Nature in the heart of Brooklyn
Since 2014, Brooklyn Nature Days has offered forest school classes for children in Prospect Park. Sunshine, raindrops, trees, plants, and animals all provide opportunities for the kids to lead the way — playing, learning, creating, exploring, and discovering outside.
Our Philosophy
Nature provides an expansive outdoor classroom that inspires and excites kids to move, create, explore, discover, question, and engage with each other. Fresh air, open spaces, the quiet and calm pace, and a landscape of trees, plants, and living creatures offers a freedom and wonder that is unmatched, especially in the heart of a city. Exploring outside is safe and builds confidence, independence, and competence.
But What Are They Learning?
The benefits of time spent in nature are proven to have a strong & positive influence over emotional well being, physical & cognitive growth, & social connection. We want to instill the idea that we are all part of something bigger and no matter our age, we can actively participate in taking care of each other and the world around us. Check out our photo logs and follow us on instagram to see what we’ve been up to in the park!
Enroll in our Fall 2025 Classes!
A handful of spots are available
We hike, play, and create using our natural surroundings as inspiration. Incorporating opportunities for art, music, stories, and ample movement - we embrace the magic of the fall season!
Join us for anywhere from 1-5 days per week! All classes are drop-off & open to children ages 20 months - 4 years old as well as older kiddos from Pre-K to 2nd Grade.
Summer in the City 🌻
Thank you for another great year! Our 2025 season has come to a close. Our next summer enrollment will open in February 2026!
Our philosophy centers on unstructured free play and open-ended exploration, encouraging children to engage creatively with tools and materials. With a low teacher-to-child ratio, our educators are able to support small, child-led projects and spontaneous adventures in a deeply responsive and meaningful way.
After School Classes are on hiatus until Spring 2026 while we conduct a forest school residency for a local public school. 🌳
Check back with us soon for spring after school plans!
Our after school classes allow children the freedom to actively learn while regularly immersing themselves with nature in the heart of Brooklyn. Using the seasons, plants, and animals as inspiration, and provided with simple tools and found and recycled materials, children are invited to lead the way: hiking, climbing, creating, singing, digging, painting, playing, and working together while connecting with nature. In the true spirit of forest school, we embrace the weather and meet year round in the sun, rain, and snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using the seasons, plants, and animals as inspiration, and provided with simple tools, the kids are invited to lead the way climbing, creating, digging, and connecting with nature. We offer a small group size and a low student to teacher ratio, allowing us to move through the park with ease and ensuring all the children are safe and heard as we explore. We encourage you to check out our FAQ for a list of answers to common questions and to get a better idea of what our classes are like!
BND Merch is now available!
When you purchase an item from our shop you’re directly contributing to support nature-based programming in Brooklyn.
