Our after-school class, Nature Club, invites children ages 3-6 to unwind, explore, and create—fully outdoors at Deer Park in Fairfax.

This afternoon program blends nature exploration, art-making, and free play, offering children space to slow down, follow their curiosity, and connect with the natural world. Each session is filled with hands-on projects, sensory experiences, movement, and moments of quiet observation—guided by imagination and a sense of adventure.

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Our art projects are inspired by the land and some of the ways that we can protect this place that we call home. We go on fun scavenger hunts to gather materials for crafting, as well as repurpose items that typically wind up in the landfill. New ideas are always sprouting and students come up with the most imaginative pieces! 

What Afternoons Look Like

Children arrive during our flexible drop-off window, then settle into the rhythm of the park. We might explore forest paths, collect natural materials for art, climb and balance on logs, sketch what we observe, or create ephemeral land art inspired by the season. Stories, group games, and time for rest and reflection are woven into each afternoon. We set up a hammock that not only serves as a time for quiet reflection, but is also a great way to self-regulate. From time to time we practice balancing on the slack line and the mud kitchen is always a hit and the theme changes, just like the seasons. Rain or shine, we gather outdoors and let nature shape our experience.

Program Details - 

Monday through Thursdays from 2PM-5PM

Join us 1-5 days a week. Register for the month or pick and choose the days that work for you. We provide a flexible drop-off window to accommodate a variety of schedules. Advance registration is required for all classes.

We keep our group intentionally small to support meaningful connection, collaborative play, and a calm, supportive environment.

Learning Through Art, Play & Connection

Learning happens organically as children create with natural materials, tell stories through art, count and sort found treasures, and observe seasonal changes. Children practice early literacy and language skills through storytelling and conversation and build science knowledge by watching bugs, tracking weather, and noticing how the world changes through the seasons. Social-emotional growth is at the heart of our afternoons—children practice cooperation, problem-solving, self-regulation, and care for one another and the land.

This class is a wonderful complement to traditional school or homeschool schedules, offering children a nurturing, enriching way to spend their afternoons.​​

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Community & Care

We value connection—with children, families, and the natural world. For the comfort and safety of all families, we follow the same well child policy as local schools. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to tell us more about your child!

Come wander, wonder, and grow with us. Join Snails & Turkey Tails Nature Club—where curious kids learn by getting a little wild. 

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