The 30 Best Nature based learning experiences in New York

The Birch School, located at 9 Vance Road in Rock Tavern, New York, is a unique educational institution offering a joyful learning experience in a fluid and flexible environment. Our primary and secondary school programs focus on student-directed, goal-oriented learning, with a holistic approach to education. In addition to our full-service comprehensive learning program, we also offer a Hybrid Program where students can attend school a few days a week and learn from home on other days. Our Forest School meets twice a week for learners ages 11-14, and we provide individual goal-setting, personalized learning plans, and assistance with planning and transcripts.

P.S. 90 - The Magnet School for Environmental Studies and Community Wellness is a primary school located at 2840 West 12th Street in New York, United States. This institution focuses on providing a unique educational experience that integrates environmental studies and promotes community wellness. Students at P.S. 90 engage in hands-on learning experiences that emphasize the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, while also learning about the importance of community health and well-being. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement, P.S. 90 strives to prepare students to become responsible global citizens who are committed to making a positive impact on the world around them.

NEATS Camp is a premier educational institution located at 382 Lake Surprise Road in Cold Spring, New York. Our camp offers a unique and enriching experience for students of all ages, focusing on a variety of academic subjects and outdoor activities. With a team of experienced educators and counselors, NEATS Camp provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to learn, grow, and have fun. Join us for a summer of adventure and discovery at NEATS Camp!

Water Lab is a popular tourist attraction located at Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway in New York, United States. The institution offers a unique experience for visitors, with various play spaces including swings, slides, water channels, sandboxes, and more designed to help children develop physical and social skills. The playgrounds are located near park entrances for easy access, and visitors can enjoy the whimsical designs and water features throughout the park. Parking at Water Lab is limited, so visitors are encouraged to take public transportation. Luckily, there are plenty of transportation options available, including bus routes and CitiBike stations nearby. The park is also free to enter, with most events being free as well. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food and drink options at the park concessions and nearby eateries.

The Brooklyn Waldorf School, located at 11 Jefferson Avenue in New York, is a dynamic institution that combines the principles of the Waldorf tradition with modern education practices. Students at BWS have the opportunity to learn in both indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a well-rounded educational experience. The school values beloved traditions and hosts parent education events to create a sense of community and belonging. Situated in the heart of vibrant Brooklyn, BWS offers education from preschool through 8th grade, engaging students in learning with their "hands, hearts, and heads." Your support helps the school grow and continue to nurture children in a holistic way. For more information, contact info@brooklynwaldorf.org or call 718.783.3270.

AnnMarie Colandrea LCSW-R is a health institution located at 16 Quaker Avenue in Cornwall, New York, United States. They offer in-person and telehealth sessions in the State of New York, as well as walk and talk sessions upon request. The institution specializes in providing support for teenagers facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, unhealthy decision-making, anger, isolation, and poor communication during their middle and high school years. They also offer counseling for children age 5 and older to help with ADHD, ADD, irritability, impulsivity, OCD, and other symptoms and diagnoses. In addition, AnnMarie Colandrea LCSW-R offers treatment for depression, fear, anxiety, grief, and life changes. They provide a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, learn coping skills, and improve their overall well-being. The institution also offers outdoor therapy sessions to help individuals connect with nature and improve their mental health.

The Sensory Nook is a unique and exclusive private preschool located at 20255 State Route 3 in Watertown, New York. We believe in fostering each child's individual growth and embrace the Montessori approach to education. Our summer camp is offered exclusively to former and current families, providing a fun and enriching experience for children. At The Sensory Nook, we adhere to an all Organic/NonGMO lifestyle, ensuring that the children in our care are provided with the healthiest and most nutritious environment possible. We believe that every child is unique and will grow at their own pace, and our dedicated sensory guides work to nurture their strengths and encourage them to reach new heights.

Hand In Hand Early Childhood is a play-centered institution located at 5780 Brookside Circle in Lowville, New York, United States. We believe that children learn best through hands-on experiences and play. Our classrooms are designed with developmentally appropriate equipment and materials to provide meaningful learning opportunities for young children. We recognize that children are naturally curious and motivated to learn. Our curriculum encourages children to explore, investigate, experiment, and manipulate their environment. We focus on the learning process rather than the end product, allowing children to ask questions, make predictions, and develop problem-solving skills.

Maple Sprouts Forest School is a unique educational institution located at 155 Cassidy Road in Hermon, New York, United States. Our school offers a hands-on learning experience for children in a natural outdoor setting. Our curriculum is focused on fostering a love for nature, promoting environmental stewardship, and encouraging creativity and exploration. With a team of experienced educators and a beautiful forested campus, Maple Sprouts Forest School provides a one-of-a-kind learning environment where children can thrive and grow. Join us today and let your child's imagination take root in the great outdoors!

