Snails & Turkey Tails Nature School is a fully outdoor early childhood program based in San Anselmo, California. Through nature-based play, exploration, and hands-on learning, children develop confidence, creativity, social skills, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world.

We believe childhood should be filled with wonder, adventure, and plenty of time outdoors. Our programs emphasize child-led exploration, meaningful relationships, mixed-age learning, supported risk-taking, and connection with nature. We keep our groups small so every child feels known and valued.

Ages 3-5

Yes. We spend the majority of our time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including rain and cold, except in cases of unsafe conditions such as severe storms, hazardous air quality, or extreme heat.

We use a relationship-based approach centered on emotional regulation, clear boundaries, modeling, problem-solving, and respectful communication.

Yes. We believe young children learn best through play, movement, storytelling, sensory experiences, exploration, and meaningful connection with nature.

Time spent in nature supports healthy physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Outdoor play encourages creativity, problem-solving, resilience, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Absolutely. Play is how young children make sense of the world. Through play, children develop language, critical thinking, social skills, self-regulation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while building strong neural connections that support future learning.

That's perfectly okay! Many children begin with little outdoor experience. Our programs provide gentle opportunities to build confidence, comfort, and connection with nature at each child's own pace.