THE PLAY GARDEN
The Play Garden is a nature-based mixed-age group (ages 18 months - 4 years old) where children and their caregivers explore, play, and grow together outdoors.
JOIN US FRIDAYS IN MAY IN SAN ANSELMO!
at Bouick Field - in front of the San Anselmo Playhouse
(advance registration required)
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STARTING IN SEPTEMBER -
FRIDAY AFTERNOONS: Robson-Harrington House in San Anselmo
(in partnership with San Anselmo Recreation)
In every session, we nurture a welcoming, joyful space where families can safely explore nature and practice what it means to teach, learn, and play in community. Each class follows a gentle rhythm with circle time, story, snack, and free play, balancing consistency and freedom for both children and caregivers.
Together, we sing, walk, leap, dig, run, sort, observe, smell, track, touch, listen, laugh, taste, tumble, climb, build, and deconstruct. Minds, bodies, and spirits are engaged as we deepen our connection to the land and to one another — discovering what it truly means to care for ourselves, our community, and the world we share.
Together is where learning begins.
Welcome to The Play Garden—a hands-on, outdoor adventure where young children and their caregivers can immerse themselves in nature, creativity, and joyful, messy play.
This small, intentionally curated playgroup blends the magic of mud kitchens, sensory crafts, cozy hammocks, slackline balance play, and nature-inspired stories—all designed to spark imagination, curiosity, and confidence.
Each week, children explore thoughtfully prepared play stations that encourage open-ended discovery, problem-solving, and social connection. From flower soup in the mud kitchen to bug-inspired crafts and magical potion-making, every class offers a new adventure that will have your child asking, “Can we come back next week?”
WHY FAMILIES LOVE THE PLAY GARDEN
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Mixed-age group (18 months–4 years)
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Child + caregiver class that supports healthy attachment
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Intentionally small groups for a calm, supportive environment
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Nature-based, sensory-rich play that nurtures imagination and development
Each week offers new invitations to play and seasonal outdoor experiences designed to spark curiosity and wonder.
Our class is primarily child-led, with a gentle balance of teacher-guided moments. We begin with a welcome circle, followed by open exploration and an optional art experience where you and your child can co-create a meaningful keepsake together.
Whether your child loves getting messy, climbing, balancing, or creating, The Play Garden is a joyful space to explore, connect, and simply be a kid.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE PLAY GARDEN CLASS
The Play Garden is a stay-and-play class designed for young children and their caregivers to enjoy together. Rather than a drop-off program, these sessions invite you to slow down, connect, and share in your child’s early learning experiences.
Each class includes a gentle rhythm of free play and guided moments such as songs, stories, and simple creative activities. This play-based approach allows children to explore at their own pace while feeling secure with a familiar adult nearby.
THE PLAY GARDEN CLASSES SUPPORT
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Social development and early friendships
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Confidence in new environments
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Learning through hands-on, sensory play
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Strong caregiver-child connection
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Inspiration for meaningful play at home
These sessions also offer a beautiful opportunity to connect with other families and build community.
OUR RHYTHM
Welcome Circle & Introductions
Welcome songs, movement, and simple group activities to build routine and connection. Teacher Liesha will introduce the day's activities.
Free Play
This is the heart and soul of our class! Children and caregivers settle in and explore a variety of play stations at their own pace. Stations include sensory play, a slack line, hammock, art, and other engaging activities. Bring a blanket and a snack and relax, explore, and connect with other families!
Guided Play & Activities
Teacher Liesha leads children in an activity such as bubbles, face painting, or guides caregivers in a creative project that they can work on with their child.
Goodbye Circle
Closing song, story or movement game to create a calm transition to help children prepare to leave.
"Liesha's Play Garden class was so much fun! I'm always looking for new ways for my daughter to interact with nature and this class was filled with creative activities that she really enjoyed. There was plenty of time for child-led play balanced with more structured activities like storytime and a sweet craft project. It's clear that Liesha has a passion for working with children and her enthusiasm is contagious. We will be coming every week!"