Our Program
Outside Kids Ocean Forest Kindergarten is an entirely outdoor education program for children ages 3-6, situated within a vibrant barrier island ecosystem of forests, marshes, wetlands, dunes, and Atlantic beaches. Every day, our small classes venture to pristine local parks like Hanna Park, Dutton Island Preserve, and Atlantic Beach, exploring nature’s diverse landscapes.
Our program is rooted in research showing that nature is essential for children’s healthy growth and development. Today, the average North American child spends seven hours daily in front of screens and only 30 minutes outside in nature—a trend that risks a critical stage of their development. At Outside Kids, abundant time outdoors supports cognitive, emotional, and social growth while fostering self-motivation, cooperation, and a deep appreciation for the environment. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, we ensure children feel supported in safe exploration, nurturing their confidence and resilience.
Philosophy
Children learn best outdoors, where nature becomes the classroom. Through hands-on, creative activities, our students meet Pre-K and Kindergarten standards while fostering curiosity and confidence.
From climbing trees to observing wildlife and crafting with natural materials, children explore patterns, growth, and transformation in the world around them. Time in nature builds cognitive, physical, and emotional resilience, offering countless opportunities for discovery and joy.
Rhythm of the Day
Children thrive on natural rhythms, from daily routines to seasonal changes and Florida’s tides. At Outside Kids, our schedule mirrors these cycles, fostering stability and harmony with the environment.
With songs, stories, and creative play woven into each day, children develop literacy, memory, and imagination while strengthening their connection to nature. Every day is an adventure that deepens their sense of place and wonder.
Our Mission
Outside Kids nurtures a lifelong connection to the Earth. By immersing children in nature, we instill love and respect for the environment, fostering future stewards of the planet.
Grounded in research on nature’s benefits, our program builds cognitive, social, and emotional growth through hands-on outdoor experiences. We inspire curiosity, discovery, and reverence for the natural world.
“Let Nature be your teacher.”
William Wordsworth
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.”
Robert Wyland
“Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.”
Thomas Berry
“The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask.”
Nancy Newhall
“A beach is not only a sweep of sand, but shells of sea creatures, the sea glass, the seaweed, the incongruous objects washed up by the ocean.”
Henry Grunwald