About the event

Welcome to Nature Tots

Nature Tots is an outdoor playgroup inspired by the Forest School Principles, created to spark curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of nature and the great outdoors. Every session is child-led, and children are given the opportunity to explore sensory play in nature and take part in nature-based activities, such as bug hunting, swinging in the hammock, and playing in the mud kitchen, whilst maintaining a focus on early years outdoor learning through play! 🌿🐞

Nature Tots and Child Development

Physical development – Children are given the opportunity to climb, dig, and balance. At Nature Tots, they also refine fine motor skills through knot tying, supervised tool use, and craft activities.

Emotional Wellbeing & Resilience – Our Wilder Learning team creates calm spaces that nurture child-led play, where a child’s self-confidence can grow through achievable challenges, where they will have the opportunity to develop resilience by pursuing their own ideas and correcting those ideas if needed.

Social & Communication Skills - Children can work together when taking part in outdoor activities, such as den building and creating in the mud kitchen. Where they can share ideas and solve problems together.

Cognitive Development & Problem-Solving - Children put their own thoughts into practice, test their ideas, and change those ideas when necessary.

Creativity & Imagination - Nature has all the tools needed to bring a child’s imagination to life! Mud can become paint, and the potential of a stick is endless. Natural resources give children the opportunity for unstructured play and spark flexible creativity.

Connection to Nature & Environmental Awareness - It is understood that spending time in nature is very important when it comes to supporting our own well-being. By spending time in nature from a young age, children are provided with that practice early on, which will hopefully continue to support their own well-being as they grow through all stages of life.

Supported Risk & Self-Confidence - Children are provided with opportunities for risk-taking, which is appropriate and safe. Outdoor activities such as climbing trees and using tools will help children become independent and confident individuals who learn to trust their own judgement.

Holistic Development – The Forest School Principles recognise that each developmental focus is interlinked and the bigger picture in supporting a child’s development.

Group Information

The group runs on the second Monday of every month. If you would like to join us in another month, no problem! Click on the date you would like to join us below.

Dates: 9 February, 9 March, 

FAQs

📍Where do we meet?

This event takes place near the Cottage Car Park for Thameside Nature Discovery Park. This is at the entrance of the site before you go through the gate.

🎫 Who needs a ticket to attend?

Nature Tots at Thameside is suitable for children aged 18 months to 5 years. Siblings under 18 months are very welcome to attend, but they do not require a ticket.

🌳Will the activities take place outside? 

Yes, Nature Tots is an outdoor playgroup, and we will be outside for the whole session. 

🥾What should we wear?

Most of our events are held outdoors, so please come dressed for the weather.  We recommend layers (top and bottom), which can get mucky. Wellies (with thick socks) and waterproofs are a good shout if you have them. 

🌍Where are you based?

We are located in Thurrock, between East Tilbury and Stanford-le-Hope

🚗Is there parking?

Yes. We have a large free car park.

🚻Are there toilets?

Yes, there is a toilet located in the cottage.

🐕‍🦺Can we bring a dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome at our events.

☕Is there a Cafe or shop? 

The visitor centre has a shop and café serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, ice cream, and light lunches. 

Please read the event booking terms and conditions here:

Booking terms and conditions