Frequently Asked Questions

All Your Questions Answered About Our Parent/Child Classes

How do I sign up for a class?

Please go to the ENROLLMENT tab and choose the class you would like to join. Please note that there are multiple locations and class options to choose from! Complete the application and pay for the class and you are ready to go!

I signed up, now what?

Please go to the "Class Info" tab and read the information about class prior to your first day.

This will tell you what to bring and where exactly to meet at each location. Leaders will arrive early for the first class and you should have no problem spotting them!

Arrive a few minutes early to ensure you have time to put on weather appropriate gear and walk to the meeting point.

Who do I contact with questions?

Please e-mail LEAPoutside@gmail.com for any questions that are not answered on the website.
Once you have registered for a class, the cell phone number of your class leader will be provided in the case you need help finding the meeting spot.

I have more than one child, is there a discount for a second child in your parent/child classes?

Yes! We want everyone to enjoy the benefits of nature, so we are happy to give a discount for families with more than one participating child. Please see class descriptions for coupon codes.

I have an infant that will not be participating in class, can they come with me?

Of course! Your infant can come to the class without charge. Once your child is able to participate in the class, we do ask that they are enrolled to join.

Can I bring a stroller?

Our meeting spots are always stroller friendly, although, some activities will require exploration into the forest at which point strollers may need to be left behind.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes! We want our classes to be available to all families, so we offer scholarships to families in need. Please email LEAPOutside@gmail.com if you would like to take advantage of the scholarship program for your family.

What do I bring to class?

What to Bring

A mask (if desired)
Appropriate Clothing for the Weather
Water Bottle
Diaper Bag if needed
A blanket, towel or yoga mat to sit on the ground
Extras: bug spray, sunscreen, personal first-aid kit, extra clothing, hand sanitizer/wipes.

Where are you located?

Our classes are currently being held at multiple locations. Please see the "Class Info" tab for directions to a specific class location.

What are the benefits of playing in nature?

Studies show that playing in nature has many benefits for child development, especially in these three key areas: physical and motor development, social and emotional development, and cognitive processing skills. Evidence shows that children are able to assess risk, develop muscle strength and coordination, and have improved immunity by playing outdoors in nature. Also, children will develop skills in leadership, grow in confidence, increase their ability to work as a team and show empathy for all living things. Playing in nature also provides children the ability to problem-solve, develop rich language, make connections, and persevere through a difficult task.

What is Nature Playgroup?

We are happy to offer a playgroup outing each week. We want to build a community of nature-loving families, and we welcome all! These events are open to the public and meet at different locations each week. Some examples include meeting at a park, going for a hike, or attending a special "field trip" event.

There is no cost to join our playgroup, although there may be a fee associated with the location or event that we schedule. You may register in advance, or the day of the event! We ask that you enroll ONCE so that you can e-sign our LEAP waiver, and provide us with your contact information so that you can be informed of future LEAP events.

Our playgroup events are posted on our Facebook group and sent via email to our mailing list. If you would like to stay informed of our upcoming events, please be sure to enroll for playgroup to join our mailing list.

What should I bring? Water, snacks, diaper bag, layers... whatever your family needs to be happy for about an hour, outside!

Safety: All children must be accompanied by a designated caregiver. Caregivers are solely responsible for the safety of their child(ren) during LEAP playgroup.

What should we wear?

Dress for the weather! This is a rain or shine class. We follow the popular Scandinavian phrase, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." Class will only be cancelled if there are dangerous weather conditions. In winter, layers are important. This includes a warm base layer, wind/waterproof outer shell, hat, gloves, socks, and waterproof/resistant footwear. We will get muddy, if not wet, most days! As a caregiver, please remember that in the event of rain or snow, waterproof outer layers, including footwear, are necessary for you and your child. If you have enrolled in the preschool program you will receive more specific information as well.

I have older children that will not be participating in the class, can they attend?

We allow older siblings to attend only designated classes. Please refer to the enrollment page to find out which classes older siblings can attend. Older siblings can attend at no charge and stay on the family blanket or in our older sibling hang-out space. Our classes are designed for ages 1-5, so we ask that only enrolled children participate in the organized activities.