Learn through
Outdoor Play

Find classes

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

near

near

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Live, weekly classes

Join local, outdoor, expert-led classes for ages 1.5-8.

DIY lessons

Get on-demand lessons that spark hours of outdoor play.

Designed by experts

Trust a research-based program, created by educators, and loved by kids.

A vibrant community

Join your local group and be part of a national movement embracing outdoor play.

Brain-Boosting Outdoor Play

Our dynamic curriculum and community makes purposeful outdoor play doable for every family, with benefits that last a lifetime.

Nature at the core

Irresistibly playful

Open-ended, child led

Part science, part wisdom

Develop a Critical Skill Each Season

At Tinkergarten, we help your child develop a foundation of vital life skills as we focus on one skill each season. The learning builds one season to the next, and they earn a collectable iron-on skill badge for every season. See what we’re learning in our current and upcoming seasons.

THIS SEASON

Fall

Wellness

Our Body, Mind & Heart lessons will focus on physical and emotional health. Kids will move their bodies, take risks, cultivate calm, and practice gratitude.
Learn More

NEXT SEASON

Winter

Problem Solving

We turn the outdoors into a discovery lab that fosters kids' problem-solving skills. Kids will wonder, observe, experiment, and work together.
Learn More

Two Ways to Tinkergarten

Experience Tinkergarten as live, weekly classes in your neighborhood, or as an at-home, video-based curriculum you can follow along from anywhere. It's the same expert-led, irresistibly fun curriculum!

Tinkergarten
In-Person Classes

Join a class in your neighborhood!

  • 9 class sessions in a local greenspace.

  • Tinkergarten Leader led.

  • Mixed-age groups for 1.5-8 years.

  • Activities and resources to keep learning all week long.

  • “Why & How” content to help you support your child.

  • Lesson map & badge to track and celebrate progress.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Tinkergarten
Anywhere

Tinkergarten, anytime, anywhere.

  • 9 video lessons to learn at your child’s pace.

  • Designed for ages 2 to 8 years old.

  • Additional activities and resources to keep learning all week long.

  • Why & How content to help you support your child.

  • Lesson map & badge to track and celebrate progress.

Get Tinkergarten Anywhere

Tinkergarten Works

After more than 30 seasons, the data shows our impact on kids and families.

87

%

of families spend more
time outdoors.

85

%

of kids show improved ability to focus their attention.

90

%

of kids play independently more often and for longer.

93

%

of caregivers feel better prepared to engage their child in playful learning.

Parents Across the Country
Love Tinkergarten

Absolutely LOVE Tinkergarden! I always thought I was doing enough "outdoor" activities with my daughter (2.5yo) but going to class has opened her (and myself) up to so much more! She's shown more respect for our earth too in such a short amount of time.

‍

Unknown 1

We learned another way to play with them, to approach nature, and to ask them things like "What do you think? What do you see?" Not so much telling them what they see and what they think.

‍

Unknown 5

I would have never thought to set him up with all these activities. I’m so grateful for Tinkergarten. It keeps him busy for the whole day. I leave everything out to play at his leisure.

‍

Paige

Tinkergarten has taught me so much more about the creativity I’ve lost as I’ve gotten older. I remember when I used to play in the mud and how much fun it was when I was a kid.

‍

Melissa

I think the class style fits every personality. There is guidance but it does not feel pressured, children are able to do the activities but also explore on their own. This was great for my daughter because she is shy and also very independent.

‍

Andreina

It gives me and my child scheduled time to get away from everything except a pleasant learning, playful experience outdoors. I can see that it's what grounds my child each week, allowing her to process things much better and with a more patient attitude.

‍

Unknown 3

I learned how and when to step back and let my son be himself in certain situations. That was a lesson that I needed so much as a parent. The leader was able to communicate this in such a gentle and generalized way that I was able to step back and see myself. Not only was that a useful lesson, it was life changing.

‍

Unknown 2

I learned to be more patient and child led in my interactions. I have changed my perspective around how to initiate an idea and let the kids run with it.

‍

Unknown 4

I’m giving my kids a group that they get to call their own. We can’t afford preschool so this is their group of peers. I value them being able to learn from the leader alongside their Tinkergarten classmates.

‍

Unknown 6

We have enjoyed every minute. Each class I observed how engaged the girls were in the explorations and could tell that they were so immersed that they could've continued happily for much longer. I thank you for creating such a warm positive space for outdoor learning. It was a blast!

‍

Anna

What will your child learn at Tinkergarten? 

Tinkergarten equips kids aged 1.5 to 8 with valuable life skills that help them thrive. Kids earn badges when they complete core skills. Explore some of our skills:

Wellness

Wellness is the combination of physical and emotional health that kids need to thrive. Kids will move their bodies, cultivate calm and connect with nature—all tools to be and stay well.
In this series, kids will explore:
  • Focusing awareness on the present moment
  • Taking risks
  • Embracing change
  • Creating a sense of belonging
  • Practicing gratitude, kindness and joy

Sensory

Everything our kids learn is filtered through their senses, and each child has a unique sensory system. Our curriculum is designed to help each child strengthen and balance their senses in the great outdoors.
In this series, kids will explore:
  • Gathering information through our senses
  • Asking essential questions
  • Focusing attention
  • Fostering each sensory input
  • Activating multiple senses at once

Problem Solving

Playful problem solving now can help kids adjust to a changing environment, navigate key relationships, and contribute to their family, local and broader communities.
In this series, kids will explore:
  • Slowing down and observing
  • Using inquiry while playing
  • Letting explorers take the lead
  • Teaming up when struggles becomes frustrations
  • Enjoying the process of problem solving

Try Tinkergarten
for Free

Start tinkering now by trying out a class in your area or getting a free video lesson to Tinkergarten on your own!

Try it Free

Free DIY Outdoor Activities

Expert-designed activities families can use to weave purposeful outdoor play into every day.

Free March Calendar

Sign up to receive a copy of our free March calendar, including daily activities to inspire outdoor play time.

Oops! Something went wrong.

Start Playing with Tinkergarten