NATURE PLAYSCHOOL
Inspired by the forest school philosophy, 100% of our days are spent outside! Children run,climb and experience the changing seasons at various wild sites within Marin County. ​​In our opinion, nature is the original (and best!) playground where children can discover and learn about the world around them. There are so many benefits to learning and exploring in nature...​
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COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
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Boosts curiosity & problem-solving: Kids explore and ask questions about what they see (bugs, plants, weather), which supports critical thinking.
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Hands-on learning: Natural settings provide real-world, sensory-rich experiences that are more engaging than screen-based or worksheet learning.
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Language development: Describing what they see, feel, and do in nature helps build vocabulary and communication skills.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
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Better gross motor skills: Climbing logs, running on uneven terrain, and lifting sticks all support balance, strength, and coordination.
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Health benefits: Increased outdoor time is linked to better immune function, lower stress, and reduced rates of obesity.
EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL GROWTH
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Resilience & independence: Nature is unpredictable, which teaches flexibility and perseverance (e.g., navigating muddy paths or rainy days).
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Confidence-building: Risk-taking in a safe, supervised outdoor environment fosters self-assurance.
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Stronger peer relationships: Group play in nature tends to involve more cooperation and negotiation.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING
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Calming effects: Nature exposure helps reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone) and can improve mood and attention span.
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Reduced screen time: More time outside naturally limits exposure to screens, which is a win for brain development and sleep.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
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Connection to the Earth: Early, repeated exposure helps kids form a relationship with the natural world, which can inspire lifelong stewardship.
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Understanding ecosystems: Even at a young age, kids begin to grasp the basics of how plants, animals, and weather interact.
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At Snails & Turkey Tails, we provide a wide variety of fun and engaging activities, each aimed at allowing children to play and discover the world around them. Children can be found maneuvering through the obstacle course, experimenting in the mud kitchen, building structures, creating sand castle villages, climbing trees, collecting rocks and shells, making nature-inspired art, hiking through the oak woodland or redwood grove, or going on scavenger hunts. We play games and blow bubbles and read stories but also make time for quiet and rest. ​Our program balances child-led play and exploration with more structured, teacher-led activities. We find that this approach encourages all types of learning and expands on children's interests.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
AGES 2.6-5
9AM-1PM
$80/day
We can accommodate up to 6 children.
Register for one, two or more days!
We ask for a semester commitment.
Tuition is billed monthly.
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Mondays at Lake Lagunitas
Tuesdays at Lake Lagunitas
Wednesdays at China Camp State Park
Thursdays at China Camp State Park​
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A 4-hour schedule aligns well with a young child's natural rhythm, allowing them to engage in learning without becoming overstimulated or exhausted. A few hours away from parents or caregivers helps children build confidence and independence without feeling overwhelmed by a full day apart. After school, children still have time for naps, outdoor play, or unstructured time at home, which is equally important for development. Following is a sampling of some of our favorite activities -​​
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BUILDING STRUCTURES:
Building dens outdoors with children offers numerous developmental benefits, encompassing physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. It encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and creative expression, while also promoting a love for nature and the environment.
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NATURE & ANIMAL EDUCATION:
Children are developing early math and literacy skills through nature and animal education. Our program implements hands-on learning experiences that encourage questions, observing small details (like a snail trail or bird song), and learning through exploration. Young children are already curious about animals and the outdoors, so we're building on their interests while sneaking in foundational skills. Pretty cool, right?! Additionally, the children are building a bond with the natural world as they explore outdoors, observing animals, and exploring plants and ecosystems. Digging, touching leaves, smelling flowers, and watching birds, engage all of their senses while supporting physical development. ​
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SCAVENGER HUNTS:
Children are paying attention to details as they search for specific items. They are figuring out where to look and how to interpret clues. They are sorting items by color, size, texture, or type (e.g., leaves vs. rocks). Children are developing communication skills as they talk about what they find, ask questions, and share discoveries. Working in pairs or small groups supports turn-taking and cooperative communication. Nature comes alive during a great scavenger hunt!
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NATURE MEANDERINGS & HIKES:
Hiking with children offers numerous benefits, impacting physical, mental, and social development. It strengthens muscles and bones, improves balance and coordination, and boosts heart health. Additionally, it can help children develop a deeper appreciation for nature and enhance their cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
