Nature Plays

WHY WE EXIST

Childhood has changed.
Days are often fuller and faster.
Time outdoors competes with busy schedules and indoor routines.

Opportunities for extended, unstructured play in nature can become surprisingly limited. And yet, children still need what they have always needed...

Space to move their bodies - run, climb, roll.
Freedom to imagine, ponder questions, explore curiosities and play make belief. Explore manageable risks to test themselves against.

“Is this log stable?” “Can I reach that branch?” “Will this hurt if I touch it?”

Meaningful connection to the natural world. Feel the wind on their skin, the still hush of trees, the peaceful effect of bird song and running water.

Time in nature offers something steady and grounding. It invites children to solve problems with their whole selves, using their minds, bodies, gut instinct and observations of the world.

It strengthens confidence, resilience and creativity in ways that feel embodied and lasting. In other words, helping them become whole,
heart-centred human beings.

We exist because we believe outdoor play is not an extra. It is foundational to healthy development and to a childhood that is richer, more expansive and dynamic.

If this resonates with you, we share more about our philosophy and the vision behind our work on our website.

Link in bio!

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WHAT WE DO

🐞 Weekly sessions
Throughout the year, we create consistent, seasonally aligned outdoor programmes where children can return to the forest, build confidence and form meaningful connections with peers and their own internal landscape.

🏡 Forest House Playgroup
A typical day at Forest House playgroup involves, circle time, forest exploration, creative expression, story time, and child centred learning.
At Forest House, children learn through play, exploration and immersive experiences in nature. Guided by a child-led approach, we nurture creativity, confidence, resilience and social-emotional development while supporting literacy, numeracy and curiosity through meaningful outdoor experiences.

👣 Holiday Club
Kids explore and play in nature, connect with the natural environment, meet new friends and feel the awe and wonder that being in the forest has on us. We take our lead from the children’s interest and the conditions of the day, exploring insects and their habitats, building dens, creating woodland crafts, going on adventurous walks and more.

🎉 Birthday Parties
Our parties are a unique way to celebrate your little one’s birthday. Our activities are all-ages-friendly and can be adapted to suit their age and your child’s unique interests.

🔎 School Outings
School outings at Nature Plays deepen children’s understanding of their school curriculum through meaningful, hands-on and experiential learning opportunities. Rather than simply learning concepts in the classroom, children actively explore, discover and engage with topics through real-life experiences in nature.

If you’re curious about which programme might suit your child, you’ll find all the details and enrolment information on our website.

Link in bio!

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WINTER HOLIDAY CLUB BOOKINGS ARE OPEN!

Get ready for a magical winter adventure in the forest!
Our holiday club is perfect for curious, nature-loving kids who thrive outdoors, rain or shine. After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!

📍 Constantia: 29 June - 10 July
📍 Vredehoek: 29 June - 3 July

What’s in store at both locations?
🍄 Nature-based adventures and explorations
🍄 Child-led learning and imaginative free play
🍄 Creative art projects, nature games & storytelling
🍄 Calming, mindful moments in nature
🍄 Wildlife discovery, fort building and more!

Whether you’re joining us in Constantia or Vredehoek, each day is packed with wonder, play, and new friendships.

🌟 Limited early bird tickets available!
Secure your child’s spot via the link in our bio!

WHO WE ARE

Nature Plays is the first forest school in South Africa (established in 2018). We’re based in Cape Town, offering outdoor nature-based learning experiences for children to thrive.

At the heart of our work is the belief that children learn best when they are free to explore, imagine, question and move from an early age and mostly out in nature.

Our approach is child-led and rooted in the Forest School and Reggio Emilia philosophy, where learning unfolds through play, curiosity, relationship and real-world experiences in nature.

We spend our days outside climbing trees, following insect trails, building shelters, mixing mud, listening closely and so much more. Giving children time to think for themselves and space to test their own ideas.

We care deeply about childhood. About protecting it. About allowing it to be playful, joyful and filled with real, human engagement, personal connection and attentiveness.

If you’d like to learn more about our story, our team and the thinking behind what we do, you’ll find it all on our website.

Link in bio!

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“...instead of being cooped up inside we could witness the magic of the forest. What a treat!” 🌳🌞

There’s something special that happens when learning moves beyond four walls.

On this outing, Grade 4 learners stepped into the world of rainforests. Matching animals to the different layers of the forest, creating their own tiny terrariums, and discovering how everything is connected.

Moments like these remind us that learning can feel alive, spacious, and full of wonder.

If you’re a teacher looking for a meaningful, nature-based outing for your class, we’d love to host you.

📧 Get in touch to book your school outing!

To the mothers who raise wild-hearted, tender-souled children. We see you, and we are so grateful for you.
Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Nature Plays Forest School 🌱

WildChildhood ForestSchoolMums RaiseThemWild MudMums NaturePlay

We’re so excited to open our Forest School in Hout Bay 🌿

A space where children grow in confidence and independence, strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking, and fully engage their imagination through open-ended play.

✨ Explorers (Mums & Tots | 2–4 yrs)
Wednesdays | 9:30–11:30

✨ Discoverers (3–7 yrs | flexible ages)
Wednesdays | 3:00-5:00 - with carer or drop n go
A mixed-age group where children learn naturally from one another, take risks, build resilience, and experience the joy of unstructured outdoor play.

Come get muddy, curious, and connected 🌱

Bookings and free trials on www.natureplays.com

Parenting Tip: Use Nature to Teach About Change 🍃🍂

We’re just beginning to notice the quiet signs of autumn… a few leaves turning, the air shifting, the forest slowly preparing for what’s to come.

It’s a gentle reminder that change doesn’t always happen all at once. Sometimes it’s subtle. Sometimes it takes time.

When children spend time in nature, they begin to notice these small shifts. They learn that it’s okay to move slowly, to adapt, and to experience change in their own way.

Nothing in the forest is ever truly still. It’s always becoming something new, and our children are too.

What small changes have you noticed in your little ones lately?

AUTUMN HOLIDAY CLUB BOOKINGS ARE
OPEN 🍂

Autumn in the forest is truly something special. Crisp air, golden leaves and space to roam.
Each day of Holiday Club is thoughtfully themed with forest games, nature crafts, storytelling, exploration and plenty of child-led play. Expect muddy boots, rosy cheeks and big imaginations.

📍Constantia | Ages 3-5 & 5-10
📍Vredehoek | Ages 5-10

🗓️20 March - 2 April AND 7-8 April

Spaces are limited.
Book via the link in our bio 🍁 or visit natureplays.com