My preschool-aged son thrives being outdoors and running around. His face lights up as he discovers new things in nature. The first time he saw an ant and a roly poly, he watched them with such intent and curiosity, it really made me take a second look at the bugs.
But I am not adventurous, I don’t crave fresh air, I don’t like getting dirty, none of it! So taking him outside to play and explore is a challenge. Traffic, weather, pollen, pollution, along with the lack of structure in outdoor play make it that more difficult. I crave more structure and I’d like to connect with other parents. All these factor into the question I ask myself daily, “Will we go outside to play today?”
That’s when I discovered various “get outside and play” initiatives in Collin County and surrounding areas. Here are local outdoor play schools and programs for toddlers and preschoolers.
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Allen Early Childhood PTA (AECPTA)
Part of the National PTA, the Allen Early Childhood PTA (AECPTA) is a group for parents and caregivers of children aged 0 – 5 in Allen and surrounding areas. It organizes play groups, field trips, community programs, and more. Dues are $25.50 per family per year.
Cross Timbers Forest Preschool
This award-winning outdoor classroom in Southlake is for ages 3 – 5. Most of their day is spent outdoors at Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve. Children go on hikes, hear story time, do arts and crafts, and engage in imaginative play and outdoor discovery. Register online.
>> RELATED READ :: 6 Toddler-Approved Toys to Encourage Outdoor Play in DFW <<
Free Forest School
Free Forest School is a global organization with local chapters of caregivers and children who meet up for outdoor play and adventure, achieved through child-led exploration. This group believes children learn much about themselves and their community through free exploration — so free that parent interference is highly discouraged.
While the closest chapter in DFW is in Grand Prairie, anyone can start a chapter and plan local meet-ups for outdoor play and community. Participants typically pack a snack to share (avoid items that contain nuts), wear nature and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring sunscreen and bug repellant. Don’t forget your water!
The Heard
With the goal of connecting kids and their families with nature, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of programs for outdoor learning and play. Nature story times take place every Friday at 10:00 a.m. and are included with general admission.
Want to get a hands-on family nature experience? Check out the Heard’s family campouts, where families bring their own tent and participate in a schedule of activities including a guided hike, family game time, and (of course!) s’mores! With a variety of dates to choose from, campouts are recommended for families with children ages 5 – 17; the cost is $24 per child and $29 per adult.
>> RELATED READ :: 5 Walking Trails in Collin County Great for All Ages and Abilities <<
Nature Explore Classroom
A certified classroom in Plano, Nature Explore Classroom is nature-based space for play and learning. Kids enjoy activities such as digging in the dirt, making art out of nature, and exploring outside. The space is free and open to the public during daylight hours.
All located by the Plano Environmental Education Center grounds, Nature Explore Classroom includes a trail and a garden. The trail is an educational pathway to teach residents about the city’s creeks and its inhabitants. The garden includes a nature-themed play area where kids can crawl through a worm tunnel, create music, plant a seed in the garden, and more.
Wild + Free
Wild + Free is a community for caregivers and children with local groups that emphasize the importance of outdoor exploration and play. Many of the members are homeschooling moms, but the events are not exclusive to homeschoolers. The experience is similar to Free Forest School as far as gathering, a short hike, and enjoying snack or lunch together. Crafts and projects often follow exploration. Structure is minimal and focused on being child-led.
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With groups in Dallas and Denton, Wild + Free embraces a variety of educational techniques and encourages community in nature, curiosity, and child-led experiences. Wild + Free draws from various teachings: Waldorf, Montessori, and Charlotte Mason, just to name a few. Note: You do need to create a free account to access the list of groups.
I will say I am so glad I heard about these “get outside and play” initiatives. They have been so good for my son and incredibly beneficial for me, too. What has your experience been like with getting your kids outdoors? Do you know of any play outside initiatives? Please share with us on Facebook or in the comments!
