Free Forest School Groups
We currently have 214 groups in 46 states and 7 countries. To access group and event info, you will need to become a member.
Local groups are based on counties (counties are sometimes grouped into metro areas). If you don’t see your county listed, you can start a group in your local area (you will need to create an account in order to start a group).
Hawaii
Montana
South Dakota
Vermont
Washington DC
Our Outdoors members say being part of their nature play community…
Nurtures deep and lasting friendships—for kids and adults!
Helps build a nature play routine
Deepens imaginative play and collaboration
Helps kids establish a strong connection to the natural environment
Provides support and builds caregiver confidence
What our nature play community members are saying:
“The FFS community definitely helped me to become more comfortable ‘letting go’ and allowing my kids to play freely outdoors.”
— Andrea Bethards, Texas
“The core concept of Free Forest School is based on something so simple it can be easy to miss. …Witnessing the wonder and imagination that has grown from these seemingly simple experiences has been a joy as a father. FFS has become a place where my children shed rules and develop common sense, replace pictures of the woods and water with memories of their own, and create lasting friendships with others who share a kinship with the forest.”
— James Bujold, Minnesota
“FFS allowed me to feel comfortable going into the woods on a regular basis with my kids… [with] our FFS community I felt a sense of belonging and connection.”
— Alanna Beckwith, Oregon
Local Group FAQs
How do I join my local nature play group?
Once you are a member of Our Outdoors, you can search for groups by county to find your Local Group. If there isn’t one for your county, you can sign up to start one.
What happens in local outdoor play groups?
Through the Local Groups feature, you’ll be able to connect with others based on your location. Groups are places where folks can come together to ask questions, share ideas and advice, commiserate, collaborate, and plan and learn about Events in your area.
Who moderates the local nature play groups?
Each Local Group is moderated online by a volunteer Group Host Team who live in the area. They help facilitate discussion and connection online, with assistance from Our Outdoors’ Community Engagement Guides, as needed.
What if my county doesn’t have a local outdoor play group yet?
If your county doesn’t have a Local Group yet, you can sign up to start one. You can also join Interest Groups to connect with people across the country for ideas and support on certain topics until your Local Group gets going.
Who hosts the Events in the local nature play groups?
Any Our Outdoors member can post Events to the Community Events Calendar.
Can I volunteer to help?
Yes! Volunteers play key roles in Our Outdoors and there are many ways you can help:
Join your Local Group Host Team to help moderate local discussion
Become an Interest Group Host to help moderate platform-wide discussion
Post local, in-person events to the Events Calendar (whether ones you are hosting yourself or community events hosted by others)
Join a committee of the Board of Directors to represent your Local Group
OR simply participate in conversations and reflections across the platform to share your ideas and engage with others
When I’m traveling, can I join local outdoor play groups in other areas?
Absolutely! Visiting Free Forest School groups away from home is a great way to find community on the road.
I live outside the US - Is Our Outdoors available to my community?
Yes and no. Many (but not all) functions of Our Outdoors are available outside the U.S.:
Available: Interest Groups, Explorations, Local Groups
Not Available: Events (not available due to liability issues)
