Nature Play logo

Nature Play

Providing meaningful outdoor experiences for children of all abilities, backgrounds, races, and genders

What is Nature Play?

Nature Play is all about enhancing and promoting healthy child development. We use the inherently therapeutic qualities of nature to support children in our therapy stream (outdoor occupational therapy, social skills, and physiotherapy groups), our Forest play stream, and our school residency programs. Our forest play programs draw from principles of forest schools, Reggio Emilia, and our training in the areas of sensory-motor development and social-emotional development. Our therapy programs are based on the research-backed Contigo approach, which is the industry leader in outdoor therapy. Nature Play therapists have been trained in this approach.

child swinging outdoors in a natural environment
"My son is a completely different kid when he comes home from Nature Play. His mood is more calm and he is more regulated. And my usually light eater always cleans his plate at dinner- not to mention the solid sleep! I can not recommend this program enough. I truly wish every child had the opportunity to learn like this. My son has developed and blossomed dramatically in the past 6 months as a direct result of these programs."
children walking through a nature trail in autumn

Benefits and value of our programs

Nature Play is more than just a program– we are a community. We are a small, grass-roots organization and pride ourselves on getting to know the needs and values of each family. Extra events like Moms Night in Nature, our Solstice lantern walk, and our gathering to acknowledge the National day for Truth and Reconciliation  help to build a sense of community and belonging.

Your child will have have opportunities to:

   -build confidence and independence            -assess risk
   -learn how to solve problems                         -think creatively
   -communicate needs and ideas                     -make new friends
   -advocate for themselves                               -build emotional literacy
   -develop a sense of nature connection        -play imaginatively

 

As caregivers, you will have the opportunity to:
  • learn about healthy child development from the staff
  • connect with like-minded caregivers and support each other through this journey of raising little ones!
  • learn how to apply Nature Play ideas into your home life
Meet our team
"J is just loving Nature Play! It has been such a highlight for him each week! I see him actively practicing his OT skills and using different tools in his day-to-day routines, which is HUGE for him. But even bigger than that, I see his mental well-being improving by leaps and bounds. Just can’t tell you what a difference you team is making in his life (and mine)!"