Registration Email List:
Family Programs
Full day Programs
Half Day Programs
Locations:
Arnprior & Petawawa
Kwey! Labdien! Bonjour! Welcome to
Out & About Forest and Nature School Inc.
Out & About Forest and Nature School Inc.
Out & Abouts’ mission is to support self-autonomy in children through play, inquiry and a skill-based curriculum.
We create programs that provide a nurturing environment where children and families feel a sense of community while fostering a deep connection with the land.
Our Programs
After-School Programs
A hands-on, after-school program where children build confidence, teamwork, and practical outdoor skills through play, exploration, and guided wilderness experiences.
(Full-time is currently closed and will open in Winter 2027)
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Ages: 6–14
Time: 5:30–6:30pm or 7–8pm
Length: 12 weeksOur After-School Bushcraft Program helps kids build confidence, teamwork, and real outdoor skills through play, exploration, and time in nature. Offered in two age groups.
What we explore (week to week):
Fire awareness and safety
Shelter building
Whittling and knife safety
Simple navigation
Plant and tree identification
Cordage making
Useful knots
Basic first aid
Locations: Arnprior, Beachburg, Petawawa
Family Programs
Full-Day Programs
A full-day outdoor program that encourages curiosity, independence, and resilience through child-led play, nature-based learning, and real-world experiences.
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Ages: 4–12
Time: 9am–3pmA full day outdoors designed to support independence, curiosity, and confidence. Each week includes new invitations, games, nature-based challenges, skill-building, and lots of open-ended play.
What this program supports:
Curiosity, independence, and creativity
Confidence and resilience through real outdoor experiences
Problem-solving, teamwork, and communication
Observation skills and environmental awareness
Hands-on learning that supports physical, emotional, and cognitive development
Locations: Petawawa, Foresters Falls
Pre-School Program
A welcoming outdoor program for families to connect, play, and explore nature together while building community and supporting early childhood development.
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Ages: All ages welcome
Caregiver required: Yes, accompanied by a parent, caregiver, or trusted adultBirch & Bud is a relaxed outdoor gathering for families who want more time outside together. Expect connection, play, simple nature activities, storytelling, and seasonal moments that feel meaningful and easy.
Community & connection:
Meet other families who value outdoor play
Join a welcoming, supportive community
Enjoy storytelling, seasonal celebrations, and shared experiences
Locations:
Petawawa
Foresters Falls
Deep River (coming soon)
Arnprior (coming soon)
A gentle, play-based outdoor program designed to nurture confidence, friendships, and a strong foundation for learning through meaningful time in nature.
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Ages: Preschool
Time: 9:30am–12pmA gentle, play-based outdoor program that helps preschoolers grow confidence, build friendships, and develop skills that support an easier transition into school, all while deepening their connection to nature.
What this program supports:
Confidence, independence, and creativity
Safe, thoughtful risk-taking
Friendships and cooperation
A stronger relationship with nature
A play-based foundation for school success
Locations: Petawawa, Foresters Falls
Featured Programs
Petawawa
Our Spaces
We are trialing a new location this Fall: 1408B Summers Road
Winter: We are located at Canyon Creek Farm in Pembroke!
https://canyoncreekfarm.ca/
This space will offer a shelter, opportunities for fire building, outdoor cooking, and more! Our Petawawa/Pembroke programs foster an inclusive community where children learn, play, and connect with nature through child-led exploration and shared experiences. We create a strong sense of belonging while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and meaningful connections with the land and one another.
This Petawawa/Pembroke site offers a true outdoor adventure experience, similar to backcountry camping. With no permanent shelter, children fully embrace the elements, from forest exploration to creative play with natural materials. A clean portable bathroom and our playful “tent city” on rainy days add to the adventure, making this location ideal for families seeking an immersive, nature-rich learning environment.
Arnprior
We are hosting winter programs at High Lonesome Nature Reserve this winter for Arnprior, Pakenham, and Almonte families (and everyone in between or outside!)
We are excited to offer our Bushcraft Program here this winter to introduce ourselves, learn more about our community, and get outside as we continue to expand and settle into our new location.
Upcoming Events
“I can only hope that our day is filled with mud explosions.”
- Noah, Age 6
Children must be independent toileting.
*Hosted by Kennedy and Arija!
8 Weeks
FRIDAYS
*Dates Below:
January:
January 15th
January 22nd
January 26th
February 5th
February 12th
February 19th
February 26th
March 5th
PRICE: $400/Child
*You will receive an invoice once registered and we accept payment via e-transfer. We do this to avoid charging families pesky website fees!
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: High Lonesome Nature Reserve
https://www.mmlt.ca/properties/high-lonesome-nature-reserve
Arctic Foxes: A Preschool Outdoor Program
This is our Fox Program! Here we support children as they grow in independence and confidence outdoors.
Arctic Foxes invites young children to build confidence in their choices and abilities in the winter months, and every season afterwards! Through play, exploration, and shared experiences, children build self-awareness and assessment being outdoors in all kinds of winter weather.
Each week offers simple, hands-on ways to enjoy the season. From learning basic winter skills to playing, creating, and connecting in nature. This program is perfect for children new to winter play as well as those eager to deepen their outdoor experiences.
What We Will Experience
Learn basic winter skills like shelter building and safe, family-friendly fires
Explore the forest by tracking animals and observing winter wildlife
Play and create through snow-based games and sensory activities
Gather in song and celebration with a special musical guest
Build connection with nature, your child, and other families
Some Winter Invitations May Look Like:
Snow Paint
Use water and natural pigments to paint designs on snow.
Nature Ice Ornaments
Freeze leaves, berries, and pine needles in water to create hanging art.
Winter Creations/Mandalas
Make beautiful pictures in the snow with natural materials found in winter.
Mini Snow Shelters
Build small shelters using snow, sticks, and evergreen boughs.
Winter Wand Crafts
Decorate sticks with yarn, fabric scraps, and natural materials for imaginative play.
Snow Dough Play
Mix snow with a bit of flour or cornstarch and oil to create moldable snow dough for sculpting.
Winter Fairy Potion Bottles
Fill jars with snow, water, sparkles, pine needles, and berries for imaginative play and storytelling.
Intro to Wilderness First Aid
Discover which plants offer medicinal purposes and support winter explorers when band-aids are unavailable!
Intro to Animal Pelts and Skulls
Our Director Arija’s father was a biologist and taught her to hunt - so over the years she has collected a variety of animal skulls and pelts to explore and learn about the different animals!
Come join our community of families who believe that every season holds something magical. Let’s explore, learn, and grow together in the heart of winter.