Outdoor & Nature Preschools: Complete Guide to Forest Schools 2026

While most preschoolers spend their days inside classroom walls, a growing movement is taking children outdoors—rain, shine, or snow. Nature preschools and forest schools immerse young children in the natural world, believing that the best classroom has no ceiling.

If you've heard about outdoor preschools and wondered what they're really like, whether they're right for your child, or how learning happens without worksheets and walls, this guide has your answers.

Children in forest school

What Are Nature and Forest Schools?

Defining the Terms

Nature Preschool: A licensed early childhood program where the natural outdoor environment is the primary classroom. Children spend most or all of their day outside, with nature integrated into all learning.

Forest School: Originally from Scandinavia, forest schools are child-led outdoor programs focused on play, exploration, and developing a relationship with nature. Often emphasize regular visits to a wooded area.

Outdoor Preschool: General term for any preschool emphasizing outdoor time and nature connection, ranging from nature-enhanced traditional programs to full outdoor immersion.

Key characteristics:

Significant time outdoors (often 80-100% of the day)
Nature as the classroom and curriculum
Child-led, play-based learning
All-weather philosophy
Risk-taking and physical challenge
Environmental education

The Philosophy

Core beliefs:

Children learn best through direct experience with nature
Risk-taking builds confidence and competence
Free play develops creativity and problem-solving
Connection to nature is essential for child development
Less is more—simple materials, complex play

Origins:

Scandinavian outdoor kindergartens (1950s)
German "waldkindergarten" (forest kindergartens)
Growing movement in US, UK, and worldwide
Response to "nature deficit disorder" concerns

What Happens at Nature Preschool?

A Typical Day

Morning gathering:

Children and teachers meet at base camp
Weather discussion and preparation
Songs, stories, or check-in
Plan for the day

Exploration time:

Hiking to various locations
Free play in nature
Child-led investigations
Small group activities

Nature-based activities:

Building with natural materials
Observing plants and animals
Mud play and water exploration
Climbing and physical challenges
Art with natural materials

Circle time outdoors:

Stories and songs
Discussions about discoveries
Sharing and reflection

Snack and meals:

Often outdoors
Simple, portable foods
Sometimes cooking over fire
Clean-up and leave-no-trace practices

Rest time:

May include quiet outdoor time
Some programs have indoor shelter option
Hammocks, sleeping bags, or ground mats

Activities and Learning

Physical development:

Climbing trees and rocks
Balancing on logs
Running on uneven terrain
Fine motor through nature crafts
Gross motor through active play

Cognitive development:

Counting and sorting natural objects
Patterns in nature
Scientific observation
Problem-solving challenges
Cause and effect exploration

Language and literacy:

Outdoor storytelling
Nature journaling
Vocabulary from natural world
Discussions and descriptions

Social-emotional development:

Cooperative play
Risk assessment
Emotional regulation
Group problem-solving
Building resilience

Creative expression:

Land art and nature art
Imaginative play with loose parts
Music with natural instruments
Drama and storytelling

Children exploring nature

Benefits of Nature-Based Education

Research-Backed Benefits

Physical health:

More physical activity than indoor programs
Improved gross motor skills
Reduced obesity risk
Vitamin D from sunlight
Stronger immune systems (some evidence)

Mental health:

Reduced stress and anxiety
Lower rates of ADHD symptoms
Improved mood and well-being
Greater emotional regulation
Reduced aggression

Cognitive development:

Enhanced creativity and imagination
Better problem-solving skills
Improved concentration
Increased curiosity and love of learning
Strong executive function

Social development:

Cooperative play skills
Conflict resolution
Empathy and caring for living things
Community building
Less social hierarchy than indoor settings

Environmental connection:

Love of nature and outdoors
Environmental awareness and stewardship
Understanding of natural systems
Long-term connection to outdoors

Unique Advantages

Risky play:

Children learn to assess and manage risk
Build confidence through challenge
Develop physical competence
Fewer injuries than expected (some research shows)

Child-led learning:

Follows children's interests
Encourages intrinsic motivation
Respects individual pace
Builds independence

Less stuff, more imagination:

Simple natural materials
Open-ended play
Less consumer-oriented environment
Creativity flourishes

Gender-neutral play:

Outdoor environment is inherently neutral
Less gendered toys and activities
Equal physical challenges
Diverse play styles welcomed

Concerns and Considerations

Weather and Safety

All-weather approach: Most nature preschools follow the saying: "There's no bad weather, only bad clothing."

Cold weather:

Layering system for warmth
Specific gear requirements
Base camp or shelter for extreme cold
Activity keeps children warm
Indoor options for dangerous conditions

Wet weather:

Rain gear (jacket, pants, boots)
Mud play is embraced
Shelter available if needed
Dry clothes for changes
Hypothermia awareness and prevention

Hot weather:

Shade is sought
Plenty of water
Sun protection
Activity modification
Heat monitoring

Safety protocols:

Regular head counts
Boundary setting and awareness
Wildlife and plant education
First aid trained staff
Emergency procedures

Is My Child Ready?

