mud makers
Our mud play classes are designed to embrace messy play with simple tools like buckets, water and dirt or invitations to play that involve nature art, food, science, building, cooking, and so much more. The addition of "indoor toys" can intrigue even the most mud adverse explorers whereas our Introduction to Mud Cooking class encourages "mud chefs" to think about the connection between food and nature while learning about eating the rainbow in age-appropriate terms.
Ages 1.5-8 welcome
Tinkergarten Playgroup
We are inspired by the TInkergarten "Curriculum" to explore in nature each season and in most safe weather conditions. Each class is rooted in rituals, repetition and child-led play. We sing a couple of songs and learn about a featured creature who inspires our play, then explore as we make our way down to the woods. Our classes nurture the 8 key skills need to thrive in our ever-challenging world: persistence, problem solving, creativity, communication, empathy, wellness, focus and sensory.
Ages 1.5-8 welcome
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Pop-ups
We offer a variety of pop-up classes which are dependent upon the season. In the past we have had fun exploring pollinators, maple syrup, creating bug hotels and forest & food STEM!
Ages 1.5-8 welcome
Seasonal Celebrations
We celebrate seasonal changes with the opportunity to connect with our community at the park through our Lantern Walks, Solstice and Equinox events and community potlucks. These are treasured events in our community and we look forward to them each year. All are welcome.
Ages 0-120 welcome
Child-led Woodworking
Willowdale Workshop offers a fun, low-pressure opportunity to expose explorers, from a young age, to skilled trades in the form of open-ended, play-based woodworking.
This isn't your "big box store" woodworking experience; kids design, build and paint their creations from start to finish. This past fall we built a holiday village and we look forward to working as a team this May to build a Little Free Library for Stark Park.