Growing Up Outdoors Series

Growing Up Outdoors is a three-part parent support series designed to guide parents from babyhood through preschool as they build confidence and joy in nature. Beginning with Baby Steps, parents learn to get comfortable with the logistics of getting outside with their youngest babies and establish a foundation of connection in and with nature. In Toddler Trailblazers, parents explore safe ways to channel curiosity and energy outdoors while troubleshooting the common challenges of toddlers in nature. Finally, Preschool Pathways helps parents feel prepared to nurture creativity, confidence, and independence outdoors.

The goal of the series is to help each family weave intentional outdoor time into their family culture. Each stage blends presentation of relevant and interesting research, practical tips, large and small group discussion, resource sharing, and personal reflection work - all in a welcoming community of families.

Whether you’re new to outdoor adventures or already a nature-lover, this series grows with you and your child, helping your family create lasting memories and a lifelong bond with the natural world.

What makes this series unique

This isn’t your typical “song and dance” outdoor class for kids. This a series of classes designed for you, the parent. This series of classes are meant to inspire you to think critically and intentionally about your family’s values and culture when it comes to spending time outside. We will delve into the benefits of the outdoors for parents and children, reflect on our own personal “why”, think about barriers for ourselves and others, make plans to overcome challenges, and share our thoughts with one another. We will help you strike a balance between supervising your child and letting them explore, which opens up time for peer conversations which are at the heart of each class.

  • At the beginning of our gathering the facilitator will introduce the day’s main topic and share relevant research-based information. Next we will dive in to a number of related discussion questions and practical idea sharing both as a large group and in smaller groups (especially as the group naturally moves around following the children). We will ebb and flow in this way for a majority of the class - coming together for a few minutes as a large group to hear the next discussion question, flowing back out into smaller groups to think and discuss, then coming together again to share thoughts and dive into the next question. Each class will end with some take-home work often involving a self reflection question, preparations or plan-making, or an outdoor experience.

  • In the Baby Steps classes babies are mostly non-mobile and hang out on their blankets, in strollers, in carriers, or sitting in a parent’s lap. They take in all of the conversation around them, watch the trees move, and grab at pinestraw.

    In the Toddler Trailblazer classes toddlers are more “on the go” and as a group we may meander around the outdoor space following behind the toddlers simply as safety monitors as we chat.

    In the Preschool Pathways classes preschool aged kids are again encouraged to “find their own fun” while parents intentionally hang back and watch the magic unfold while disucssing the days topic.

  • The short answer is: no! If you want to come by yourself please feel free to do so! Having your child present can help you practice the art of observing outdoor play, not intervening except when needed for safety, etc. And your child can practice some independent exploration and play skills. But those are bonus opportunities and not having your child present will not detract from your experience in the class.

  • Each class will meet at a different outdoor location so that you can experience several different outdoor settings during your class session. Each session will operate within a 20-minute radius of a designated central point .

  • Yes! Check back soon!

Class Descriptions

Baby Steps

Age: aproximately 0-9 months
Duration: 1hr class, 4 weeks

Description: Bring your baby and your sense of wonder to our “Baby Steps” classes - a wonder-filled space for parents to learn how to confidently enjoy the outdoors with their littlest babies. Each week blends discussion (your “why” of wanting to spend time outdoors, benefits of being outdoors, creating a family culture that includes nature) and practical tips (dressing for the weather, reading baby’s cues, finding nearby nature). You’ll connect with other parents, enjoy hands-on nature moments with your baby, and create a personalized family nature plan to carry you through babyhood and beyond. Whether you’re new to the outdoors yourself or already an outdoor-lover looking to incorporate your newest family member, this series is for you.

Toddler Trailblazing

Age: approximately 12-24 months
Duration: 1hr class, 4 weeks

Description: Bring your toddler and your spirit of curiosity to our “Toddler Trailblazing” classes - a welcoming space for parents to discover how to make outdoor time fun (for both of you!), safe, and enriching with active little ones. Each week blends discussion (why outdoor play matters for development, ways to weave outdoor rituals into family life) with practical tips (dressing for messy play, encouraging exploration while setting boundaries, and handling big emotions outside). You’ll connect with other parents, share the joys and challenges of toddlerhood in nature, and enjoy child-led movement and exploration that spark your child’s wonder. Perfect for families just starting to increase time in nature or looking for new ways to keep outdoor time engaging, this series will help you find a sense of balance while engaging in outdoor play.

Preschool Pathways

Age: approximately 2.5-4 years
Duration: 1hr class, 4 weeks

Description: Bring your preschooler and your own sense of adventure to our “Preschool Pathways” classes - a supportive space for parents to explore how nature can fuel curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the early kid-years. Each week combines discussion (the role of outdoor play in school readiness, social-emotional growth, risky play) with practical tips (planning adventerous outings, outdoor clothing/gear recommendations for preschoolers, and troubleshooting common barriers). In this class, you are invited to step back and observe your preschooler engage in child-led nature exploration. This series will help your family make the outdoors a foundation for joyful learning and growth in the preschool years and beyond.

Class dates and registration coming soon!

Register for a class

Each series is 4 weeks long with a 1 hour class each week. Please read carefully to find the class that best fits your location, schedule, and child’s age best.

Questions? Email parentingoffthebeatenpath@gmail.com