Kids Under 5 & Babies

Outdoor Play. Thoughtful Guidance. Meaningful Growth.

Give your child the gift of hands-on, play-based learning in the outdoors—while gaining expert-informed support as a caregiver. These programs bring children and their caregivers together in small, intentionally designed groups to explore, connect, and grow through meaningful outdoor experiences.

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Blending child-led play with thoughtful guidance, each session creates space for both children and adults to build confidence, deepen connection, and develop skills that extend well beyond the program.

 

Why Outdoor Play + OT-Informed Support?

Early childhood is a foundational window for growth—and play is at the heart of it. Rich, sensory experiences in nature support the development of motor skills, emotional regulation, social awareness, and cognitive flexibility. At the same time, many caregivers are seeking clarity and confidence in how to best support their child’s development.

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This program offers both. Grounded in principles from occupational therapy, early intervention, and early childhood education, it provides a clear, supportive framework for understanding your child’s development—while offering practical, approachable strategies you can carry into everyday life.

 

“Hillary helped me see everyday moments differently. I feel more confident knowing how to engage, when to step in, and when to step back—and my baby is thriving because of it.”

 

Play-Based Learning. Guided Insight.
Children are invited into a rich outdoor environment where they can explore, create, and engage at their own pace. Alongside them, caregivers gain meaningful opportunities to observe, reflect, and receive guidance—developing a deeper understanding of how growth unfolds through play.

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With gentle support and real-time insight, families begin to recognize patterns, build on strengths, and approach everyday interactions with greater intention and confidence.

 

Small Groups. Personalized Experience.
Group sizes are intentionally limited to create a more personal, supportive experience for each family. This allows for individualized guidance, authentic connection, and space for each child and caregiver to be seen and supported. Families also benefit from the shared experience—connecting with others navigating similar stages, and building a sense of community rooted in mutual learning and support.

 

A Space to Expand Your Comfort Zone.
Caregivers are thoughtfully supported in exploring concepts like messy play, appropriate risk-taking, and natural consequences—within a safe and encouraging environment. Together, we practice finding the balance between protection and freedom, helping children build resilience, independence, and self-trust.

 

Led with Expertise. Grounded in Real Life.
These programs are guided by an Occupational Therapy practitioner (COTA/L), early interventionist, and outdoor educator who brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent. With a deep understanding of child development and a genuine passion for outdoor play, each session is approached with intention, adaptability, and care.

 

Program Highlights
Multi-Week Sessions: A thoughtfully designed structure that allows for consistency, growth, and connection over time.

Small Group Size: Ensures a personalized, high-quality experience.

OT-Informed Approach: Rooted in evidence-based practices from occupational therapy and early childhood development.

Caregiver + Child Participation: A shared experience that supports both child development and caregiver confidence.

Place-Based Exploration: Weekly sessions take place at thoughtfully selected outdoor locations throughout Greater Portland, offering variety, novelty, and connection to local natural spaces.

Developmental Focus: Supporting motor skills, sensory processing, communication, adaptive skills, and play-based learning.

Outdoor Setting: Nature as a dynamic and inspiring environment for exploration, creativity, and discovery.

Practical Takeaways: Simple, actionable strategies to integrate into daily routines at home.

 

“This work is about helping you develop a lens—so you can recognize meaningful moments of growth, and respond with clarity, confidence, and intention.”

 

More Than a Playgroup.
This is more than time outside—it’s an opportunity to grow alongside your child in a thoughtful, supported way. Each session offers new perspective, deeper understanding, and practical tools that continue to unfold in your daily life.

 

Because development is ongoing, families are encouraged to return as children grow and seasons shift—building on new milestones, deepening their understanding, and continuing the journey toward raising confident, capable, and connected outdoor kids.