Nature Play Groups
Helping your child unlock skills and true joy in the great outdoors
Outdoor play is the ultimate sensory gym for growing minds and bodies.
We see nature as an essential co-facilitator to help children explore, learn, and regulate their nervous systems. Our work is rooted in giving children the freedom to move, discover, and learn among the trees, dirt, and changing weather.
Nature Playgroups in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, PA
(Note: Enrichment programs are not occupational therapy services)
Hilltop Horizons
Tails and Trails
Early Learning Adventures
Fall 2026
September 9th - November 11th
Wednesdays 9:00-10:30
Ages 2-6 + caregiver
Hilltop Horizons
Aliquippa, PA
Join us on Wednesday mornings for a 10-week adventure that incorporates child-led play, nature exploration, and equine interactions to support early childhood development while strengthening the caregiver-child relationship. Designed for children ages 2–6 and their caregivers, this group is held throughout Hilltop Horizons' barn and nature spaces and is led in partnership with Maggie O'Reilly, MOT, OTR/L of Live Oak Kids, alongside a Hilltop Horizons PATH Intl. equine specialist and trained volunteers.
Group is limited to 12 children, registration is open!
Hike n' Hang
All Ages Mini-Hike
Children of all ages + Caregiver
South Hills, PA
Free
Join us for a relaxing morning and mini-hike ! This is a no rush, go at your own pace, observe, explore and enjoy type of outing ! Children of all ages are welcome (+ caregiver).
We will wander, observe and explore, (and snack of course!) while meeting some new friends and enjoying the rejuvenating properties of the great outdoors. This is an easy 1 mile hike. Go at your own pace, no pressure :).
Meeting location will be shared upon registration.
Acorn Adventures™
Spring 2027 Session
Saturdays 10:00-11:30
April 24, May 1, 8 and 15
Ages 1-4 + caregiver
Fairview Park, South Fayette
At Acorn Adventures we create the time and space for building lifelong nature connections, meeting new friends and developing new skills, amid the healing and rejuvenating properties of the great outdoors.
Join us in making time for this sacred childhood experience.
Come and play with us amongst the rolling hills of Fairview Park and enjoy a morning of sensory exploration, stories and nature play while meeting some new friends !
Join the Waitlist for priority registration.
Mud Kitchen Magic™
South Fayette, PA
Spring 2027
Ages 4-10
Where children are free to mix, create, explore and experiment.
Mud Kitchen Magic is an inclusive and neuroaffirming enrichment program featuring outdoor mud kitchen and loose parts play, designed to foster nervous system regulation, creativity, friendships and social emotional development through open ended sensory play.
Sensory Sprouts™
Spring 2027
Upper St. Clair, PA
Ages 3-6
Sensory Sprouts is an inclusive and neuroaffirming nature based sensory motor playgroup designed to foster coordination and confidence through sensory and social play activities.
This group is open to all and perfect for kiddos who are
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Developing coordination skills
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Learning to play with other kids
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Working on impulse control
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Slow to warm up/sensitive
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Sensory seekers
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Benefit from playing outdoors
Nature Playgroups in the Bay Area, CA
(Note: Enrichment programs are not occupational therapy services)
Sensory Sprouts™
East Bay, CA
Saturdays 10:00-11:30
Ages 3-6
Sensory Sprouts is a neuroaffirming and inclusive nature based sensory motor playgroup designed to foster coordination and confidence through sensory and social play activities.
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Sensory play with hammocks, swings and shovels!
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Supported social games and activities
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Nature exploration
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Nervous system regulation
Acorn Adventures™
Oakland, CA
Saturdays, 10 am -12 pm
Ages 1 - 4
At Acorn Adventures we create the time and space for building lifelong nature connections, meeting new friends and developing new skills, amid the healing and rejuvenating properties of the forest.
Join us in making time for this sacred childhood experience. Groups include stories, swings, nature play and exploration.
Our nature playgroups might be a good fit if you’re looking for…
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A way to encourage your child to spend more time outside.
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Opportunities for your child to interact and play with other kids.
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Activities to help your child to develop coordination and confidence.
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Rich sensory play and exploration opportunities
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Inclusive and Neuroaffirming play experiences
Nature playgroups are lead by a pediatric occupational therapist, however these are not considered therapy services. If your child needs more direct support to build physical, emotional, or social skills, check out our occupational therapy services.
Empowering kids to move, feel, and thrive while rooted in the magic of outdoor play.
Ready to get out and explore with your child ? Join us in the woods!
"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in."
~Rachel Carson