Red Oaks Forest School

Red Oaks Forest School offers Forest School, Community Connections, Adventures, Summer Programming, Art Club, Conservation Club, STEAM, Mighty Acorns, Forest Families, Humanities, Trailblazers, and Birding Club. Activities include hands-on learning in nature, hiking, birding, art, nature play, wellness practices, climbing, camping, stewardship projects, and outdoor exploration.

Programs

• Forest School — kids crawling to 18 · Focuses on bolstering environmental literacy through education and hands-on learning in nature while promoting physical and mental health.
• Community Connections — all ages; adult-only programming also offered sometimes · Calendar of regular and consistent time in nature with interests like hiking, birding, art, nature play, and wellness practices.
• Adventures — all ages · Offers a chance to explore nature in an adventurous way like climbing and camping.
• Summer Programming — Seasonal offerings, when available.
• Art Club — all ages · second Saturday of the month, 10 am - 12 pm · Caregiver-attended program; offered in Frankfort Area and Red River Gorge Area; free or donation-based programming.
• Conservation Club — Middle and High School · monthly outings; after-school based times; days and times vary · Drop-off program with stewardship projects; offered in multiple areas.
• STEAM — ages 5-teen · Tuesdays or Wednesdays during the Fall and Spring semester · Caregiver onsite, but not in class/session; offered at West Sixth Farm, The Wilds, and Maywoods Environmental and Education Laboratory.
• Mighty Acorns — ages 3-6 · Wednesdays or Fridays during the Fall and Spring semesters · Drop-off program; offered at West Sixth Farm and The Wilds.
• Forest Families — ages crawling to 5 yrs old · Tuesdays or Thursdays during the Fall and Spring semesters · Caregiver attended; offered at Hooting Owl Homestead, Hisle Farm Park, and Brushy Fork.
• Humanities — ages 5-teen · Thursdays during the Fall and Spring semesters · Caregiver onsite, but not in class; offered at the Wilds.
• Trailblazers — ages 7+ · Fridays during the Fall and Spring semesters · Drop-off program; offered at the Wilds.
• Birding Club — all ages · second Saturday of the month · Beginner and kid-friendly; offered at the Lexington Cemetery and roaming to other locations.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Current session: Fall Equinox Celebration (Sep 26–Sep 26, 2026); Join us in Frankfort on October 17th to see the full documentary under the stars (Oct 17–Oct 17, 2026)
• General schedule: Forest School programs; Community Connections calendar; Adventures programs; Summer Programming; weekday and weekend offerings; some programs during Fall and Spring semesters; some seasonal offerings; adult-only programming offered sometimes.

About the provider

The organization began in 2014 with a plan to get outside in nature, rain or shine, on a regular basis. Its mission is to foster a deep and lasting connection to nature and community through exploration, education, and play. It also offers stewardship opportunities for youth and works across Central and Eastern Kentucky.

Forest School is described as a play-based model. The idea is to get kids as young as 3 outside everyday, rain or shine. Offers free or donation-based programming. Tuition assistance options include financial aid, scholarships, free programs, and work-trade agreements.

Last updated September 12, 2026.