At Ignited Outdoor Learning Centre, we offer enriching Forest and Nature School programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children in Uxbridge and Newmarket, Ontario. Rooted in the principles of outdoor education and nature-based learning, our weekly and full-time programs support children’s development through hands-on exploration, free play, and deep connection to the natural world.
Whether it’s our Parent & Tot playgroups, holistic kindergarten, or school-aged forest school, each program is designed to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and foster social-emotional growth in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment.
Children spend meaningful time outdoors — discovering, creating, and learning as they grow into compassionate, resilient, and earth-connected individuals.
Outdoor Early Years Programs
Ages 1-5
Our early years programs offer a gentle, joyful introduction to nature-based learning. Whether through parent-and-tot playgroups, weekly drop-off preschool sessions, or full-time holistic kindergarten, children explore the outdoors through free play, storytelling, music, crafts, gardening, and seasonal rhythms. With guidance from experienced educators, these programs foster curiosity, connection, and confidence — laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and a smooth transition into kindergarten.
Parent & Child, Ages: 1-4
Weekly from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, offered in Uxbridge & Newmarket. Introduce your little one to nature through outdoor play, sensory exploration, and seasonal activities like nature walks, crafts, music, and gardening. Sessions include visits to local farms and conservation areas, fostering connection with the land and community. A gentle, joyful start to kindergarten readiness through shared experiences in nature. (Children in carriers are free alongside older siblings).
Preschool/Kinders, Ages: 2.5-5
Weekly from 9:30AM - 12:00PM, offered in Uxbridge & Newmarket. A half-day or full-day outdoor program introducing Forest and Nature School principles in a safe, nurturing environment. Children explore gardens, forests, and farms through play-based learning that includes art, literacy, numeracy, movement, and games.
Full Time Holistic Nature Kindergarten, Ages 3.8 - 6
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM, offered in Uxbridge & Newmarket. A full-time, nature-based kindergarten where children learn through child-led play, hands-on exploration, and deep connection with the land. Set on a 12-acre forest and homestead, small class sizes nurture curiosity, creativity, and growth through art, literacy, numeracy, movement, and theatre.
Forest Family Weekend Fun, All Ages
Join us for seasonal gatherings that celebrate nature, community, and outdoor play. Families connect through hikes, gardening, forest exploration, and hands-on activities like caring for hens and planting in the garden. This free (or by-donation) program offers a welcoming space for children to play freely in nature and build lasting connections with the land—and each other.
Outdoor
School-Aged
Programs
Ages 5-11
Our school-aged offerings provide meaningful nature-based learning beyond the classroom. Through weekly or monthly forest school groups and our nature-based homeschool co-op, children gain life skills, explore their interests, and build lasting friendships in a supportive outdoor environment. These programs emphasize creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and a deepening connection to the land — making them a powerful complement to traditional or homeschool education.
Forest School, Ages: 5-10
Weekly from 9:30AM - 3:00PM, offered in Uxbridge & Newmarket. Our full-day, nature-based programs support resilience, curiosity, and confidence by giving children space to explore at their own pace. With a focus on whole-child development, we return to familiar outdoor spaces to foster belonging, creativity, and growth through play, connection, and wonder.
Homeschooling Club, Ages 4+
Weekly from 1:00PM-3:00PM, offered only in Newmarket. Younger Siblings Welcome. A gathering for homeschooling families to connect through seasonal themes, mindfulness, art, and poetry. Children and caregivers return to the same natural spaces, fostering deep relationships with the land and each other, while cultivating curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Full Time Holistic Nature Kindergarten, Ages 3.8 - 6
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM, offered in Uxbridge & Newmarket. A full-time, nature-based kindergarten where children learn through child-led play, hands-on exploration, and deep connection with the land. Set on a 12-acre forest and homestead, small class sizes nurture curiosity, creativity, and growth through art, literacy, numeracy, movement, and theatre.
Monthly Outdoor Skills, Ages 6-12
Last Friday every Month, offered only in Uxbridge. This monthly program invites children to explore nature-based learning, build confidence, and reconnect with themselves in a supportive, inclusive outdoor setting. Kids follow their interests, while those 9+ can take on leadership roles by mentoring younger groups. Together, we create community through bonfires, camping trips, and seasonal celebrations.
Our Locations
Uxbridge
Located on a peaceful 12-acre homestead near Concession 6 & Davis Drive. Children explore forests, creeks, gardens, animals, and cozy indoor spaces. Field trips are part of the learning too.
Uxbridge
Newmarket
Programs run at Sharon Hope United Church Community Garden and the Rogers Conservation Area. We also visit local farms and animal sanctuaries to deepen learning.