Nature's Classroom: Why NYC's Savviest Parents Are Taking Toddler Education Outdoors

"As urban families seek developmental advantages beyond traditional indoor settings, The Play Lab leads the way with our Montessori & STEAM-based outdoor classes that blend play, learning, and the proven benefits of nature immersion.”

Spring is finally right around the corner! And with the nice weather comes the conflict between wanting your kiddo to spend as much time as possible outdoors — and wanting to continue exposing them to classes. Now you don’t have to choose! The Play Lab is excited to introduce our carefully designed new Spring Sessions of Outdoor Classes. 

NATURE, THE ULTIMATE LEARNING HACK

As all parents know, nature is the ultimate learning hack. A plethora of  new information and practical skills can be introduced simply by taking a walk. A recent study by Science Direct finds that more than three hours of outdoor playtime results in improved readiness, cognitive, and social development. “Promoting outdoor play among preschoolers can be an effective strategy for enhancing cognitive, social, and emotional development.” 

Steps away from North Brooklyn’s McCarren Park, our Little Tinkerers can enjoy Nature Art and simple Steam Experiments watching the first cherry blossoms and dogwoods bloom. Our tiny musicians can explore new musical instruments under the plum trees, while our soccer stars run beneath giant white magnolia trees. 

With our Limited Spring Membership Offer — including an exclusive Members-Only Messy Play Class — all these classes and more (like our Little Book Club!) are only $7.

FOREST SCHOOLS ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY

And with all the amazing benefits they offer it’s no wonder why! Each one offers an integrative development during a crucial period when toddlers' small but busy brains and bodies are forming connections that are going to influence lifelong learning as well as physical and mental well-being.

1. Improved Social Skills and Stimulation

Being in nature encourages more complex social play and cooperative dynamics. Toddlers are proven to engage in more collaborative problem-solving, dialogues, and imaginative play scenarios when they’re playing in less structured outdoor settings, fostering important social and communication skills.

2. Enhanced Physical Aptitude

Being outdoors fosters more spirited movement and opportunities for physical challenges. Toddlers will develop robust gross motor skills, superior balance, dexterity, and physical confidence navigating a variety of ground and natural obstacles.

3. Stronger Immune System

Studies show that spending more time in nature leads to fewer sick days, allergies and autoimmune disorders while regular exposure to a variety of germs in the great outdoors develops stronger immune responses. 

4. Better Emotional Regulation and Lowered Stress

Nature lowers cortisol levels (stress hormones) in young children — and their parents! The calming effects of natural surroundings help toddlers develop the ability to emotionally regulate while decreasing behavioral issues more common to conventional confined indoor spaces.

5. Augmented Cognitive Development 

Natural environments provide rich, multi-sensory experiences that stimulate the developmental brain journey of curious toddlers. Outdoor play encourages problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking as toddlers interact with ever-changing and thought-provoking natural elements.

Our thoughtful mix of Nature-Art and Sensory activities alongside Music explorations, Soccer, and Open Play encourages children to get their hands muddy (literally) while socializing and growing in a natural setting. By blending the freedom of outdoor play with thoughtfully designed Montessori and STEAM curriculum, we're creating experiences that nurture the whole child—physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively

Join the growing community of NYC parents who understand that the most valuable learning often happens beyond four walls. With small class sizes, expert educators, and our limited Spring Membership offer, there's never been a better time to give your toddler the gift of nature-based education that doesn’t sacrifice stimulating their ability to learn. The foundation you establish now can shape a lifetime of learning, health, and connection to the natural world—an investment in your child's future that truly blooms with possibility.