Delaware Tinkergarten with Emily Explores Outdoors

05/15/2026

Only ONE MONTH until our summer session, Art Explorers, kicks off at Rockwood Park & Museum in North Wilmington, DE 🎉 Link to learn more and register: emilyexploresoutdoors.com

Each week, you and your explorer(s) will experience sensory-rich, open-ended play together through process art - where the focus is the joy of creating, rather than the finished product!

We'll incorporate lots of color and a variety of tools, textures, and techniques to create in ways that feel expressive and meaningful to each child. Every lesson invites your explorer to follow their curiosity and make their mark 🎨🌈

Rooted in nature and backed by early childhood research, this playful series is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-6* and their caregivers. Together, we'll make memories, develop skills, and nurture a lifelong love of outdoor learning 🌿

*Age range is simply a suggestion based on approximate developmental considered in the curriculum- younger and older children may join in the fun as well!

04/29/2026

FRIENDS 👋🏼 We are BACK at Rockwood Park & Museum this summer for another six-week session... Art Explorers 🎨🌿 And enrollment is OPEN!!

Inspired by the Tinkergarten curriculum, this brand new series will invite your explorer(s) to follow their creative curiosity and make their mark 🌈

This may be my favorite series yet and I cannot wait to share another season of play and learning with you!

06/05/2025

HOORAY 🎉 Tinkergarten classes are BACK Rockwood Park & Museum this summer, and enrollment is OPEN!! Learn more below or through my website:
emilyexploresoutdoors.com

This summer, we'll become Sensory Scientists, using our senses to play, experiment, and discover the magic of the natural world. Each week, we'll dive into a new “lab,” designed to engage the body, spark wonder, and help kids build focus, resilience, and joy through purposeful, sensory-rich play!

We'll splash, squish, sniff, mix, and imagine our way through nature-inspired adventures like creating our own colorful pigments, mixing wild potions, engineering bubble experiments, and finding cooling ways to beat the summer heat.

Whether it's muddy hands or frozen treasures, each lab is crafted to meet kids where they are developmentally, inviting them to get outdoors and find their “just-right” way to play!

Rooted in nature and backed by early childhood research, this playful series is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2 to 6* and their caregivers. Together, we'll make memories, develop skills, and nurture a lifelong love of outdoor learning 🌿

*Age range is simply a suggestion based on approximate developmental milestones considered in the Tinkergarten curriculum - younger and older may join in the fun as well!

06/03/2025

If you're on my mailing list, keep an eye on your inbox this week for the open enrollment announcement for this summer's session at Rockwood Park & Museum in North Wilmington 👀🔎 Visit my website (linked in comments) to learn more about the upcoming session!

03/23/2025

Dear Tinkergarten Families + Friends,

I’m writing with a bittersweet update - I have decided to take a break from offering Tinkergarten classes for the time being.

This decision comes as I shift my focus toward developing my Montessori program and dedicating more time to my family. While I know this may come as disappointing news to some, please know that it was not made lightly. Leading our outdoor classes for 250+ families over 8 seasons at beautiful Rockwood Park has been the biggest joy and a privilege, and I am deeply grateful for the time we’ve spent together in nature - witnessing you and your little ones play, learn, and connect with each other.

I want to thank those of you who have reached out to ask when the next session might begin. It means so much to know that Tinkergarten has been a meaningful part of your family's routine. And to those of you who have attended my classes, your support and enthusiasm have meant the world to me. Thank you for embracing the Tinkergarten curriculum, for bringing your children out in all kinds of weather, and for trusting me to guide and support you and your kiddos. It has truly been an honor to be part of your family's journey.

While I don’t have a set timeline for returning, this is not necessarily goodbye. I do hope to offer classes again in the future should my availability change, and I will be sure to keep you updated if and when that time comes. In the meantime, I encourage you to keep the spirit of Tinkergarten and outdoor learning alive - go on nature walks, make mud faces on trees, and delight in the simple wonders of the world with your explorers!

Thank you again for being part of this beautiful community. Wishing you and your families continued joy and adventure in the seasons ahead ❤️🌿

Love,
Emily Hegman

11/06/2024

Thrilled to share that Dark Horse Coffee Co. LLC will be on-site at Rockwood Park & Museum to offer delicious beverages and add even more warmth and magic during our Lantern Walk event this Sunday, November 10th ☕

11/06/2024

You are invited to join in the magical, nationwide tradition of the Tinkergarten Lantern Walk✨ We will meet at Rockwood Park & Museum in Wilmington, DE this Sunday, November 10th* from 4:00 to 5:30pm with lanterns in hand to welcome the Winter season with joy as a community!

This event is FREE and open to past and currently-enrolled Tinkergarten families and the greater local community so, please feel welcome to invite friends and family! You can register here: https://forms.gle/Ndxm5oQ5W96rwxVi7

AND, I'm thrilled to announce that there will be a coffee trailer, Dark Horse Coffee Co. LLC, on-site during the event available to serve beverages (both cash and card accepted) such as hot chocolates, apple cider, and more to add extra warmth and magic to the evening ☕

More event information is available on the Registration Form linked above in the event page itself - hope to see you this weekend!

Send a message to learn more

11/02/2024

That's a wrap on our Fall session of Tinkergarten classes Rockwood Park & Museum 🍂🥹 It's been such a joyful season filled with play and opportunities for developing Focus!

11/01/2024

Hammering golf tees into pumpkins was the perfect fall activity to compliment our senses lesson 🎃

11/01/2024

Our 'Stone Stories' class was all about tuning our focus by connecting with the earth 🪨 🦎