Nature Den Playgroup from 18 months

A gentle introduction to outdoor play for little ones from 18 months. At Nature Den, children have time and space to explore the forest, move their bodies, get curious about the natural world and play alongside others, with caring adults nearby.

Our sessions are child-led but thoughtfully supported, giving young children the freedom to follow their interests while gradually discovering how to explore, connect and participate in their own way.

A typical session

Young children don’t always follow our plans, and that’s part of the fun. We provide a gentle rhythm and thoughtful invitations, while giving children plenty of time to explore, repeat, pause or move on in their own way.

A little more than just outdoor play

At this age, play is how children get to know the world. Our sessions are led by an experienced early childhood practitioner with 10 years of experience working with young children, including children from 18 months old. He brings a learner-led approach to the Den, with plenty of room for children and their caregivers to explore, repeat, get curious and follow their own ideas.

We’re starting with small groups of up to 5 children with one practitioner, with the group size kept intentionally manageable as the programme grows.

Our practitioner holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with Honours, is currently in training as a Nature Den practitioner, and is Standard First Aid certified.

Book Your Playgroup Trial 
18–24 months · 1 hour

  • Free exploration of the immediate area, greeting familiar adults and children

  • Touch, notice and explore simple natural materials such as leaves, sticks, stones, water or mud

  • Children choose where to go and what to investigate, with simple invitations available such as filling, carrying, digging, collecting or moving

  • Wwalking, climbing, balancing, crawling or navigating a small natural obstacle

  • A simple shared moment, song/story or nature find before heading home

2–3 years · 1.5 hours

  • Settle in, explore the space and reconnect with friends

  • A simple provocation such as looking for interesting textures, making marks with natural materials, or exploring water, mud and loose parts

  • Children follow their own interests, with adults supporting their ideas and extending play where appropriate

  • Climbing, balancing, carrying, building, digging or creating with natural materials

  • A short group exploration, such as following a trail, looking for something together or working on a small collaborative challenge

  • Children share a discovery, look back at what they made or found, and close the session

  • "The coaches are very nurturing."

    Former Parent

  • "It gave me a better perspective on how I can provide a safe environment for children to explore more when we are outdoors."

    Adult Participant

  • "Amazing! Learnt so much through this outdoor workshop. Will be applying the activities in the future with my children."

    Adult Participant