Nature-Based Learning Programs

Many children do their best learning when they can move, explore, ask questions, and spend time outside. OPCC’s outdoor programs are built around that idea. Through nature-based learning, children take part in outdoor experiences that support confidence, creativity, cooperation, and early problem-solving.

About Our Nature Programs

Early childhood learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. It happens on trails, in open green spaces, through group play, and hands-on activities. We’ve designed our outdoor learning programs to support these experiences with outdoor education that feels active, social, and purposeful.

Children are given opportunities to explore materials, notice patterns, work together, and make decisions in the moment. These experiences help strengthen communication, self-regulation, independence, and social confidence.

Learning Through Doing

Children build skills when they can take part directly in the experience. Outdoor play, sensory exploration, and group activities help turn curiosity into action.

Space To Build Confidence

Natural environments invite children to try, adjust, and try again. That process supports resilience, independence, and comfort with new experiences.

Growth That Fits Early Childhood

Programs are shaped around the way young children learn best through movement, repetition, play, observation, and connection with others.

Forest & Nature PA Day Program

4 to 8 Years
Drop off program

The Forest and Nature Program brings children into outdoor spaces where the day unfolds through guided activities, open-ended exploration, and shared discovery. Children spend the day outdoors with outdoor education specialists in a setting that supports both fun and development. They will investigate natural materials, take part in games and creative challenges, and learn through experiences that support attention, cooperation, and confidence. This program is being offered on all Halton District School Board PA Days for the 2026/2027 school year.

Sessions:
Friday, October 9th
Friday, November 27th
Friday, February 5th
Monday, April 19th
Friday, June 4th

Time: 9:30am-1:30pm

Fee: 64$ per child

Location: 481 North Service Rd W., Unit 25
Programming takes place in the Indian Ridge Trail forest.

Please note: Children must arrive with a water bottle, nut-free lunch and snacks, weather appropriate outdoor attire, and a change of clothes for the day.

Before registering, please review our Parent Handbook and Guide to Risky Play. This program includes a lot of walking; please consider this when registering your child.

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Family Nature Club

2 to 6 Years
Parent attended program

Spend a Saturday morning exploring, creating and connecting in nature as a family. Each month features a new hands-on experience – from foraging and birding to nature art and forest play. Learn something new. Make something together. And get to know the Land along the way.

Sessions:
October 3: Family Foraging and Wild Plants Workshop
November 7 : Family Birding
December 12: Family Natural Art Explorations

Time: Saturdays, 10-11:30 am

Cost: $15 per child

Location: Field Beside 481 North Service Rd W, Unit 25 and Indian Ridge Trail Forest

Please note: This is not a drop-off program. A parent or caregiver must be present.

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Nature Lab

2 to 6 Years
Parent attended program

Each month begins with a new question inspired by the natural world. Families investigate using real specimens, pelts, skulls, feathers, field tools, natural materials, art and sensory experiences before taking their learning onto the trails.

Sessions:
Friday October 23: Tracks and Scat
Thursday November 19: Autumn Harvest
Friday December 4: Winter Survival

Time: 10-11:30 am

Cost: $12.50 per child

Location: Field Beside 481 North Service Rd W, Unit 25 and Indian Ridge Trail Forest

Please note: This is not a drop-off program. A parent or caregiver must be present.

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Frequently Asked Questions About our Nature-Based Learning Programs

Are the programs drop-off only?

All recreation programs (ie. summer camp and PA day programs) are drop-off programming.

All enrichment programs however are deisgned for children and their parent/caregiver to participate in together.

What happens if the weather isn’t ideal for an outdoor program?

Safety comes first. OPCC’s extreme weather policy allows educators to use indoor spaces when needed.

How do I know if the program is right for my child’s age?

Each program is designed for a specific age range and stage of development. If your child falls outside the listed age guidance, the program may not be the right fit.

All drop-off outdoor recreation programs are designed for children 4-8 years of age. The age range for enrichment programs vary depending on the content of the program, so to be sure you’ve chosen the appropriate program, check the individual program descriptions for exact age ranges.

What happens if a program is full?

If you are on the correct registration page and the program no longer appears as an option, that usually means it is full. We do offer a waitlist for our programs in case a space becomes available.

What if I miss a class due to illness or vacation?

OPCC requires 5 days’ notice for cancellations. Make-up classes and refunds are not offered for missed classes due to illness or vacation.

Need help choosing a program?

Our team is available to answer your questions and help you find the right fit for your child and family. Whether you’re comparing options, looking for family programs Oakville families recommend, or trying to decide which program matches your child’s stage, we’re here to help!

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