Nature preschools and outdoor education programs have received an increasing amount of attention over the years, and rightfully so. With nature at the core of the curriculum, these schools make the most of kids' innate curiosity about the natural world to spark an interest in and a love of learning. Nature-based schools also emphasize extensive outside time—oftentimes in all weather—and incorporate the environment into every element of learning. In programs with indoor classrooms, you'll typically find nature-centered books, natural materials, and lessons focused on seasonal happenings. In forest schools, kids may actually spend little to no time indoors, instead focusing on learning through outdoor play and hands-on discovery.

Read on to learn about some of the of much-loved nature schools and forest schools in the Philadelphia area. You'll find programs that include all ages—from nature-based mommy-and-me classes at preschools to programs that continue through elementary or high school.

You can find more preschools for kids in our directory of schools and preschools and in our Philly Preschools Guide. Check our Philadelphia Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.