Learn through
Outdoor Play

near

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Empowering educators

Curriculum, training, and support to teach in your community or classroom.

Inspiring kids and families

Engaging, fun lessons that spark hours of outdoor play anytime, anywhere.

Designed by
experts

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

A vibrant community

Join our national movement of educators and parents committed to outdoor play.

Brain-Boosting Outdoor Play

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

Nature at the core

Irresistibly playful

Open-ended, child-led

Part science, part wisdom

Develop a Critical Skill in Each Series

At Tinkergarten, we help children develop a foundation in 8 essential skills, focusing on one each series. The learning builds one series to the next, and kids can earn a badge for every one they complete. See what we’re learning in our current and next series.

THIS SERIES

Spring

Empathy

We'll help kids build strong roots in empathy, our human superpower. Kids learn to recognize emotions in themselves and others, explore taking another's perspective and discover fun, new ways to care for each other and the planet.
Learn More

NEXT SERIES

Summer

Communication

Our fun Camp Tinkergarten theme is anchored by sweet rituals and weekly lessons designed to use purposeful, outdoor play to bolster kids' communication skills, wherever they are.
Learn More
Coming Soon

Two Ways to Tinkergarten

Whether you want to use Tinkergarten with your own kids or you want to teach Tinkergarten to others, we’ve got the way for you to Tinkergarten!

Tinkergarten
for Teachers

Teach Tinkergarten in a community or classroom setting!

  • Curriculum—10 lessons/series (for ages 1.5 to 8), a new series each season

  • Teacher training and resources to launch and grow your program

  • Listing on tinkergarten.com and marketing promotion

  • Peer learning in our vibrant TG Teacher Forums

  • Email support from our team of expert support specialists

Get Tinkergarten for Teachers

Teach Tinkergarten in a community or classroom setting!

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 & Teachers 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 Tinkergarten 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

Am I the only one who cried alligator tears when I read through the lesson plan? This is probably the most beautiful and absolutely brilliant way I've ever seen anyone teach kids empathy. Please hug whoever came up with this bout of genius. I can't wait to teach it!

Tinkergarten Teacher

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

I think the learning 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

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

We have been with you guys for awhile and it’s honestly the best part of our daughters day. She plays for hours after watching her tinkergarten anywhere classes. Thank you so much.

Unknown 7

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.

Tinkergarten Teacher

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

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

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

Try Tinkergarten
for Free

Start tinkering now by trying out a free lesson in the format that fits you!

Families-Try Tinkergarten Anywhere

Free DIY Outdoor Activities

Expert-designed activities families & teachers can use to weave a bit more purposeful outdoor play into every day.

Free Monthly Calendar

Sign up to receive your copy of this month's free calendar, including daily activities to inspire outdoor play time and connection.

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Start Playing with Tinkergarten