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 is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of TimberNook. She holds degrees in occupational therapy and kinesiology. TimberNook offers programs in 51 locations in 4 countries. The organization states that its mission is to restore the vital role of outdoor play in childhood and to restore children’s authentic occupation of play. TimberNook describes play as 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 is described as a research-based program that nurtures natural development and empowers every child to step into their true self within a supportive community. Angela Hanscom is recognized as a Glamour “Hometown Hero” for her work and has contributed to The Washington Post and been featured by NPR, Times of India, Children & Nature Network, Jerusalem Post, Huffington Post, CBC Radio, TEDx, and more. She serves on the board of the International Association of Nature Pedagogy.
Testimonials about TimberNook and Angela Hanscom include statements from a researcher and professor, a teacher, a parent, and a provider. One testimonial from Dr. Anita Bundy, Sc.D., OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, states that play is a powerful tool and that children learn that problems can be solved in many ways. Another testimonial from a teacher states that Angela’s message is profound and that every educator and parent needs to learn it. A parent, Candace DiGiacomo, states that her daughter loves the program and calls it one of the best programs she has seen in almost 12 years of being a parent, and she highly recommends it. A provider, Kevin Kane, states that kids want action, movement, and drama in their play and that he loves the idea of children transforming through play, through living stories, and through full-on imagination come to life.
Last updated January 4, 2026.
Angela Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of TimberNook. She holds degrees in occupational therapy and kinesiology. TimberNook offers programs in 51 locations in 4 countries. The organization states that its mission is to restore the vital role of outdoor play in childhood and to restore children’s authentic occupation of play. TimberNook describes play as 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 is described as a research-based program that nurtures natural development and empowers every child to step into their true self within a supportive community. Angela Hanscom is recognized as a Glamour “Hometown Hero” for her work and has contributed to The Washington Post and been featured by NPR, Times of India, Children & Nature Network, Jerusalem Post, Huffington Post, CBC Radio, TEDx, and more. She serves on the board of the International Association of Nature Pedagogy.
Testimonials about TimberNook and Angela Hanscom include statements from a researcher and professor, a teacher, a parent, and a provider. One testimonial from Dr. Anita Bundy, Sc.D., OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, states that play is a powerful tool and that children learn that problems can be solved in many ways. Another testimonial from a teacher states that Angela’s message is profound and that every educator and parent needs to learn it. A parent, Candace DiGiacomo, states that her daughter loves the program and calls it one of the best programs she has seen in almost 12 years of being a parent, and she highly recommends it. A provider, Kevin Kane, states that kids want action, movement, and drama in their play and that he loves the idea of children transforming through play, through living stories, and through full-on imagination come to life.
Last updated January 4, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.