Join our intentionally designed, nature-based play groups that take a proactive approach to child development.
Each week we’ll apply the eight sensory systems to play through nature-inspired activities in our cumulative program design. We focus on strengthening caregiver-child bonds and fostering a supportive community of parents and caregivers.
Using a strengths-based, child-led approach, we introduce peer interactions through storytelling, themed play, crafts, gross motor obstacles, and engaging play stations that can be completed at your child’s own pace and adapted for comfort.
Each session ends with a group Q&A with licensed occupational therapists & educators to share strategies and build connections.
Groups consist of kids aged 1-5 years and their caregivers
Weekly 60-minute sessions held at one of our nature-based locations:
Fall Run Park (Glenshaw)
Banksville Park (Pittsburgh)
Frick Park (Pittsburgh)
Bushy Run Battlefield (Jeannette)
Optional buddy hikes & continued play with other group members at your own pace after sessions
Little Adventurers Play Groups are for you
if you are looking to…
We’ll have fun, grow, and connect with each other and our natural world.
Secure Your Spot Today
Our Little Adventurers Summer Mini Camps are designed for children ages 1-8 years and their caregivers to explore, play, and grow together through hands-on nature experiences. Each mini camp runs for 4 weeks and includes a 1-hour caregiver & me program filled with the same foundations of our full Little Adventurers program.
Program Cost for 1 Child: $120
$5/week for each additional child (babies in carriers can join for free)
Perfect for curious children who love to dig, search, and uncover clues in nature. In this 4-week mini camp, little adventurers will investigate animals, footprints, fossils, bugs, and water habitats through hands-on sensory play and simple science exploration. Each session encourages observation, problem-solving, and curiosity while building confidence through discovery.
Best for children who love exploring, collecting, and figuring things out.
A nature-based care-focused camp for children who love to help and connect. In this 4-week mini camp, little adventurers will plant, create, and care for the earth while exploring pollinators, animals, recycling, water, and protecting our environment through multi-sensory play, creative art and exploration. This series builds empathy, responsibility, and connection to nature in a playful and developmentally supportive way.
Perfect for children who love to plant, pour, help, and care for living things!
For Rising Kindergarten–2nd Graders
Join us for a joyful week of connection, creativity, and confidence-building at SEL-ebrate Nature, a nature-based summer camp designed to nurture social and emotional growth through meaningful outdoor experiences.
This drop-off camp is facilitated by occupational therapists and welcomes all children, creating an inclusive environment where kids can build friendships, practice teamwork, and feel empowered to express themselves.
Through nature-based play, art, movement, science, and collaborative games, children will explore emotions, strengthen problem-solving skills, and develop confidence in a supportive and playful setting.
Monday August 3 – Friday August 7
9:00 AM–12:00 PM (Drop-Off Camp)
Held at the beautiful arboretum campus of Tree Pittsburgh, campers will enjoy daily opportunities to:
Take guided nature hikes
Plant and care for growing things
Explore the indoor and outdoor learning spaces
Create nature-inspired art
Build friendships through teamwork and cooperative play
Practice calming and regulation strategies in nature
Play-Based Mini Meal Experience for food confidence
Camp Tuition: $325 + $50 deposit
Come SEL-ebrate nature, friendship, confidence, and curiosity—one adventure at a time!
Children ages 2-5 years with a caregiver can enjoy all of the benefits of the Wild Wanderers Semesters but in a shorter 6-week summer camp. Perfect for children who may enjoy outdoor learning, creativity, and practicing preschool routines with a nature-inspired twist.
Location: Fall Run Park beginning in June
*Application required
We hold one-time group events following the Little Adventurers program design throughout the year
Location: Various locations in Pittsburgh with indoor and outdoor nature-based play
*Join the waitlist to receive updated news about the pop-up groups*
Your child is not bound by walls and endless rules for how to play. We embrace all types of learning and pace for a child to be comfortable when engaging in activities. The group focuses on providing a safe space for caregivers to feel heard, connected, and confident throughout their child’s developmental journey. A skilled pediatric OT provides adaptations for activities and child interests throughout the group experience, allowing you to truly have a customized experience that nurtures your child’s growth and caregiver journey. Your experience doesn’t end at the farewell of the session – you’ll get email tips and take home play guides to continue the fun at home.
We empower caregivers to meet their child where they are. We work as a team each session to foster a positive play and learning experience for all at whatever stage of development your child is at currently. It is okay to take a step back and just embrace the connection with nature with your child.
Caregivers will very closely supervise and interact with their child for the duration of the program. We strongly believe that this sense of connectedness will strengthen your bond and allow your child to be more confident in interactions with others in the future, when modeled by you.
The nature parks in our programs include a nature trail with various terrain (rock, gravel, dirt, grass, walking bridges) and may include a few moderate hills. Fall Run Park includes a stream that follows the trail with areas that are steep hills leading to water. Water is accessible by foot in many areas. It is mostly shaded and typically cooler when entering the trail. Registered participants agree to navigate the public park at their own risk.
We are an inclusive program so if you have a specific question, please email [email protected]
Like most enrichment classes, refunds are not offered in the event of an absence. However, you will receive the developmental tips, group highlights and printable play guides to complete activities on your own time. Refunds are not provided after registering due to this taking a spot away from another interested family.
Session led by a pediatric occupational therapist, access to consult with OT, art and play materials, take home items, weekly email summaries, and printable play guides to continue the fun at home.
Yes, we work through different weather conditions as it can be a great opportunity to work through natural challenges and provide positive interactions for intentional play outdoors. In the event of extreme weather like thunderstorms, flooding, unsafe icy roads, the session will be canceled with notification via text/email one hour prior to the class.
