Snow suit, insulated boots, layers | | Spring | Rain gear, mud boots, layers | | Summer | Sun protection, water shoes, bug spray | | Fall | Layers, rain gear, warm hat |

Safety Considerations

Risk vs. Hazard

Nature programs distinguish:

• Risk: Challenging but developmentally appropriate (climbing, exploring)
• Hazard: Danger without developmental benefit (broken glass, contaminated water)

Approach:

• Embrace beneficial risk
• Eliminate hazards
• Teach risk assessment
• Supervise appropriately
• Allow manageable challenges

What Good Programs Do

Safety protocols:

• Regular site assessments
• Staff trained in outdoor first aid
• Emergency plans
• Ratio adherence
• Weather monitoring
• Boundary management
• Tool use protocols (if applicable)

Teacher training:

• Outdoor first aid certification
• Risk-benefit assessment
• Site management
• Nature knowledge
• Child development understanding

Common Concerns Addressed

"What about ticks and poison ivy?"

• Daily tick checks standard
• Poison ivy identification taught
• Site chosen carefully
• Protective clothing helps
• Staff trained on local hazards

"What about injuries?"

• Minor injuries are learning opportunities
• Staff trained in first aid
• Emergency protocols exist
• Parents informed of approach
• Research shows outdoor kids aren't injured more often

"What about predators (animal and human)?"

• Sites assessed for wildlife
• Human safety protocols
• Children never unsupervised
• Boundary management
• Emergency communication

Is Outdoor Childcare Right for Your Family?

Good Fit If

Your child:

• Loves being outside
• Is active and energetic
• Enjoys nature and animals
• Handles weather changes
• Thrives with less structure

Your family:

• Values nature connection
• Can provide proper gear
• Accepts risk/benefit philosophy
• Flexible about weather impacts
• Committed to outdoor lifestyle

Consider Carefully If

Your child:

• Has significant weather-related health issues
• Strongly prefers indoor activities
• Has severe allergies requiring controlled environment
• Needs more structure to thrive
• Has fears that need addressing first

Your family:

• Not able to provide necessary gear
• Uncomfortable with risk philosophy
• Very schedule-dependent
• Prefers academic focus
• Limited backup care options

Every Child Is Different

Some observations:

• Many "indoor kids" thrive outdoors given time
• Initial resistance often fades
• Some children truly don't enjoy it
• Health conditions matter
• Personality plays a role

Practical Considerations

Cost and Availability

Costs vary:

• Some programs affordable
• Others quite expensive
• Quality gear costs add up
• May be comparable to traditional care

Availability challenges:

• Not available everywhere
• Growing but still niche
• May have waitlists
• Location may not be convenient
• Hours may not fit work schedule

Balancing Outdoor and Indoor

Hybrid options:

• Traditional program with outdoor emphasis
• Part-time forest school
• After-school nature programs
• Summer forest programs
• Weekend family programming

Creating outdoor time at home:

• Daily outdoor play
• Nature walks
• Backyard exploration
• Nature-based activities
• Weather isn't a barrier

Transition to Traditional School

Children typically:

• Adapt well to school settings
• Bring strong social-emotional skills
• Have good focus and attention
• May miss outdoor time
• Often ahead in some developmental areas

Licensing and Regulations

Regulatory Landscape

Varies significantly:

• Some states license outdoor programs same as indoor
• Some have separate outdoor provisions
• Some don't address outdoor-only programs
• Check your state's requirements

What to verify:

• Is this program licensed?
• What regulations apply?
• What insurance is carried?
• What oversight exists?
• What are staff requirements?

Accreditation

Look for:

• Forest school certification
• Early childhood credentials
• Nature education training
• First aid certification
• Program accreditation if available

Starting Your Search

Steps to Take

1. Define what you're looking for

   • Full-time or part-time
   • True forest school or outdoor-emphasis
   • Location requirements
   • Schedule needs

2. Search directories and local resources

   • Online program finders
   • Local nature centers
   • Parent recommendations
   • Social media groups

3. Visit and observe

   • See program in action
   • Ask detailed questions
   • Trust your observations
   • Talk to current families

4. Evaluate fit

   • Child's temperament
   • Your values and needs
   • Practical logistics
   • Cost and availability

5. Prepare your child

   • Visit together
   • Talk about what to expect
   • Build outdoor skills
   • Get proper gear

Key Takeaways

Understand what's offered:

• Forest schools
• Nature preschools
• Outdoor learning programs
• Farm-based care
• Varying levels of outdoor time

Know the benefits:

• Physical development
• Cognitive growth
• Social-emotional skills
• Nature connection
• Resilience building

Consider fit:

• Your child's temperament
• Your family values
• Health considerations
• Practical logistics
• Available options

Evaluate carefully:

• Safety protocols
• Teacher training
• Licensing status
• Weather policies
• Program quality

Prepare practically:

• Quality weather gear
• Flexibility with weather
• Understanding of philosophy
• Backup plans
• Open mind

Nature-based childcare offers a distinctive approach that many families find transformative. By understanding what these programs offer, carefully evaluating options, and honestly assessing fit for your child and family, you can determine whether outdoor childcare is the right choice for you.

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