About
TimberNook Greater Baltimore offers research-backed outdoor play experiences that are child-led and nature-driven. The program features outdoor, sensory-rich, child-directed experiences that blend the power of story with time in nature. Extended outdoor play is used to spark creativity, build confidence, and strengthen resilience, with play positioned as a source of healing, growth, and joy.
TimberNook Greater Baltimore is part of TimberNook, which offers programs in 51 locations in 4 countries. The organization’s mission is to restore the vital role of outdoor play in childhood by restoring children’s authentic occupation of play, based on research that children grow, learn, and develop better when given the freedom to play outside. TimberNook states that play is both a fundamental right and a profound source of healing and describes itself as a mission-driven organization that champions the right to play through education, research, and hands-on opportunities. TimberNook providers and certified schools create outdoor sensory-rich, child-directed experiences, and TimberNook offers certified school training and curriculum used in multiple schools. The founder of TimberNook, Angela Hanscom, is a pediatric occupational therapist with degrees in occupational therapy and kinesiology and is the author of “Balanced & Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children.” Angela Hanscom has been recognized as a Glamour “Hometown Hero” for her innovative work.
Testimonials about TimberNook highlight the role of play and the program’s impact. Dr. Anita Bundy, Sc.D., OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, a researcher and professor, states that “Play is a powerful tool, enabling important learning that school curricula usually do not yield. Among other things, children learn that problems can be solved in many ways.” A teacher says, “Angela’s message is profound and EVERY educator and EVERY parent needs to learn this wisdom.” A parent, Candace DiGiacomo, says, “My daughter loves this program!! One of the best programs I have seen in my almost 12 years of being a parent. I highly recommend it!” A provider, Kevin Kane, says, “Kids want action, movement, and even drama in their play. I love the idea of children transforming through play, through living stories, through full on imagination come to life.”
Last updated January 24, 2026.
TimberNook Greater Baltimore is part of TimberNook, which offers programs in 51 locations in 4 countries. The organization’s mission is to restore the vital role of outdoor play in childhood by restoring children’s authentic occupation of play, based on research that children grow, learn, and develop better when given the freedom to play outside. TimberNook states that play is both a fundamental right and a profound source of healing and describes itself as a mission-driven organization that champions the right to play through education, research, and hands-on opportunities. TimberNook providers and certified schools create outdoor sensory-rich, child-directed experiences, and TimberNook offers certified school training and curriculum used in multiple schools. The founder of TimberNook, Angela Hanscom, is a pediatric occupational therapist with degrees in occupational therapy and kinesiology and is the author of “Balanced & Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children.” Angela Hanscom has been recognized as a Glamour “Hometown Hero” for her innovative work.
Testimonials about TimberNook highlight the role of play and the program’s impact. Dr. Anita Bundy, Sc.D., OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, a researcher and professor, states that “Play is a powerful tool, enabling important learning that school curricula usually do not yield. Among other things, children learn that problems can be solved in many ways.” A teacher says, “Angela’s message is profound and EVERY educator and EVERY parent needs to learn this wisdom.” A parent, Candace DiGiacomo, says, “My daughter loves this program!! One of the best programs I have seen in my almost 12 years of being a parent. I highly recommend it!” A provider, Kevin Kane, says, “Kids want action, movement, and even drama in their play. I love the idea of children transforming through play, through living stories, through full on imagination come to life.”
Last updated January 24, 2026.
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