We welcome children of all ages, although some activities may be more suitable for older children (5+). We also offer specialized programs for babies and toddlers.

• Exploration: Guided hikes, scavenger hunts, pond exploration, and nature walks.
• Creative expression: Arts and crafts using natural materials, storytelling circles, and nature-inspired music.
• Gardening and farming: Planting seeds, tending to vegetable gardens, and learning about sustainable food production.
• Animal encounters: Meeting farm animals, learning about wildlife, and observing birds and insects.
• Campfire fun: Singing songs, roasting marshmallows, and sharing stories under the stars (seasonal).

We are open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Spending time in nature provides countless benefits for children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are a few key advantages:

• Physical health: Outdoor play improves gross motor skills, boosts immunity, and encourages healthy sun exposure.
• Mental development: Nature ignites curiosity, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking. Sensory experiences nurture brain development and foster a love for learning.
• Emotional well-being: Playful exploration reduces stress, promotes emotional resilience, and builds self-confidence. Nature's calming presence encourages mindfulness and connection to the environment.
• Social skills: Collaborative activities foster teamwork, communication, and empathy. Children learn to appreciate diversity and build respect for all living things.

To manage the heat in the warmer months, we make sure that we are prepared with sun hats, sun shirts, loose light-colored cotton clothing, and closed-toe sandals. We hydrate, stay in the shade, and take shorter hikes. For relief from high heat and humidity, we close when it will not be comfortable or safe to play outside for the duration of class. When class is cancelled due to weather, an optional makeup class is offered indoors in our bamboo classrooms.

If there is no lightning, we enjoy light rain and stay comfortable with proper gear. We wear rain coats, rain pants or waders, rain gloves, and rain boots. The rain provides us new opportunities to learn. For example, we might go on a puddle walk to discover the water cycle firsthand. The children hypothesize where in the park we will find the most puddles. We play in the puddles and follow the water as it flows, making the connection to the creek. When class is cancelled due to heavy, cold rain, an optional makeup class is offered indoors in our bamboo classrooms.

We understand that stepping into nature can be new for some children. We offer gradual introductions through parent-child programs and age-appropriate activities. Our friendly staff are also experts at nurturing little explorers, starting with simple sensory experiences and building confidence through playful learning. You can also pack familiar comforts like a favorite toy or blanket to ease the transition. Remember, “In Nature's Lap” is a safe space for exploration at each child's own pace.

We're happy to help! You can contact us by phone, email, or through our website's contact form.