Forest & Nature School

The Out to Play Forest and Nature School offers a range of programs that follow the school year from September to June. These include:

Out to Play also offers shorter programs of 6 – 10 weeks including:

At Out to Play, the mixed-age groupings create a warm, collaborative space where children not only mentor and learn from one another but also inspire each other’s growth. This nurturing environment helps foster social-emotional development and cultivates important life skills like leadership, responsibility, and empathy.

Child-centred, Inquiry-driven, Learning and Connecting through Play on the Land

All Out to Play programs follow the Forest and Nature School pedagogy where learning is emergent, outdoors and led by children’s interests and inquiry. Out to Play programs centre connection, attachment and feelings of belonging to offer a nurturing educational experience.

Out to Play is operated and staffed by certified Forest School practitioners, Early Childhood Educators, wilderness guides and OCT-registered teachers, and offers an exceptional standard of education and care.

Out to Play educators support active, outdoor adventurous play with thoughtful attention to risk. When the natural classroom offers opportunities to leap in puddle, climb a tree or balance on a slackline, educators engage as playful co-conspirators, discussing and collaborating on safe choices and mentoring children through their developing risk-benefit assessment skills.

"This isn't school! All we do is play!"

The natural outdoor classroom offers endless interdisciplinary learning opportunities where language skills, science and math interact in play experiences when children decide to open an imaginary bakery, or collaborate in building a bridge across a puddle. However, Out to Play’s strongest offering is the intentional, nurturing and creative environment where friendship and social skills are thoughtfully modelled and gently coached.

Full-time and Part-time Programs

Most children at Out to Play attend part-time, alongside their public school, private school or homeschooling program. Please inquire should you be interested in full-time registration.

All children are welcome

Many children attend Out to Play because the mental health and wellbeing benefits of quality outdoor play, combined with supportive staff, positively impact their days, extending these benefits to their homes and schools. Out to Play offers 1:1 programs and direct invoicing of social service agencies. Read about our Commitment to Creating Safer, Welcoming and Brave Spaces here.

Registration Dates and Information

Currently registered families receive priority and will be confirming their registration between April 27 and May 10, 2025 after which we welcome new families.

Families on the current waitlist or families who have submitted an Expression of Interest will be contacted about available spaces May 20-23 2025. We encourage you to register your interest to access advance registration.

Registration is for the full year. We have a flexible withdrawal policy, and the option of upfront payment for installments. Out to Play also offers a multi-child, multi-day, and an early bird discount!

Become a Part of our Community

When you register at Out to Play, you become a part of our family community. You’ll receive the monthly newsletter with photos of your children in program, and an article reflecting on the Forest and Nature School approach. You’ll be included in annual all-family gatherings, where we will spend the day on the land together.

Learn more through the Out to Play Parent Handbook.

Address and Directions

The Out to Play Centre is the Nepean/Kanata site, and is located at 230 Davidson’s Side Road, off Carling Ave.

This location is accessible by bus on OC Transpo route 66. The stop is between Davidsons Side Road and Shirley’s Bay Trail.