Nature School is an outdoor enrichment experience designed for our oldest learners in the EAGLES Pre-K/Kindergarten class. It gives children the chance to slow down, look closely, and build a meaningful relationship with the natural world through regular time spent outdoors.

At Kidspace, we believe nature is a powerful teacher. When children explore outside, they are not just burning energy. They are noticing patterns, asking questions, solving problems, and developing a sense of wonder that supports learning across every domain.

Nature School is offered as part of our core program and reflects our belief that rich learning happens both indoors and out.

Where Does Nature School Take Place?

Nature School takes place at Orchard West Park, where children spend extended time exploring a consistent outdoor area each week. Returning to the same space allows children to build familiarity and confidence as they observe seasonal changes, discover plants and animals, and engage in hands-on projects inspired by the environment around them.

This is a rain-or-shine experience. Children learn that nature does not stop when the weather changes, and with the right gear, outdoor exploration can be both comfortable and rewarding in every season.

What Does a Nature School Day Look Like?

During Nature School, children are encouraged to explore, observe, and interact with their surroundings at a developmentally appropriate pace. You will often see children examining leaves, noticing insects, building with natural materials, or working together to solve simple challenges that arise naturally outdoors.

These experiences support gross motor development, early science and math thinking, language growth, and social skills. Just as importantly, they help children build resilience, confidence, and a sense of connection to the world around them.

Nature School is not about rushing through activities. It is about giving children the time and space to engage deeply, follow their curiosity, and learn through real experiences.

Why Nature School Matters for Kindergarten-Age Children

Research continues to show that regular nature play supports children’s physical health, emotional well-being, social development, academic performance, and cognitive growth. Children who spend time learning outdoors often show increased focus, stronger problem-solving skills, and greater emotional resilience.

At Kidspace, Nature School supports our whole-child approach. It complements our classroom learning while honoring the developmental needs of older preschool and kindergarten-age children who are ready for longer periods of exploration and responsibility.

Who Participates in Nature School?

Nature School is offered only to children enrolled in the EAGLES Pre-K/Kindergarten class. Children in our Starlings and Chickadees preschool classrooms do not attend Nature School.

This intentional structure ensures that the experience matches children’s developmental readiness and supports their growing independence and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nature School

Is Nature School included in tuition?
Yes. Nature School is part of the Kidspace program and does not require an additional fee.

How often do children attend Nature School?
Children in the EAGLES class attend Nature School weekly as part of their regular schedule.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Nature School runs rain or shine. Families are asked to provide appropriate rain and cold-weather gear so children can stay comfortable outdoors.

Is Nature School safe?
Yes. Children are closely supervised by experienced educators, and activities are thoughtfully planned to support safety, confidence, and exploration.

Do younger preschool classes attend Nature School?
No. Nature School is only for children in the EAGLES Pre-K/Kindergarten class.

Interested in Learning More?

Nature School is one of the many ways Kidspace supports curiosity, confidence, and whole-child development. If you would like to learn more about our programs or explore whether Kidspace is the right fit for your family, we invite you to connect with us.

Reach out to schedule a tour or request more information about enrollment.

What families say about our program.

Loving, Caring, and Attentive to Each Child’s Needs

We love Kidspace so much! The teachers are so caring and dedicated to helping the kids learn and grow. They are so thoughtful about coming up with activities that would interest and challenge each student. The teachers are also very dedicated to helping kids work on their social and emotional skills. They really meet the kids where they are at, instead of trying to make the kids fit into their classroom. It is very clear that they are experienced educators, and not just babysitters trying to get through the day. We had a tough experience at another preschool in Vancouver, so it was such a relief to finally feel at home at Kidspace!

Truly, every single teacher and staff member is lovely and caring. Everyone knows all of our names, even teachers from other classes. And they are very careful and thoughtful about our kid’s allergies. It’s a relief to send him to school feeling like he is in safe hands.

We also love the play-based curriculum — our kid comes home every day with a new project or story about a fun classroom activity. He is excited to go to school and see all his friends and teachers. What a joy! I am so glad we found Kidspace.

Beth Ford

Happy, Engaged, Supported Independent Play

My husband and I found Kidspace while searching for an alternative to the daycare our 3 year old daughter was previously enrolled in. We toured several different locations, but the moment we found Kidspace we stopped our search. As we toured the classes, we saw happy, engaged, supported independent play. It was like night and day from our previous childcare experiences.

We have been there for a year now, and it is not just our favorite childcare facility in Vancouver, it is one of our favorite places in Vancouver, period. Our daughter comes home excited about what she learned and what she explored every day. Her teachers, Miss Shasta and Miss Tracy are kind, attentive, and endlessly positive. The director of the school, Miss Kathy is one of the most thoughtful, reflective, and compassionate people I know. She runs a truly special program.

When my husband and I talk about our experience with KidSpace, the one thing we repeatedly say is, “I can’t believe this place isn’t at the top of the search results when you look for preschools. I can’t believe our good fortune in them having space for our daughter!”

Jennifer McIntyre

Opened Up a World

Kidspace was absolutely instrumental in my daughter’s growth. Her first language was Vietnamese when we enrolled and yesterday when I said it was very windy outside she said, “No, Papa, it’s blustery!”

This staff is all in on student-centered learning and the arts, crafts, and activities are just next level compared to other preschools. They’ve opened up a world in my daughters mind and we are so grateful to have found this place.

If there was a sixth star rating they’d get it. Worth every penny. Thank you

Scott Million

Perfect Fit

A little over three years ago when we first walked through the doors of KIDSPACE, we knew we’d found our fit. We’ve watched our son grow so much through his Chickadee, Bluebird, and Robin years.

KIDSPACE became home. And the amenities aren’t just limited to the high ceilings, fantastic gym, whimsical playground, and classrooms packed full of the best math, science, sensory, music, building blocks, table toy/manipulatives, libraries, and art centers. No, what makes a house a home is love. The teachers and staff have loved us all like family and we feel the same way. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to lay the foundation for our son’s education.

Katie Scot

Awesome Teachers

After visiting 6 different preschools in the area, we chose kidspace. They work with an in depth curriculum which is suited for the age group. They provide essential social skills and most importantly, the awesome teachers provide and loving and safe environment. Kathy, the owner is an experienced educator and runs a superb school. This school is truly the highest quality you will find. My son has grown by leaps and bounds in all areas in the two years he has been here.

Valerie Jones

Getting Out Energy Through Play

“My son, who is an only child and pretty introverted is absolutely LOVING Kidspace. It’s only day 4 as I write this review, and he goes 3x per week and I think he wishes he could go more! He is already learning so much, and thriving. The space truly nurtures his natural athletic ability, so that was a very important factor for us when choosing a preschool. He thinks the gym at Kidspace is his own American Ninja Warrior training space, so that’s pretty funny and awesome for us because he’s actually tired at night. He can really get out all that energy he has through play, but also learn so much about social skills and communicating his emotions, etc. They spend a lot of time outside and that’s so important! I highly recommend Kidspace.”

Meagan Hope

Well-rounded Education

“We have had two kids attend here and both have truly excelled when entering kindergarten thanks to KIDSPACE. They were always excited to go attend, even after 2.5 years! The staff is educated, and they teach in a wonderful, creative environment that is built on an excellent curriculum. They also go beyond that to teach manners, feelings, and basic life and self-managing skills. Most importantly, they do this because they are passionate to teach, and you can tell that. It has been a great experience for us and the kids!”

Kimberly Nelson

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