Learn through
Outdoor Play

Classes and curriculum to make purposeful, outdoor play doable for teachers and families.

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Inspiring lessons,
loved by kids

Our expert-designed program is created by educators to spark deep learning through play.

Curriculum that empowers educators

Lesson plans, training, and support to teach in your community or classroom.

A vibrant
community

Join our national movement of educators and parents committed to outdoor play.

Try Tinkergarten
for Free

Start tinkering now by trying out free lessons in the format that fits you!

Try it for Free

Free DIY Outdoor Activities

Expert-designed activities families & teachers can use to weave a bit more purposeful outdoor play into every day.

Free Monthly Calendar

Sign up to receive your copy of this month's free calendar, including daily activities to inspire outdoor play time and connection.

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How are people using Tinkergarten?

Teaching in a classroom

Amanda, Flagstaff, AZ

Implemented Tinkergarten’s outdoor curriculum in their classroom.

Learn more about TG Plus

Offering classes in your community

Joan, Topeka, KS

Earns money and makes an impact by offering Tinkergarten classes in their community.

Learn more about TG Pro

Teaching it at homeschool

Elizabeth, Dayton, OH

Incorporates Tinkergarten in their homeschool program.

Learn more about TG Plus

Bringing it home

Courtney, Durham, NC

Supplements their child's preschool experience with outdoor, play-based learning. Watch weekly lessons together, activating skill-boosting play sessions in their home space.

Learn more about TG Home

Joining a local Tinkergarten class

Aaron, Madison, WI

Takes their son to a weekly class, guided by a Tinkergarten Teacher, in their local park.

Search our Directory

Tinkergarten Works

After more than 30 seasons, the data shows our impact on kids and families.

87

%

of families spend more
time outdoors.

85

%

of kids show improved ability to focus their attention.

90

%

of kids play independently more often and for longer.

93

%

of caregivers feel better prepared to engage their child in playful learning.

Tinkergarten is now part of the Highlights for Children family. Together, we share an unwavering commitment to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of children and families.

Parents & Teachers Across the Country
Love Tinkergarten

I learned how and when to step back and let my son be himself in certain situations. That was a lesson that I needed so much as a parent. The leader was able to communicate this in such a gentle and generalized way that I was able to step back and see myself. Not only was that a useful lesson, it was life changing.

Unknown 2

I think the learning style fits every personality. There is guidance, but it does not feel pressured, children are able to do the activities but also explore on their own. This was great for my daughter because she is shy and also very independent.

Andreina

I would have never thought to set him up with all these activities. I’m so grateful for Tinkergarten. It keeps him busy for the whole day. I leave everything out to play at his leisure.

Paige

Absolutely LOVE Tinkergarten! I always thought I was doing enough "outdoor" activities with my daughter (2.5yo) but going to Tinkergarten has opened her (and myself) up to so much more! She's shown more respect for our earth too in such a short amount of time.

Unknown 1

Am I the only one who cried alligator tears when I read through the lesson plan? This is probably the most beautiful and absolutely brilliant way I've ever seen anyone teach kids empathy. Please hug whoever came up with this bout of genius. I can't wait to teach it!

Tinkergarten Teacher

Tinkergarten has taught me so much more about the creativity I’ve lost as I’ve gotten older. I remember when I used to play in the mud and how much fun it was when I was a kid.

Melissa

We have been with you guys for awhile and it’s honestly the best part of our daughters day. She plays for hours after watching her tinkergarten home classes. Thank you so much.

Unknown 7

We have enjoyed every minute. Each class I observed how engaged the girls were in the explorations and could tell that they were so immersed that they could've continued happily for much longer. I thank you for creating such a warm positive space for outdoor learning. It was a blast!

Anna

I’m giving my kids a group that they get to call their own. We can’t afford preschool so this is their group of peers. I value them being able to learn from the leader alongside their Tinkergarten classmates.

Unknown 6

We learned another way to play with them, to approach nature, and to ask them things like "What do you think? What do you see?" Not so much telling them what they see and what they think.

Unknown 5

I learned to be more patient and child led in my interactions. I have changed my perspective around how to initiate an idea and let the kids run with it.

Tinkergarten Teacher

Brain-Boosting Outdoor Play

Over the past decade, we've honed our unique approach to help kids become healthy, curious, creative and caring learners.

Nature at the core

Irresistibly playful

Open-ended, child-led

Part science, part wisdom

Start Playing with Tinkergarten