Free Forest School at Forest Glen Woods

Unstructured, Child-Directed Play at Forest Glen Woods

Join other area caregivers and kids on Thursday mornings for unstructured forest playtime. The goal of this event is to give kids a chance for unstructured outdoor play. We encourage adults to take a step back and let the kids lead the way!

This week we’ll meet at Forest Glen Woods. Park towards the back of the parking lot and we’ll meet on the grass near the picnic shelter. We’ll start the meeting with a snack and introductions and then take off down the path around 10:15am. 

Time for Uninterrupted Free Play

The goal of this event is allow children time and space to play together in unstructured outdoor play. It’s very rewarding when we can stand back and let the children take the lead in what they notice and what they want to engage with. Some weeks it will be one thing that catches their interest, and other weeks it may be something entirely different. By not having a set curriculum, we are free to follow where the children’s curiosity takes them. In these Free Forest School gatherings, we resist our adult urges to point out what we are drawn to and do our best to follow where the children’s curiosity is taking them.

If you’d like more info about how to facilitate child-led play, you can check out this document I’ve written (still a work in progress).

Age Range

Kids of all ages are welcome at this event! Kids tend to be between 0-8.

What to Bring

Snack, water, extra gear in case it gets wet. 

What to Wear

While it’s cold, it’s helpful to have layers. Base layers (wool or synthetic), followed by fleece layer, then insulating layer. It’s also helpful to have rain/wet gear in case it’s muddy. I also created this one with the gear that I use and would be happy recommending. 

Safety

Keep an eye on the children in your care and establish the safety boundaries that make sense for your family.

The event will continue rain or shine. We will cancel in case of severe weather (lightning). 

Snack

We will start off with a snack before we head down the trail. We will end at 12pm but many of us stay for a picnic lunch back at the pavilion near the cars.

Bathrooms

The forest preserve bathrooms are no longer open at this location but there is a porta potty.