Policies & Frequently Asked Questions

What ages does the program serve?

Grow Outside Nature Play, LLC (“Grow Outside Nature Play”, “Grow Outside”, “the program”) is designed for children ages 1-8 years. The curriculum is specifically created for a wide age range and can be adapted to meet the needs of all learners. Children younger than 1 year or older than 8 years are welcome to try a class to see if it is a good fit.

Is this program a good fit for my child and their individual needs?

At Grow Outside Nature Play, we strongly believe in serving ALL learners, and classes are designed with this core value in mind. Children are provided with enticing invitations to play and guidance along the way, but individual explorers have the freedom to engage in play in the way best suited to them. Accommodations and modifications can be made for a range of ages, learning styles, physical abilities, and intellectual needs. If you have specific questions or concerns about meeting your child's needs, please reach out at growoutsidenatureplay@outlook.com.

Can siblings come for free?

Siblings under 12 months of age may join at no cost. Siblings over one year should enroll in the class and will receive a 25% discount.

If a sibling needs to attend a one-off session (for example, due to a day off from school), they can attend one class without enrolling. Families are asked to notify the teacher if an extra child needs to attend for a session so they can prepare any necessary materials. If a sibling needs to attend more than one extra session, the family is asked to pay the $25 drop-in fee for that child.

Can I drop my child off?

No. All children must be accompanied by a guide (trusted caregiver) for the entire length of class.

Can families try a class before enrolling in the program?

Grow Outside Nature Play hosts free playdates, community events, and trial classes open to all families. Please check our class listings for more information. During the season, families can try ONE class for free if they have not participated in a free trial class previously.

Can I bring a friend?

We’d love for you to bring a friend! New families can try an in-season class for no cost, as long as they have not participated in a previous free trial. If your friend enrolls, you will receive a $10 refund on your registration fee!

Are refunds offered?

If a refund is requested 7 days before the season of classes begins, families can receive a refund of 90%.

If a refund is requested 6 days before the season of classes begins or any time thereafter, families can receive a refund for half of the value of the remaining sessions in the season, minus 10% for processing fees.

What happens in inclement weather?

At Grow Outside, we believe in playing outside during all types of weather, as long as it is safe to do so. This means you should not assume class is cancelled because it is raining or snowing, for example. Decisions about whether it is safe to hold class are determined by the teacher and include factors such as severe weather, air quality, extreme heat, and extreme cold. Families will be updated at least 90 minutes prior to class by email. Adults should always use their own judgement in determining whether or not the weather is safe for their families and personal circumstances.

What happens if a session is cancelled?

If a Tinkergarten class session is cancelled due to weather or extenuating circumstances (e.g., teacher illness), a makeup session will be scheduled when possible. Makeup sessions may take place on a different day during the week of the cancelled class or may be added on to the end of the season. Families will not receive a refund for rescheduled classes if they are unable to attend.

Grow Outside Nature Play reserves the right to cancel two classes per season without offering a makeup class. In the unlikely event more than two classes are cancelled without a makeup session, families will be refunded for the additional cancelled classes.

In the event of a cancelled special event outside of the normal Tinkergarten season classes, a full refund will be provided.

What if I have to miss a class?

Credits and refunds are not offered for classes missed by families. Families are encouraged to access Tinkergarten Anywhere for missed content.

How are photos/videos used?

Grow Outside uses photographs and videos to illustrate learning concepts and promote outdoor play and playful learning on our website, social media, and in other materials/media. Before participation in Grow Outside, parents/guardians are asked to grant permission for their child(ren)’s photograph to be used in this way.

Parents/guardians often choose to share pictures of their children at play during class across social media, as they do with many other kids activities. We respect that those choices are up to the individual parent.

What is required to participate in class?

All participants must complete a waiver prior to participation in any class/event. Waivers will be provided after registration and prior to the first class.

Do I need to bring anything?

The teacher will communicate any specific needs for individual classes, but in general families should be prepared to bring a blanket (for sitting), weather appropriate clothing, a water bottle (for drinking), and any additional items their child(ren) may need (e.g., snacks, sunscreen, change of clothes for messy play).

How does the teacher foster a safe learning environment during class?

Each explorer (child) is accompanied by a guide (parent or caregiver). The teacher does all that they reasonably can to provide a learning environment that allows for safe risk-taking and supports guides in supporting their explorers.

The teacher brings a first aid kit to class, which can be utilized by guides (attending adults) if needed.

The teacher will offer instruction, guidance, and support throughout class. Children are always under the care of their trusted adult who is responsible for their safety.

A few, simple rules help to address most situations:

Explorers (children) can explore on their own as long as they can still see or hear their guide or the teacher.
If explorers are taking physical risks, we check in to make sure that they feel sturdy and safe in their risk-taking. Guides are ultimately responsible for the children in their care. The teacher will provide support.
Children are encouraged to engage in exploratory play but are given clear redirection if or when safety and the safety of friends in the class could be compromised. For example, we celebrate that sticks are the #1 toy of all time, but we make sure that our sticks have plenty of space so they do not touch our friends' bodies. Ultimately, over time, we want to help children learn how to learn their limits while still playing in a way that keeps them and their friends out of true harm.

Effective 8/16/2023, updated 1/5/2024. Grow Outside Nature Play, LLC reserves the right to update these policies at any time.