How much time do children spend outdoors?

Most of our day takes place outside! We believe nature is not just a classroom but a teacher. Rain, snow, or shine, children spend the majority of their time in our forest classrooms, outdoor courtyard and nearby Theodore Wirth. We do have access to a cozy indoor classroom for warming up, changing clothes, or quiet activities when needed.

 

What happens when it’s raining, snowing, or very cold?

We embrace every season and its gifts. In light rain or snow, we bundle up and head out. In extreme weather — like thunderstorms, high winds, or dangerously cold temperatures — we adjust our plans and spend time in our indoor space. We follow clear weather safety guidelines to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

 

How do you keep children safe outdoors?

Safety is always our top priority. Our low student-to-teacher ratio allows for close supervision, and our teachers are trained in outdoor risk management, first aid and trauma-sensitive care. We teach children to assess risks, navigate challenges and care for themselves and each other through age-appropriate conversations and routines.

 

Will my child be ready for kindergarten after attending your program?

Absolutely. While our curriculum looks different than a traditional classroom, it supports all areas of early childhood development — from social-emotional skills and language development to problem-solving, resilience and early literacy. Children leave our program confident, curious, kind and ready for what comes next.

 

How do you handle toileting outdoors?

We have safe, clean, kid-friendly portable toilets (“trail potties”) available whenever needed, as well as access to indoor bathrooms nearby. While teachers provide gentle support to children at every stage of independence, children must be fully potty trained before enrolling in our program.

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What should my child wear and bring each day?

Outdoor play means getting muddy, wet and wonderfully messy — and we love it! We recommend weather-appropriate layers, waterproof outerwear, sturdy boots and extra clothes packed in a backpack. We’ll provide a gear checklist and guidance for each season and offer a gear lending library for families who need it.

 

What does a typical day look like?

Each day begins with free play in our outdoor courtyard, followed by a group gathering for songs and stories. From there, we venture into the forest, visiting favorite basecamps, building forts, observing wildlife and exploring seasonal changes. We eat snack outdoors, play, create art and gather again for reflection before heading home.

 

How do you support children’s emotional well-being in an outdoor setting?

Our teachers create a nurturing environment that helps children navigate big feelings, conflicts, and transitions with care and attentiveness. Nature itself acts as a powerful co-regulator, offering space for movement, reflection and calm.

 

How do you handle risky play like climbing or fort-building?

We believe healthy risk-taking builds confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience. Teachers carefully supervise activities like climbing and fort-building, coaching children to assess risks, use their bodies safely and support one another.

 

Do you offer scholarships or tuition assistance?

Yes! We’re proud to offer financial support through scholarship funds and participation in programs like Child Care Assistance (CCAP) and Think Small Early Learning Scholarships. Thanks to the generosity of our community of donors, we’re also able to provide tuition assistance directly through Minneapolis Nature Preschool. We believe every child deserves access to nature-based education and we’re committed to working with families to help make it possible.

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What ages do you serve?

We currently serve children ages 3 to 5 years old in our preschool program.

 

How does your curriculum support learning standards?

Our emergent, nature-based curriculum is aligned with Minnesota’s Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) and supports whole-child growth across all areas — including language and literacy, math, science, social-emotional skills, physical development and the arts. We nurture this development through daily adventures, storytelling, art, environmental stewardship and collaborative play.

 

How do you incorporate cultural learning and inclusion into your program?

Our program is rooted in respect for the land and its original stewards, and we actively work to amplify diverse voices and stories within our curriculum. We build relationships with community partners, center social-emotional learning and strive to create a welcoming, affirming environment for every family.

 

Can families volunteer or participate in events?

Absolutely! We love when families join us for classroom support, community events, seasonal celebrations and forest clean-up days. Whether it’s lending a hand with a special project or reading a story to the class at the end of the day, your presence enriches our community.