Learn through
Outdoor Play

Free activities and insights to help give kids the benefits of purposeful, outdoor play.

Inspiring kids to play & learn

Our expert-designed activities are created by educators and loved by kids.

Empowering grown ups

Our curriculum, coaching and activities help grown ups support kids’ learning process.

Designed for connection

Joyful, outdoor play connects kids and families to one another and to the natural world.

Explore our Free DIY Outdoor Activities

Check out our expert-designed activities that families & teachers can use to weave a bit more purposeful outdoor play into every day.

Browse DIY Activites

How are people using Tinkergarten?

Teaching in a classroom or homeschool

Amanda, Flagstaff, AZ

Amanda gets inspiration from Tinkergarten’s blog to inspire outdoor learning in their classroom.

Browse Free Activities

Offering classes in your community

Joan, Topeka, KS

Joan created her own curriculum with Tinkergarten's free DIY activities.

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Bringing it home

Courtney, Durham, NC

Courtney supplements their child's preschool experience with outdoor, play-based learning.

Browse Free Activities

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 Highlights for Children. You can now find Tinkergarten in High Five magazines, and watch this space for more to come!

Parents & Teachers Across the Country
Love Tinkergarten

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Irresistibly playful

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Open-ended, child-led

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Part science, part wisdom

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Start Playing with Tinkergarten