Outdoor and Nature-Based Daycare Guide 2026: Forest Schools and Beyond

Nature-based and outdoor daycare programs are growing rapidly as parents seek alternatives to traditional indoor settings. From forest schools to nature preschools, these programs offer children extended time outdoors in natural environments.

This guide covers everything about outdoor and nature-based daycare in 2026: what they are, the benefits, what to look for, and whether this approach is right for your child.

Table of Contents

• What Is Nature-Based Daycare
• Benefits of Outdoor Learning
• Types of Programs
• What to Expect
• Finding Nature Programs
• Is It Right for Your Child
• Weather and Safety
• Questions to Ask

---

What Is Nature-Based Daycare

Understanding outdoor-focused programs.

The Philosophy

Core principles:

• Children learn best through nature
• Outdoor play is essential for development
• Risk and challenge build resilience
• Natural materials over manufactured toys
• Child-led exploration

What sets it apart:

• Majority of time spent outdoors
• Natural environments as classroom
• Weather doesn't cancel play
• Less structured than traditional daycare
• Focus on process over product

History and Growth

Origins:

• Scandinavian forest kindergartens (1950s)
• German Waldkindergarten movement
• Growing in US since 2000s
• Accelerated post-pandemic interest

Current landscape (2026):

• ~500+ nature preschools in US
• Growing rapidly
• More programs adding outdoor components
• Increasing research support

---

Benefits of Outdoor Learning

What research shows.

Physical Development

Benefits:

• Improved gross motor skills
• Better balance and coordination
• Increased physical activity
• Stronger immune systems
• Better sleep patterns
• Reduced obesity risk

Cognitive Development

Benefits:

• Enhanced creativity and imagination
• Improved problem-solving
• Better focus and attention
• Increased curiosity
• Scientific thinking development
• Strong academic outcomes

Social-Emotional Development

Benefits:

• Greater self-confidence
• Better emotional regulation
• Improved cooperation skills
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Stronger resilience
• Appreciation for nature

Health Benefits

Research shows:

• Less illness than traditional daycare
• Better mental health outcomes
• Reduced ADHD symptoms
• Lower stress hormones
• Improved vitamin D levels
• Better vision development

---

Types of Programs

Different approaches to outdoor learning.

Forest Schools

What it is:

• Entirely or mostly outdoor
• In woodland or natural settings
• Year-round, all-weather
• Child-led exploration
• Minimal shelter use

Characteristics:

• No traditional classroom
• Natural materials for play
• Fire and tool use (age-appropriate)
• Long-term relationship with one site
• Process over product

Nature Preschools

What it is:

• Nature-focused curriculum
• Significant outdoor time
• May have indoor space
• Natural environment emphasis
• Structured nature activities

Characteristics:

• 50-70%+ time outdoors
• Nature-based curriculum
• Outdoor classroom space
• Garden and animal care often included
• Balance of structure and free play

Outdoor-Enriched Traditional Programs

What it is:

• Traditional daycare with enhanced outdoor time
• Nature activities integrated
• More outdoor time than typical
• Indoor facilities available

Characteristics:

• Regular outdoor time (2-4+ hours)
• Nature curriculum elements
• Garden or nature area on-site
• Weather-dependent outdoor time
• Traditional structure with outdoor focus

Farm-Based Programs

What it is:

• Located on working or educational farm
• Animal care integrated
• Garden and growing activities
• Farm chores as learning

Characteristics:

• Animals present
• Seasonal farm activities
• Food growing and harvesting
• Rural setting typically
• Practical life skills focus

---

What to Expect

Daily life in nature programs.

Typical Daily Schedule

Forest school example: | Time | Activity | |------|----------| | 8:30 | Arrival, free play | | 9:00 | Morning circle, weather check | | 9:30 | Exploration/hike | | 11:00 | Snack in nature | | 11:30 | Child-led activities | | 12:30 | Lunch | | 1:00 | Rest time or quiet activities | | 2:00 | Afternoon exploration | | 3:30 | Closing circle, pickup |

What Children Do

Typical activities:

• Hiking and trail walking
• Building with natural materials
• Bug and plant observation
• Water and mud play
• Climbing and physical challenges
• Story time outdoors
• Art with nature materials
• Imaginative play
• Gardening
• Fire circles (supervised)

What to Pack

Daily essentials:

• Weather-appropriate layers
• Rain gear (always)
• Waterproof boots
• Extra clothes
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat (sun or warm)
• Lunch and snacks

Dress Code Reality

"There's no bad weather, only bad clothing"

What you'll need: | Weather | Gear Needed | |---------|-------------| | Rain | Rain jacket, pants, boots | | Cold | Layers, warm coat, hat, mittens | | Hot | Light layers, sun hat, sunscreen | | Mud | Mud boots, clothes that can get dirty |

---

Finding Nature Programs

How to search.

