Nuthatch Gardens’ Farm Recess & Nature Enrichment (FRNE)

Unleash curiosity, creativity, and connection with nature! Visit the farm with your children to make friends at the gardens, explore and enjoy outdoor free play, and engage in farm and nature-themed learning activities cultivated for the season. FRNE offers outdoor free play, educational walks, mindful nature practices, imaginative nature crafts; we encourage independence, cultivate curiosity, and have fun!

Below, find information about our Spring Session & planned themes, a “FAQ” section, and links to more info and research on the importance of outside time, free play in nature, and more. And sign up your child for individual sessions or buy a package here!

Spring Session 2025 & Tentative Spring Themes

Spring Session: Mondays and Thursdays. Timing is from after school (4:00pm-ish) until 6:00pm, with our activity/lesson from 4:45-5:15pm. Our planned themes for the various dates are here below (please note that for weather or other reasons, themes could change).

4/3 (Th) Craft: Process Art Using Natural Materials

4/7 (M) Guided Nature Hike

4/10 (Th) Craft: Clay impressions/Patterns in Nature

4/14 (M) Guided Stream Exploration

4/17 (Th) Egg Coloring with Natural Dyes

4/21 (M) Craft: Wildflower Seed Balls

4/24 (Th) Goat Meet & Greet/Storytime with the Goats

4/28 (M) Craft: Fairy-Inspired Creations

5/1 (Th) May Day & Phototropic Plants and Plant a Sunflower House

5/5 (M) Craft: Fibonacci Patterns

5/8 (Th) Plant Defenses Hike & ID (Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac, Barberry, Poisonous plants, & more!)

5/12 (M) Birdwatching & Forest Mindfulness Activity

5/15 (Th) Craft: Make a reused cardboard flower press

5/19 (M) Plant dissection or seed dispersal activity

5/22 (Th) Craft: Butter & Fresh Herbs

5/26 (Memorial Day) – No farm enrichment today

5/29 (Th) Fire building techniques and campfire cooking

FRNE Frequently Asked Questions

What is Farm Recess & Nature Enrichment (FRNE)? In a nutshell, FRNE (“fern”) is a chance for parents to increase their children’s time outdoors and in nature, primarily through free-play and exploration, with a short nature-related activity/lesson during each session.

Why should my kid participate in FRNE? We have a backyard! Awesome – we hope your kiddos take full advantage of that backyard! FRNE is a great complement to that for your child:

  • They won’t be tempted/distracted by screens – and will play with new and familiar friends.

  • FRNE takes place on a working flower farm, has a creek, woods and fields to explore, as well as goats, chickens, and bunnies to meet!

  • We do the prep, guiding, and clean-up for engaging nature-based activities (think short/guided hikes, stream exploration, clay impressions, natural egg dye, story time with goats & more).

  • FRNE is a bargain at $15 for drop-ins, with package & sibling discounts.

When does FRNE happen? This SPRING session of FRNE will be Mondays & Thursdays, 4:00-6:00pm. You are welcome to arrive/depart anytime there-in – just note that our programmed activities will be from 4:45-5:15pm.

What ages are FRNE kids? We are targeting the activities to ages 7-11, but we welcome other ages and siblings — FRNE is for everyone!

What is expected of parents? This is not a drop-off activity – you are welcome to participate, avail yourself of “parent porch area” seating/WiFi, take in the gardens or wander our trails.

Why is nature exploration and outdoor play so important?

(aka, some fun reading and further research for you!)

At Nuthatch Gardens, we encourage you to learn as much as possible about the benefits of outdoor play. Here are some resources we’ve loved; maybe you’ll find them interesting, too!

Let’s start with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which emphasizes the importance of outdoor play in promoting children's development. In their article "Playing Outside: Why It's Important for Kids," the AAP highlights several key benefits of outdoor play:

  • Physical Health: Outdoor play encourages physical activity, which is essential for developing motor skills and maintaining a healthy weight.

  • Cognitive Development: Engaging with nature stimulates curiosity and learning, enhancing problem-solving abilities and creativity.

  • Social Skills: Playing outside often involves interactions with peers, helping children develop communication skills, cooperation, and empathy.

  • Emotional Well-being: Exposure to natural environments has been linked to reduced stress and improved mood, contributing to overall emotional health.

The AAP also notes that unstructured outdoor play allows children to explore their surroundings, take risks, and develop a sense of independence and confidence. However, they observe that opportunities for free play have decreased due to structured schedules and increased screen time, potentially limiting these developmental benefits. To support and encourage outdoor play, the AAP recommends that parents and caregivers provide safe environments, set aside dedicated time for play, and actively participate with children in outdoor activities. For more detailed information, you can refer to the AAP's article: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/playing-outside-why-its-important-for-kids.aspx

Here are several more resources that we want to share with you:

If you are interested in a few more lists and resources, check these out: