Nature Play Groups

Outdoor Play Groups for kids in Maryville, TN

Keeping Kids Rooted in Play

Join us in one of our Nature Play Groups and unlock your child’s curiosity, connection, and adventure!

Our play groups are designed to support your child’s development through play-based, child-led learning in nature!

We provide an optimal environment to promote your child’s natural development through opportunities for sensory play, unstructured outdoor play, nature crafts, outdoor skill building/ bush craft, adventure, and more!

Available Nature Play Groups

  • Join us for a morning of nature play fun and connection!

    Our “Tiny Explorers” Nature Play Group provides an opportunity for young children and their caregivers to explore, play, and grow together.

    Designed for children ages 0–3, this group supports early development through a balance of gently guided activities and open-ended nature-based play.

    Each 1 hr. session includes:

    • Engaging group activities such as nature-themed songs, simple crafts using natural materials, and interactive story time

    • Unstructured play in nature, encouraging sensory exploration, curiosity, and early motor and social development

    • Opportunities for caregiver connection, allowing time to build community while observing and participating in their child's play

    This group is NOT skilled therapy; however it is led by a licensed occupational therapist, and is thoughtfully designed to support healthy early development in a nature-based setting.

    Caregivers are required to participate throughout the entire session. We value connection between the child and caregiver to be the most important piece of your child’s development! Our sessions are designed to provide opportunities for playful interactions and nurture that connection between you and your child!

  • When: Mondays 9:30-10:30

    Where: Jarvis Park

    What to Bring:

    - Spare clothes (swim diapers if we will be going in the creek) -water shoes
    - Towel
    - Snack
    - Hat
    - Water bottle or two
    - Sunscreen &/ or bug spray

  • One Time Pass: $27

    5 Session Package: $125 ($25 per session)

  • Prepare your little one for kindergarten in our nature play groups and set a foundation for future learning and social skills through nature play!

    Designed for preschool-aged children (3–5 years old) to support developmental growth through purposeful play and exploration in the natural environment.

    Each 1 hr. session includes:

    • Engaging group activities such as nature-themed songs and stories, simple crafts using natural materials, outdoor games, tree swings, and more!

    • Unstructured play in nature, encouraging sensory exploration, curiosity, and early motor and social development

    • Opportunities for caregiver connection, allowing time to build community while observing and participating in their child's play

    • Build Connection with Nature through interaction with plant and animal life, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, fort building, creek exploration, mud kitchens, and more!

    This group is NOT skilled therapy; however it is led by a licensed occupational therapist, and is thoughtfully designed to support healthy early development in a nature-based setting.

    Caregivers are required to participate throughout the entire session. We value connection between the child and caregiver to be the most important piece of your child’s development! Our sessions are designed to provide opportunities for playful interactions and nurture that connection between you and your child!

  • When: Fridays 9:30-10:30

    Where: Jarvis Park

    What to Bring:

    - Spare clothes (swim diapers if we will be going in the creek) -water shoes
    - Towel
    - Snack
    - Hat
    - Water bottle or two
    - Sunscreen &/ or bug spray

  • One Time Pass: $30

    5 Session Package: $140 ($28 per session)

Growing up in our fast paced, digital world is HARD on developing minds and bodies!

Distractions are everywhere and it is more important than ever to give our kids opportunities to connect with nature!

Play is our child’s Most Important job! 

Play is the backbone of ALL learning and development!

 FAQs

  • Sessions are 1 hr. long and typically consist of both structured activities and unstructured play.

    Structured activities may include group games, creative projects, crafts, or making natural whole food snacks. During these activities, we structure activities to support the development of your child’s social skills, attention and fine motor coordination while promoting connections with the other children in the group and with nature!

    We always include time for supported free play, giving kids the chance to explore and interact on their own, with peers, and their caregivers! This is an essential time for connection and skill building!

  • No. We value all weather play! We will be carefully watching the weather and will cancel services if there is inclement weather that may become hazardous such as lightning or severely cold temperatures. Each family will receive a guide that outlines our weather guidelines and appropriate outerwear to ensure our kids stay safe and are dressed appropriately to experience all the elements. 


  • We offer purchase for groups in options of 1, 5, or 10 session packages.

    When registering for groups, you will be prompted to select the date(s) that you would like to register for.

    If you are unable to attend the selected day, please reach out to our staff at wildrootsot@gmail.com and we can reschedule your session.

    If you would no longer like to redeem your purchased session, please make a request via email within 30 days of purchase and you will be refunded the full amount for any sessions not attended.