Little Forest Explorers

Little Forest Explorers uses nature as the classroom, with an outdoor setting described by the program as a “laboratory for life.” The program includes unstructured play in mixed age groups, and some days families trek through the park to reach the program. Children come home dirty every day, and parents are asked to pack extra clothes for their child.

• Ages: 3–5 years old

Little Forest Explorers was founded by Laura Engel. The program’s mission states that it takes early childhood education “back to its roots” and combines cutting-edge neuroscience with the power of nature and play, backed by research, with teachers committed to continuous improvement in their practice. The mission describes a focus on cultivating self-regulated, adaptable, creative thinkers who are “Life-Ready” and who will shape the future.

One parent, Emeline B., shared in a Yelp review that the program “made me a better mother - and I can leave him in the morning knowing he will be having a wonderful day.” The same parent described Little Forest Explorers as “the closest to European standards for outdoor schooling” among local forest schools. In another review, this parent noted having volunteered many times and said they saw “first hand the care taken of children and how Laura takes every opportunity to improve hers and teachers' practices.”

Last updated June 6, 2026.