Nature Playgroup

in partnership with Fairfax Recreation

10AM-11AM

18 months - 3 years old

Child/caregiver class

Advance registration required.

$100/month

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Nature Playgroup is designed for children ages 18 months - 3 years old - and their caregivers - with a goal of connecting, exploring, and playing together. Each session invites families to experience a gentle, child-led rhythm in nature, where curiosity and imagination thrive. Move freely among a variety of engaging, open-ended play stations that support sensory exploration, motor development, creativity, and social interaction.

Our Nature Playgroup class supports healthy attachment by giving toddlers a calm, engaging space to explore while staying connected to their caregiver. Shared joyful moments in nature strengthen bonding, while open-ended play encourages the “explore and return” pattern central to secure attachment. Caregivers learn to attune to their child’s cues, co-regulate during big feelings, and follow the child’s lead—building trust, emotional safety, and confidence. The relaxed environment lowers stress for both adults and children, making warm, responsive interactions easier and helping secure attachment naturally flourish.

Nature Playgroup classes are sold as monthly packages. We find that a one month time frame helps to build routine, support developmental progress, builds a deeper connection with nature, supports community connection, and strengthens group dynamics.

Some of the many developmental benefits of nature playgroup -

1. Sensory Development

Nature offers rich sensory experiences (wet/dry, rough/smooth, loud/quiet) that support:

neural pathway development
sensory integration
body awareness

2. Gross & Fine Motor Skills

Climbing, balancing, scooping, and carrying build:

core strength
coordination
hand muscles needed for later writing

3. Language Development

Caregivers narrate the experience:

describing textures
labeling objects
conversational turn-taking (This environment naturally encourages rich vocabulary.)

4. Social-Emotional Skills

Toddlers practice:

parallel play
sharing space
emotional regulation
confidence in small risks (“I climbed it myself!”)

5. Cognitive Development

Open-ended play supports:

problem-solving
cause and effect (“When I pour water, the dirt changes.”)
early science concepts
curiosity and focus

6. Caregiver Bonding & Modeling

Caregivers learn:

how to support child-led outdoor play
how to scaffold exploration
how to slow down and notice nature (This strengthens attachment and co-regulation.)

7. Connection to Nature

Early positive experiences outdoors:

build environmental stewardship
reduce stress
promote lifelong healthy activity

We strive to nurture a love of nature, foster early friendships, and support caregivers in connecting with their children and each other in a warm, welcoming outdoor setting. Advance registration is required.

We look forward to exploring with you outdoors!