Where to Look

Resources:

• Natural Start Alliance directory
• Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools
• State-specific nature school associations
• DaycarePath directory
• Local nature centers
• Outdoor education organizations

What to Look For

Program quality indicators:

• [ ] Clear philosophy and mission
• [ ] Trained outdoor educators
• [ ] Defined outdoor space/site
• [ ] Safety protocols
• [ ] Parent involvement welcome
• [ ] Established track record

Certifications and Training

Look for staff with:

• Forest school practitioner training
• Nature-based early childhood certification
• Wilderness first aid
• Leave No Trace training
• Early childhood education credentials

---

Is It Right for Your Child

Honest assessment.

Children Who Typically Thrive

Good fit if your child:

• Loves being outside
• Is physically active
• Enjoys exploration and discovery
• Is comfortable getting dirty
• Handles weather well
• Benefits from less structure
• Has high energy
• Shows curiosity about nature

Potential Challenges

May be harder if your child:

• Strongly dislikes weather extremes
• Has significant sensory issues
• Needs high structure
• Has medical conditions affected by weather
• Is very resistant to outdoor time

Adjustment Period

What to expect:

• Takes 4-8 weeks typically
• Getting used to weather
• Building outdoor stamina
• Learning new routines
• Developing comfort with nature

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. How does my child respond to outdoor time now?
2. Are we willing to invest in outdoor gear?
3. Can we handle muddy, dirty clothing daily?
4. Do I share values around nature education?
5. Am I comfortable with the risk philosophy?

---

Weather and Safety

Practical considerations.

All-Weather Philosophy

The approach:

• Most programs operate in all weather
• Extreme weather protocols exist
• Children adapt remarkably well
• Proper gear makes the difference

Cancellation typically only for:

• Lightning
• Extreme temperature warnings
• Dangerous wind
• Air quality alerts

Safety Practices

What quality programs do:

• Daily site safety checks
• First aid trained staff
• Emergency protocols
• Risk assessment procedures
• Appropriate supervision ratios
• Communication systems

Common Parent Concerns

| Concern | Reality | |---------|---------| | "They'll get sick" | Research shows less illness than indoor programs | | "It's too cold/hot" | Proper gear and protocols keep children safe | | "What about animals/insects" | Staff trained in wildlife safety | | "Risky activities" | Managed risk builds competence |

Your Comfort Level

Consider:

• Programs should explain their safety approach
• You should feel confident in protocols
• Ask about specific scenarios
• Trust your instincts

---

Questions to Ask

During your program search.

About the Program

1. "What's your philosophy on outdoor learning?"
2. "How much time is spent outdoors daily?"
3. "What happens in extreme weather?"
4. "Where is your outdoor site?"
5. "What's your curriculum approach?"

About Safety

1. "What safety training do staff have?"
2. "What are your emergency procedures?"
3. "How do you handle injuries?"
4. "What's your supervision ratio?"
5. "What wildlife concerns exist?"

About Practicalities

1. "What gear do we need to provide?"
2. "Where do children use the bathroom?"
3. "How do you handle nap time?"
4. "What do you do for meals?"
5. "How do you communicate with parents?"

About Fit

1. "How do you help children who struggle?"
2. "What does adjustment look like?"
3. "Can I visit and observe?"
4. "What's your parent involvement?"

---

Costs and Logistics

Practical matters.

Cost Comparison

Typical costs (2026): | Program Type | Monthly Cost | |--------------|--------------| | Forest school | $800-1,500 | | Nature preschool | $900-1,800 | | Outdoor-enriched daycare | $1,000-2,000 | | Farm program | $800-1,400 |

Note: Varies significantly by location and hours.

Gear Investment

Expect to spend:

• Rain gear: $50-150
• Boots: $30-80
• Winter gear: $100-300
• Base layers: $50-100
• Initial investment: $200-600

Schedule Options

Many programs offer:

• Full day (8-5)
• Half day (9-1)
• Part-time (2-3 days)
• Seasonal enrollment

---

Making the Transition

If you're switching from traditional daycare.

Preparation

Before starting:

• Build outdoor time at home
• Practice with new gear
• Talk about what to expect
• Visit the site together
• Meet the teachers

Adjustment Support

Helping your child:

• Expect some adjustment period
• Celebrate outdoor experiences
• Connect at home about nature
• Be patient with weather challenges
• Communicate with teachers

---

Outdoor Daycare Checklist

Finding Programs

• [ ] Research local options
• [ ] Understand different approaches
• [ ] Visit programs
• [ ] Ask comprehensive questions
• [ ] Observe children in action

Evaluating Fit

• [ ] Consider your child's temperament
• [ ] Assess your family values
• [ ] Understand commitment required
• [ ] Review safety protocols
• [ ] Check references

Getting Ready

• [ ] Invest in proper gear
• [ ] Practice outdoor time
• [ ] Prepare for adjustment period
• [ ] Connect with other families
• [ ] Embrace the philosophy

---

Resources

• Find Nature-Based Daycare Near You
• Natural Start Alliance
• Questions to Ask Daycare Providers
• Daycare Philosophy Guide

---

Last updated: December 2025