Hudson Forest Play

Why Choose Forest Play?

Our mission is to enhance well-being by spending time outside where children play, explore and learn every day!

We began with a simple Vision: To empower children by connecting them with nature. 

Click to read our story.

Hudson Forest Play gratefully acknowledges and celebrates the rich diversity of the environment that serves as the inspiration for our mission. We express our sincere gratitude and utmost respect for the unceded territory of the Anishinabewaki, Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) Kanesatake, Wendake-Nionwentsïo, and Haudenosaunee nations. Their stewardship of the land grants us the opportunity to engage with the land today.

We extend our recognition to those who inhabited this land before us, those who share it with us now, and those who will follow in the future. It is with deep appreciation and respect that we find ourselves here, ready to connect through time, space, stories, and shared experiences.

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Hudson Forest Play is a non-profit community-based organization established to share our passion for nature-based pedagogy, play and wonder. Hudson Forest Play is a community program where nature is our classroom and Earth's treasures are waiting to be explored. Our emergent curriculum aims to create meaningful hands-on learning experiences with the belief that every plant, tree and creature hold a lesson to be learned.

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Research has shown that spending time outdoors can have enormous health benefits on children's mental health, wellness, and academic performance. Children are often calmer and better able to focus when learning in nature, and teachers have reported better behaviour with fewer disciplinary issues. Forest and nature bathing are a common practice in many parts of Asia, and concrete evidence proves the positive impact nature has on calming our brain, stress and overall wellbeing. 

How Forest Schools Boost Children's Immune Systems Oct.31 BBC

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Nature is where learning, healing, and growing truly happen.

All children, ages 2-12 years old, regardless of race, religion, gender, language, physical ability, social behaviours or socioeconomic status, who love to play outdoors are welcome to join. Please click on 'Register Today' to find out more! 

Forest Play is a nature-based, child-centred opportunity grounded on the holistic development of each child. Learning emerges organically and is centred around the children’s individual and collective experiences. Forest Play takes place in the same outdoor space on a regular basis so children can develop a deeper understanding and connection with nature as it transforms with the seasons. 

Our passionate, skilled and caring teachers understand the power of play and child-centred learning and believe in children as capable learners who can contribute to a more sustainable world. They creatively design activities around the interests of children and their natural curiosity becomes the driving force for inquiry, play, and learning in a safe, open, and thriving environment.​​

Scroll down to find out more.​​