Baldwinsville Nursery School, located at 17 West Genesee Street in Baldwinsville, New York, is a school that believes in the power of play for children's learning. With a focus on exploration, curiosity, creativity, and imagination, our educational environment offers a developmentally appropriate program that is child-centered. Our optimal teacher to student ratio ensures that each child receives the attention they need to thrive. Our goal is to provide a positive first step in a lifelong journey of learning. For more information, contact us at BaldwinsvilleNurserySchool@Gmail.com or call (315) 635-5723.

Hodge House Outdoor Playschool is a unique educational institution located at 2810 Oneida Street in Utica, New York. Our playschool offers a dynamic outdoor learning environment where children can explore, play, and learn in nature. Our experienced teachers provide a hands-on, experiential approach to education that encourages curiosity, creativity, and a love for the outdoors. At Hodge House Outdoor Playschool, we believe in the power of nature to inspire and educate young minds, helping them to develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Join us and experience the magic of outdoor learning at Hodge House Outdoor Playschool.

The Park School of Buffalo, located at 4625 Harlem Road in Amherst, New York, is a top-rated private K-12 school in Buffalo and Erie County. As the first and only co-ed independent school in Western New York, our natural 34-acre campus features 14 buildings and organic landscapes, providing a unique and enriching learning environment. Founded in 1912, The Park School is dedicated to academic excellence and college preparation, offering progressive education that emphasizes continual learning and critical thinking. Our students are taught respect, responsibility, honesty, and kindness, in addition to rigorous academic work, to help them become their best selves.

BrightPath Niagara Falls Boulevard Child Care Center, located at 2715 Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst, New York, is a prestigious NAEYC Accredited center that offers a warm and loving environment for children to learn and play. Our dedicated staff ensures that each child receives enriching experiences and personalized attention. Our program focuses on nurturing recognition of familiar figures, motor skill development, sensory exploration, and fostering independence and emotional growth. We provide theme-based, interactive learning opportunities that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and independence through hands-on experiences.

BrightPath CrossPoint Child Care Center, located at 600 Crosspoint Parkway in Getzville, New York, is a nurturing and conveniently located child care program. Opened in 2001, this center offers a loving and attentive staff in the infant suite, as well as a preschool and kindergarten readiness program with enriching daily activities. The center follows the rigorous standards of the NAEYC curriculum, creating a home away from home for your child. Our program focuses on motor skill development, sensory exploration, and fostering independence and emotional growth. We offer theme-based, interactive learning for preschoolers, as well as before & after-school programs that blend guided activities with self-play. Our center is a proud part of the Williamsville UPK program and offers financial assistance for families in need.

BrightPath Orchard Park Child Care Center, located at 3943 North Buffalo Street in Orchard Park, New York, is a nurturing and enriching school for children. Established in 2001, this center offers a carefree and conveniently located child care program for families in the area. The dedicated staff in the infant suite provides a loving environment for the little ones, while the preschool and kindergarten readiness program offers daily activities and play opportunities. The curriculum follows rigorous standards set by the NAEYC, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. In addition to providing a safe and nurturing environment, BrightPath Orchard Park Child Care Center offers a variety of programs to support children's development. From motor skill development to sensory exploration, the center focuses on fostering independence and emotional growth. The theme-based, interactive learning in the preschool program encourages creativity, problem-solving, and independence through hands-on experiences.

BrightPath Clarence Child Care Center is a top-notch daycare and childcare facility located at 8750 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville, New York. Our center, established in 1998, offers exceptional early education programs for children from infancy through school age. Our experienced educators provide personalized attention and care, while our innovative curriculum, including the Clarence UPK program, stimulates young minds and fosters intellectual and social growth. At BrightPath Clarence, we provide engaging learning environments with spacious, well-equipped classrooms that encourage exploration and development. Our programs focus on motor skill development, sensory exploration, communication, and emotional growth. We offer theme-based, interactive learning for preschoolers, as well as before & after-school programs that blend guided activities with self-play.

BrightPath Elma Child Care Center is a charming and inviting institution located at 6961 Seneca Street in New York, United States. Formerly known as EduKids Center, this Roycroft-inspired facility has been serving the community since 2006. With a beautiful interior and custom “green” outdoor playspace, our center offers a fun and safe learning environment for young children. Our daily educational curriculum follows NAEYC standards, providing the finest and most fulfilling child care experience. We focus on motor skill development, sensory exploration, and fostering independence and emotional growth. Our theme-based, interactive learning encourages creativity, problem-solving, and independence through hands-on experiences.

Imagination Station Lancaster Child Care & Preschool, located at 5959 Broadway in Lancaster, New York, is a premier early childhood education institution dedicated to providing a nurturing and educational environment for young children. Our daycare, preschool, and pre-k programs focus on cognitive, social, and physical development through engaging activities such as art, music, sensory play, and outdoor exploration. Our highly trained team of educators are committed to preparing children for kindergarten and beyond with our innovative curriculum. At Imagination Station Lancaster, we strive to partner with families in their child's educational journey, offering a welcoming and professional environment. Our facility is clean, safe, and conveniently located with ample parking for stress-free drop-offs and pickups. We offer before & after-school programs, music classes, yoga sessions, dance programs, and natural playgrounds to enrich children's learning experiences.

