Spring 2025 Programs

This Spring, our Tinkergarten and Tinkering with Natures classes are designed to boost our human superpower: Empathy! Kids will learn to recognize emotions in themselves and others, practice taking another person’s (or creature’s!) perspective, and take caring action in support of others—and all while having FUN and connecting to new friends and the natural world. 

Empathy is our saving superpower. Our ability to connect and understand each other’s point of view leads to happiness and even better health. If our children have empathy, they can work with others to solve problems, whether confronted by a bully at school, someone who thinks differently than they do, or just coping with big feelings that hit as they navigate their world and relationships.

TINKERGARTEN EMPATHY SERIES
18 mos-6 years with caregiver, 9 weeks

Wednesdays, April 2 - May 28, 10:30-11:30am

First Child: $180, Each Additional Sibling: $135

Pro-rated pricing is available for fewer sessions.
Our Spring pricing chart is listed on our Home page. 

Program requires a minimum enrollment of 5 children/class.

Tinkergarten classes guide our younger explorers and their caregivers through songs, movement, exploration, and purposeful play, while kids strengthen and balance their senses in the most stimulating and soothing classroom of all—the great outdoors. Designed for children aged 18 months to 6 years, together with their caregivers.

Tinkergarten Free Trial Classes:
Wednesdays, March 19 and April 2, 10:30-11:30am
New families may attend one session of a Tinkergarten class as a free trial.

TINKERING WITH NATURE
April Vacation Program
Ages 7-12, drop off class*
Tuesday-Thursday, April 22-24, 1:00-4:00pm
4 Days: First Child: $180, Each Additional Sibling: $135

Single Day: First Child: $60, Each Additional Sibling: $45

Program requires a minimum enrollment of 5 children/class.

*Although Tinkering with Nature is a drop-off program, parents are welcome to stay and observe.  A limited number of parent volunteer spots may be available for adults who agree to stay and assist with the class.  Parent volunteers will be refunded $20 for each session they assist. 

Children who have been previously enrolled in a Tinkergarten season may join Tinkering with Nature at 6 years old.

Tinkering with Nature is a Big Kid version of the Tinkergarten curriculum.  Class sessions incorporate scavenger hunts, code breaking, and teamwork challenges.  Each season, we use nature play to work on a different skill critical to our kids' learning and ongoing development.   The April vacation program is 3 days, for 3 hours each day.  We'll cover two Empathy lessons per day, with extra play time for each lesson and a snack time in the middle of class.  Kids should bring a snack and a drink from home.   

Tinkering with Nature: Empathy April Vacation Program

Day 1: Our Feelings: Making Faces & Emotions in Motion

Day 2: Our Friends: Forest Friends

Day 3: Our Community: Feathered Friends & Room for All 


Winter 2025 Programs

This Winter, our Tinkergarten and Tinkering with Natures classes are designed to foster kids’ problem-solving skills. Kids will wonder, observe, experiment, and work together — all while developing problem-solving mindsets and learning that it’s fun and healthy to get outdoors all 4 seasons! 

Life really never stops presenting problems to solve. Playful problem solving now can help kids adjust to a changing environment, navigate key relationships, and contribute to their family, local and broader communities.

TINKERGARTEN PROBLEM SOLVING SERIES
18 mos-6 years with caregiver, 10 weeks

Wednesdays, January 15 - March 26, 10:30-11:30am

First Child: $200, Each Additional Sibling: $150

Pro-rated pricing is available for fewer sessions.
Our Winter pricing chart is listed on our Home page. 

Program requires a minimum enrollment of 5 children/class.

BEN'S TRUCK TIME PLAYGROUP
Geared for ages 2-5 years along with a parent or caregiver,
but truck-loving kids of all ages are welcome.  
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30am
Stay tuned for upcoming dates!

Third-grader Ben, aficionado of all vehicles, will read a truck-themed picture book and share a few facts about the truck of the week, then the group will engage in toy truck free play.  Kay's son, Ben, has been in Tinkergarten for over 5 years, is an excellent reader, and loves to share his truck knowledge with other children.  

Ben's Truck Time is a homeschool project and job for Ben, who does all the research, selects the books, and writes his notes before leading the playgroup himself. We charge a small amount for the class to cover the rental of the outdoor space we use, as well as to pay Ben for his work. 

Ben's Truck Time is $5 per session for the first child, or $10 per family with two or more children.  The playgroup is held outside, and the kids play in the dirt or snow.