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, 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 a licensed Pediatric OT and Mom 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)
Knob Hill Park (Wexford)
Bushy Run Battlefield (Jeannette)
Additional locations coming soon to North Hills & South Hills of Pittsburgh
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.
Registration for Spring 2025 is Open!
Ages 1-5 years
8 Weekly 60-Minute Sessions
Join Jamie Baumgardner, Pediatric OT and Founder of Functional Roots, at Fall Run Park in Glenshaw.
April 3rd – May 22nd
SPRING 2025 GROUP IS FULL
Join Cheri Ionadi, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, at Bushy Run Battlefield in Jeannette.
April 4th – May 23rd
SPRING 2025 GROUP IS FULL
Join Amy D., Pediatric Occupational Therapist, at Banksville Park in Pittsburgh.
April 23rd – June 11th
Wednesdays 9:45am – 10:45am
Join Cara Kane, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, at Knob Hill Community Park in Wexford.
April 23rd – June 11th
Wednesdays 9:45am – 10:45am
Summer Mini Group Camps will be announced soon. Are you interested in getting the details?
We also hold community events throughout the year in Allegheny, Beaver, and Westmoreland counties!
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 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.
We are an inclusive program so if you have a specific question, please email jamie@functional-roots.com
The program costs $229 per family. Just enter the information for each participant when you register!
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 and Mom, play materials, take home items, weekly email summaries, and printable play guides.
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. One make up day may be reserved on a weekend or weekday at the end of the program – refer to your Occupational Therapist facilitator for details.
