Research is showing that children need connections with the natural world as a regular part of their healthy growth and development.
Our outdoor classrooms offer ample opportunities for science investigations, engineering, collaboration, creativity, and more.
Children are naturally drawn to active play outdoors: it allows them to explore their environment, develop muscle strength and coordination, and gain self-confidence.
Nature Explore Certification is a national initiative that recognizes organizations committed to providing high-quality, nature-based outdoor classrooms. Achieving this certification involves creating a thoughtfully designed outdoor space that incorporates research-based, field-tested design principles to connect children with nature. These spaces are dynamic environments where children can engage in play and learning, fostering exploration, discovery, and creativity.
Research indicates that regular interaction with nature enhances children’s physical activity, self-discipline, stress reduction, cognitive abilities, and problem-solving skills. By providing a certified Nature Explore Classroom, Kinderberry Hill demonstrates a commitment to these developmental benefits, offering children a unique environment that supports their growth and fosters a connection with the natural world.
Encourages gross motor skills through activities like climbing, running, and balancing.
Hands-on learning in nature fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and exploration.
Outdoor play promotes teamwork, communication, and emotional resilience.
Enhances environmental awareness and appreciation for the natural world.
Outdoor settings provide diverse sensory experiences through sight, sound, touch, and smell.
Our littlest learners enjoy the outdoors through safe, sensory-rich spaces crafted for exploration, movement, and wonder.
Sensory Play: Herb gardens, breeze chimes, and soft textures like grass and sand stimulate baby senses.
Tummy Time & Movement: Blankets, play mats, and grassy areas invite crawling, rolling, and beginner steps.
Music & Motion: Outdoor instruments and baby swings delight and engage.
Nature Walks: Gentle stroller rides offer sights, sounds, and fresh air discoveries.
Toddlers thrive on motion—and our outdoor environments are built for just that.
Creative Play: Nature art with petals, leaves, and mud.
Messy Materials: Digging, scooping, and hauling with sand, dirt, and dump trucks.
Gardening: Hearty toddler-friendly plants invite picking, digging, and pretend play.
Construction & Climbing: Logs, planks, and push toys develop coordination and creativity.
Gross Motor Play: Balance beams, tunnels, and scooters strengthen growing bodies.
Outdoor time deepens learning through shared experiences and exploration.
Gathering Spaces: Community time for songs, stories, and group reflection.
Outdoor Music Jam: Chimes, drums, and xylophones for collaborative rhythm play.
Scavenger Hunts: Search-and-find adventures with leaves, bugs, and treasures.
Group Gardening: Tending garden beds and watching nature change with the seasons.
Older children use outdoor spaces for investigation, collaboration, and active play.
STEM in Action: Build and test small structures in the building area.
Nature Journals: Document discoveries through drawing or writing.
Environmental Care: Practice composting and cleanup to care for their world.
Imaginative Play: Create campsites, markets, and adventures with themed props.
Big Body Play: Obstacle courses, hopscotch, and bike tracks promote strength and coordination.
Our outdoor classrooms are a natural extension of Kinderberry Hill’s Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum—where children’s interests, questions, and discoveries guide the learning experience.
Rooted in the belief that children are capable, curious learners, the Reggio Emilia approach values hands-on exploration, creativity, and connection to the world around them. Outdoor spaces offer the perfect environment for this kind of meaningful, child-led learning.
We really appreciate that our kids are exploring nature & the outdoors, getting plenty of fresh air & exercise, learning so much, and having lots of fun every day. The kids love the outdoor classrooms and play areas.
How often do children use the outdoor classroom at Kinderberry Hill?
Kinderberry Hill children use the outdoor classroom daily, weather permitting. It’s an essential part of our curriculum—not just for play, but for hands-on learning, exploration, and creativity.
What happens in bad weather?
At Kinderberry Hill, we embrace outdoor learning in many types of weather, with proper clothing and preparation. However, during extreme conditions (heavy rain, storms, or very cold days), children enjoy similar learning experiences indoors with natural materials and open-ended activities.
How do outdoor activities support my child’s learning and development?
Kinderberry Hill outdoor classrooms encourage physical movement, problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and exploration of the natural world. These experiences are deeply connected to early childhood development and reinforce our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to child-led learning.
For your convenience and planning purposes, our tours typically last 30 minutes. Not seeing a time that works for you? Request a phone call from our team.
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Note: For your convenience and planning purposes, our tours typically last 30 minutes.
For your convenience and planning purposes, our tours typically last 30 minutes. Not seeing a time that works for you? Request a phone call from our team.