Children who thrive:

Love being outdoors
Physically active and adventurous
Curious about nature
Adaptable to changing conditions
Handle some discomfort

May need transition support:

Very cautious children
Children with sensory sensitivities
Those unfamiliar with outdoor play
Children who need more structure

Not about "type" of child:

Many children surprise parents
Adaptation happens
Teachers support transitions
Most children can thrive with support

Academic Preparation

Common concern: "Will my child be ready for kindergarten without worksheets and instruction?"

Evidence says:

Nature preschool graduates are well-prepared
Pre-academic skills develop through play
Executive function (key to learning) is enhanced
Love of learning is preserved
Any gaps quickly close in kindergarten

What they learn:

Counting, sorting, patterns (with natural materials)
Pre-literacy through storytelling and discussion
Science through direct observation
Social skills through play
Problem-solving and persistence

Questions to ask programs:

How do you address kindergarten readiness?
How do graduates perform in elementary school?
What pre-academic experiences do you provide?
How do you communicate about development?

Nature school art project

Finding and Evaluating Programs

Where to Look

Resources:

Natural Start Alliance (naturalstart.org)
Eastern Region Association of Forest Schools
State licensing databases
Local nature centers
Word of mouth in outdoor-parenting communities

Types of programs:

Licensed nature preschools
Forest school programs (may be unlicensed)
Nature-based daycares
Hybrid programs (outdoor focus + indoor option)
Homeschool co-ops with outdoor focus

Questions to Ask

About the program:

What percentage of time is spent outdoors?
What's your approach in extreme weather?
Where do you go? Is it always the same location?
What's your philosophy and approach?
Are you licensed?

About safety:

What's your staff-to-child ratio?
What safety training do staff have?
How do you handle emergencies?
What wildlife and plant hazards exist?
What are your boundary and supervision practices?

About teachers:

What training do teachers have?
Are they outdoor education specialists?
What's their early childhood background?
How long have they been with the program?

About practical matters:

What gear do we need to provide?
What happens if my child is cold/wet/uncomfortable?
Is there any indoor space?
How do you handle bathrooms?
What's the schedule?

Quality Indicators

Strong programs have:

Trained, experienced staff
Clear safety protocols
Thoughtful curriculum (even if child-led)
Strong communication with families
Appropriate ratios
Adequate gear and equipment
Positive reputation among alumni

Be cautious if:

Unlicensed without good reason
Teachers lack outdoor or early childhood training
No clear safety procedures
Dismissive of parent concerns
No shelter or bad-weather plan

Preparing Your Child

Before Starting

Build outdoor time:

Increase outdoor play at home
Experience various weather
Build stamina for walking and activity
Expose to mud, water, and mess

Gear preparation:

Get required clothing
Practice dressing in layers
Let child try out rain gear
Comfortable, sturdy footwear

Mental preparation:

Read books about nature and outdoor play
Talk positively about the experience
Visit the location if possible
Meet teachers beforehand

Essential Gear

Typical gear list:

| Weather | Layers | |---------|--------| | Cold | Base layer, fleece, insulated jacket, warm hat, mittens, boots | | Rain | Rain jacket, rain pants, waterproof boots | | Warm | Comfortable clothing, sun hat, closed-toe shoes |

Must-haves:

Waterproof, breathable rain gear
Warm, waterproof winter gear
Sturdy closed-toe shoes/boots
Extra clothes for changes
Backpack for gear

Where to buy:

Outdoor retailers (REI, Patagonia, etc.)
European brands (Reima, Polarn O. Pyret, Helly Hansen)
Secondhand outdoor gear
Program may have recommendations

The Transition Period

What to expect:

Adjustment to being outdoors all day
Possible tiredness initially
Dirty clothes (embrace it!)
Growing confidence over time
New interests in nature

Supporting your child:

Listen without judgment
Validate any discomfort while encouraging persistence
Celebrate discoveries and adventures
Connect at home about nature experiences
Be patient with the adjustment

Is Nature Preschool Right for You?

Good Fit Signs

Consider if:

You value outdoor time and nature connection
Your child loves being outside
You're okay with mess and dirty clothes
You believe in play-based learning
You want an alternative to traditional settings
You're willing to invest in gear and commitment

Consider Carefully If

Think twice if:

You need long hours (many programs are part-day)
You want academic instruction emphasis
Significant medical needs require indoor environment
You're very risk-averse (honest self-assessment)
No quality programs exist in your area

Hybrid Options

If full immersion isn't right:

Programs with indoor and outdoor components
Traditional preschool with nature emphasis
Supplementary forest school programs
Weekend and summer nature programs
Homeschool with outdoor focus

Key Takeaways

Nature preschools offer unique benefits:

Physical, mental, and cognitive advantages
Connection to natural world
Child-led, play-based learning
Resilience and confidence building

They're different, not inferior:

Academic preparation happens through play
Kindergarten readiness is typically strong
Different approach, similar (or better) outcomes

Practical considerations:

Gear investment required
Weather commitment needed
May be part-day only
Finding programs can be challenging

The decision is personal:

Consider your child's temperament
Consider your family's values
Consider what's available
Trust your instincts

If the idea of your child spending their preschool years exploring forests, climbing trees, and learning through mud puddles and pinecones speaks to you, a nature preschool might be exactly right. These programs offer something increasingly rare in our screen-filled, scheduled world: the chance for children to be children, outdoors, learning through the most natural classroom of all.

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