Forest Trails Playschool harnesses the power of nature so children can thrive in our play-based nature immersion programs.
Studies show that children are spending more and more time in front of screens rather than exploring and interacting with their outdoor environment. A nature-based education can benefit children’s health and development in numerous ways. In 2015 Louise Chawla, author of “The Benefits of Nature Contact for Children” noted that children who regularly engage in nature benefit from improved health, cognitive development, creativity and critical thinking, physical development, social/emotional development, and a connection to nature.
We have a variety of programs for children ages 0-10 years old. All of our programs are 100% nature immersion programs with multiple locations in Orlando, FL.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a play-based, nature immersion program using a holistic, emergent learning approach that cultivates a deep connection to nature, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Explore
A typical day includes a short hike on a trail to arrive at our base camp for free exploration of the area. This usually includes looking for bugs, climbing logs, collecting leaves, using tools in a sand pit, fort building, and more.
Play
Children are offered many opportunities for play. We have a mud kitchen, loose parts, and provocations set up to stimulate the imagination while playing in nature. Children will also have unstructured free play while exploring the forest.
Learn
Our holistic, emergent curriculum educates the whole child while following the interests of the child. Holistic learning focuses on all areas of child development including: physical, academic, social, emotional, critical thinking, and the arts.