About
TimberNook offers extended outdoor play experiences that are child-led and nature-driven. TimberNook providers and certified schools create outdoor, sensory-rich, child-directed experiences that blend the power of story with the therapeutic benefits of nature. TimberNook programs use extended outdoor play to spark creativity, build confidence, and strengthen resilience.
Angela Hanscom, the founder of TimberNook, is a pediatric occupational therapist with degrees in occupational therapy and kinesiology. TimberNook’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 shows children grow, learn, and develop better when given the freedom to play outside. The organization states that it believes play is both a fundamental right and a profound source of healing and describes itself as mission-driven, championing the right to play through education, research, and hands-on opportunities. TimberNook offers programs in 51 locations in 4 countries and has certified schools as well as certified school training. Angela Hanscom is recognized as a Glamour “Hometown Hero” for her work with TimberNook.
Testimonials about TimberNook and its approach to play include statements from professionals, educators, parents, and providers. Dr. Anita Bundy, Sc.D., OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, describes play as a powerful tool that enables important learning that school curricula usually do not yield and notes that children learn that problems can be solved in many ways. One teacher states that Angela’s message is profound and that every educator and parent needs to learn it. A parent, Candace DiGiacomo, says her daughter loves the program and calls it one of the best programs she has seen in almost 12 years of being a parent, adding that she highly recommends it. A provider, Kevin Kane, states that kids want action, movement, and drama in their play and says he loves the idea of children transforming through play, through living stories, and through full-on imagination come to life.
Last updated July 17, 2026.
Angela Hanscom, the founder of TimberNook, is a pediatric occupational therapist with degrees in occupational therapy and kinesiology. TimberNook’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 shows children grow, learn, and develop better when given the freedom to play outside. The organization states that it believes play is both a fundamental right and a profound source of healing and describes itself as mission-driven, championing the right to play through education, research, and hands-on opportunities. TimberNook offers programs in 51 locations in 4 countries and has certified schools as well as certified school training. Angela Hanscom is recognized as a Glamour “Hometown Hero” for her work with TimberNook.
Testimonials about TimberNook and its approach to play include statements from professionals, educators, parents, and providers. Dr. Anita Bundy, Sc.D., OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, describes play as a powerful tool that enables important learning that school curricula usually do not yield and notes that children learn that problems can be solved in many ways. One teacher states that Angela’s message is profound and that every educator and parent needs to learn it. A parent, Candace DiGiacomo, says her daughter loves the program and calls it one of the best programs she has seen in almost 12 years of being a parent, adding that she highly recommends it. A provider, Kevin Kane, states that kids want action, movement, and drama in their play and says he loves the idea of children transforming through play, through living stories, and through full-on imagination come to life.
Last updated July 17, 2026.
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