The Tree House is a unique and innovative school located at 243 South Main Street in Albion, New York. Our institution is dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for children to learn and grow. With a focus on hands-on learning and individualized instruction, we strive to foster a love of learning in each and every student. Our experienced educators are passionate about helping children reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. Join us at The Tree House and watch your child thrive in a supportive and engaging educational setting.

Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is a prestigious primary school located in the picturesque town of New Paltz, New York. Nestled on 16 South Chestnut Street, this institution offers a unique and holistic approach to education inspired by the Waldorf philosophy. With a focus on nurturing each child's individual strengths and creativity, Mountain Laurel Waldorf School provides a warm and supportive learning environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Join us in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School.

Wild Roots is a nature-based institution located at 2321 New York 9D in Wappingers Falls, New York. Our mission is to connect people with the natural world through hands-on experiences, education, and conservation efforts. Our programs focus on environmental awareness, outdoor skills, and sustainable living practices. From guided nature hikes to wildlife rehabilitation workshops, we offer a variety of opportunities for individuals of all ages to learn, grow, and connect with the wild roots of the world around us. Join us in exploring and preserving the beauty of the natural world right in our own backyard.

Bard Community Children's Center is a nurturing and inclusive educational institution located at 1498 Annandale Road in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Our center is inspired by the words of renowned educator Loris Malaguzzi, who believed in the importance of listening to children and valuing their unique perspectives. At Bard Community Children's Center, we provide a safe and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Our dedicated staff is committed to fostering a love of learning and creativity in each child, while also promoting social and emotional development.

Hudson Valley WildSide is a beautiful park located at 745 Lattintown Road in Milton, New York, United States. This institution offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Hudson Valley region. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational programs that showcase the diverse ecosystems of the area. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors or simply relax in a peaceful setting, Hudson Valley WildSide is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Enchanted Forest Daycare, located at 90 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls, New York, is a magical place where children's imaginations come to life. Our experienced and caring staff create a safe and engaging environment for children to learn, play, and grow. Each room is filled with exciting activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and laughter. Give your child the gift of a vibrant and fun daycare experience at Enchanted Forest Daycare!

Adventure Daycare is a premier childcare facility located at 133 West 195th Street in the bustling city of New York, United States. Our daycare offers a unique and exciting environment for children to learn, play, and grow. With a focus on outdoor exploration and hands-on experiences, Adventure Daycare provides a stimulating and enriching curriculum that encourages children to develop their creativity, curiosity, and social skills. Our dedicated staff are experienced and passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to thrive. Come join us at Adventure Daycare for a day filled with fun, learning, and adventure!

Anna & Jack's Treehouse is a preschool and childcare center located at 138 Centre Avenue in New Rochelle, New York. Serving families from New Rochelle, Pelham, Larchmont, and Norwalk, this institution offers a safe and engaging environment for young children to learn and grow. With access controls and tall privacy fences, parents can rest assured that their little ones are protected while in the care of passionate and trained teachers. The curriculum at Anna & Jack's Treehouse is a mix of play-based learning, incorporating elements of Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches. Children have access to large playgrounds, play structures, and outdoor playspaces to develop their social skills and physical abilities. Indoor facilities include learning centers, an in-house library, and play structures, providing endless opportunities for hands-on learning and fun.

The Waldorf School of Garden City, located at 225 Cambridge Avenue in Garden City, New York, is a primary and secondary school that offers an innovative and age-appropriate curriculum. With over 75 years of dynamic learning at our school and 100 years of Waldorf Education worldwide, we strive to educate the next generation of leaders. Our curriculum is designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning in our students. Experience a unique approach to education at The Waldorf School of Garden City.

Red Robin Country Day School & Camp is a premier educational institution located in Westbury, New York. Our school offers a unique blend of academic excellence and outdoor adventure, providing students with a well-rounded education. With a focus on hands-on learning and individualized attention, our dedicated staff ensures that each student reaches their full potential. Our beautiful campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and surrounded by lush greenery, creating the perfect environment for learning and growth. At Red Robin Country Day School & Camp, we strive to inspire a love for learning and foster a sense of community among our students. Come visit us at 878 Jericho Turnpike and see the difference for yourself.

Everbrook Academy of Smithtown/Nesconset is a premier school located at 740 New York 347 in Smithtown, New York. Our institution offers a unique and innovative approach to education, focusing on providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to thrive. Our experienced and dedicated staff are committed to helping each child reach their full potential through personalized learning experiences. With a focus on academic excellence, social-emotional development, and creative expression, Everbrook Academy of Smithtown/Nesconset is the perfect place for your child to grow and learn. Visit us today to see how we can help your child succeed!

ience at Brooklyn Pre-School of Science. Marlon came home every day excited to share what he had learned and couldn't wait to go back the next day. The hands-on science activities, live animals, and engaging teachers made his experience truly unforgettable. We are so grateful to have found such a nurturing and educational environment for our child. Thank you for all that you do!"