Snails & Turkey Tails Nature Preschool
China Camp State Park, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94901
- Nature
- Play-based
Availability!
Nature preschool, or forest preschool, is more than just an early education program—it’s a gentle, loving invitation for children to grow in relationship with the earth, with others, and with themselves. It honors the idea that children thrive when given the freedom to play, explore, and imagine in a world that isn’t rushed, structured, or overstimulated. Nature preschool offers forests, gardens, open skies, and muddy trails. These spaces calm the nervous system, spark curiosity, and help children feel safe to learn at their own rhythm. The curriculum is emergent and inspired by the curiosity and interest of the child, while being centered in nature.
Being outdoors allows children to connect deeply with life in all its forms—plants, animals, seasons, and the changing weather. Children learn to care for the world not just because they are told to, but because they love it. This early bond with nature becomes a foundation for a lifelong sense of stewardship, belonging, and peace.
In a world that can often feel fast, noisy, and disconnected, nature preschool offers something rare and deeply needed: a quiet, kind place where children are free to be who they are—curious, wild, sensitive, joyful—and where learning unfolds naturally.
Nestled in the natural beauty of China Camp State Park, our preschool is a nurturing haven for children ages 3-6, where childhood is rooted in wonder, play, and connection. At Snails & Turkey Tails, we believe that the best classroom has no walls. Surrounded by trees, trails, and open skies, we invite little ones to explore, discover, and grow. We honor each child's innate curiosity and capacity for joy, fostering resilience, creativity, and empathy through hands-on experiences in the natural world.
With love and compassion at the center of all we do, we guide children gently into community, helping them cultivate a deep sense of belonging—to themselves, to others, and to the world around them.
Safety
- Staff is First Aid Certified
- Employee Background Checks
- Carries Liability Insurance
Policies
CAMPS AND MESSY PLAY CLASSES:
Cancellations made 30 days prior to the session start date receive a 50% refund. We do not offer any other refunds.
PLEASE NOTE:
All refunds reflect a nonrefundable transaction fee which is collected by our registration platform.
NATURE SCHOOL:
We offer no refunds after the program start date.
Our budget is planned based on full enrollment, and the spot is unlikely to be filled quickly mid-year. Tuition is still owed unless a replacement is found. If a replacement is found, you may be eligible for a 50% refund of the remaining tuition.
Location
Snails & Turkey Tails
Snails & Turkey Tails is a nature-based program for children ages 15 months -6 years old. 100% of our days are spent outdoors, rain or shine. We offer Messy Play classes for ages 15 months - 6 years old, Nature Preschool for ages 3-6, and Camps for ages 3-5. Children play, adventure and learn about local nature and wildlife as part of a small community. All classes are taught by Liesha Eberst, a certified early childhood educator with several years of experience working with kids in local museums and wildlife centers. Liesha lives near downtown Larkspur with her 17 year old daughter.