Voted Eugene's Favorite Preschool
Adventure. Friendship. Confidence. It All Starts Here!
At Oregon Outdoor Kids Forest Preschool, children spend every day playing outside, exploring nature, making friends, and building their confidence through play-based and child-lead learning. Every adventure helps them grow into more curious, more capable and more compassionate humans.
Why Families Love Outdoor Kids
Families find us when they want more outside time for their kids, playing, climbing, exploring, finding bugs, getting dirty, and actually experiencing childhood instead of sitting inside.
At Oregon Outdoor Kids, the forest is the classroom.
You’d be amazed how at home the children become in nature, their imaginations come alive, sticks become magic wands, a tree becomes a hideout, a fallen log becomes a pirate ship.
This is proof that children thrive when allowed to create from their world of creativity and possibilities. No toys or playground equipment needed – you’ll find the kids using rocks as slides, tree branches as their teeter totters, rolling down grassy hills, building forts, the possibilities are endless, and the children lead the way.
No two days are ever the same.
Real outdoor childhood
We are the only 100% outdoor preschool in Eugene, and are in our 12th year of spending our days in the forests, fields and trails around Eugene OR. Here children are leaders, and we support the discoveries that spark their interests. They will come home with so much knowledge about nature and even more curiosity.
A small, tight-knit group of kids
Every child matters here. We move through the day together like a tight-knit little pack. Being with the same group of kids all year creates a strong bond and they become very much part of the Oregon Outdoor Kids family, they support, encourage and look out for each other, they make sure no one is left out and no one is ever left behind.
Confidence that sneaks up on them
You’ll see it happen slowly – hesitant kids start trying new things, taking risks, learning awareness for their bodies, the environment they are in, and each other, surprising themselves with how capable they are, I can’t turns to I can, and then teaching a friend how.
Families are often surprised by the difference they see in their children. They come for the outdoor time, and leave with a confident, capable child who is ready for the next adventure, whatever that may be.
Friendship in Motion
Kids don’t just sit in a classroom here, they are out doing things in this unique experience together. They are the leaders and explorers, making collaborative decisions together. Climbing mountains together. They are adventuring buddies, finding new discoveries, learning about nature and sharing in the excitement with each other. That’s where real friendships form.
Weather is part of the adventure
Rain, mud, frost, sunshine, the rythms of the earth are all part of the experience. Kids learn how nature adapts, changes and grows with the seasons, and how they are part of that. They quickly come to realize that weather almost always looks worse staring out of the window, and that they don’t have to hide away indoors. They experience it, embrace it, enjoy it, learn how to adapt, and properly prepare, and love seeing their favorite places change with the seasons. They come excited to see what new discoveries await them on a rainy day vs a sunny one.
Explore With Us
Destination OUTDOORS
A Day in The Forest
We operate on a rotating weekly adventure schedule exploring a combination of nature destinations, like Spencer Butte, Dorris Ranch, Hendricks Park, and Pisgah. Parents drop off and pick up at each site.
We meet in the morning at our scheduled adventure spot and after a quick hug goodbye with their adults, we head straight into nature.
Backpacks on. Boots on. Excited and ready.
The kids help decide where the adventure goes that day.
Some days we follow winding trails through the trees, looking for mushrooms, wildflowers, deer, newts or whatever else the forest reveals.
Other days we hike up to the top of Swing Hill, or may try to summit Spencer Butte.
We climb trees, jump in puddles, and slide down muddy hillsides.
Or spend the day in sunny fields, setting up hammocks, watching the clouds, reading books, and running freely through the grass while chasing grasshoppers.
Around 11:30, we find a perfect spot for lunch. The kids are always excited to tell each other what they packed in their lunch today.
After eating, the kids pack up their own things and spend the rest of the time playing.
By the time we return, they’re usually muddy, tired, and proud of what they discovered that day.
And almost always, they have something important they can’t wait to tell you about!
Programs & Enrollment
Explore the Wonders of the Great Outdoors
Start Your Child's Adventure Now!
Choose the adventure that’s right for your child. Our forest preschool programs are designed for children ages 3.5-5 who are fully bathroom independent, giving them the freedom to confidently explore trails, play in nature, and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer.
School Year Program
September – June
10:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Our Signature Experience
Children who attend throughout the school year have the opportunity to grow alongside the same close-knit group of friends, building deep connections, confidence, and a true sense of belonging.
1Day/Week $255/month
Light participation option for familes who are available only 1 day a week
2 Day/Week
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM
$355/month
Builds comfort, confidence, and familiarity week to week
Recommended for children to begin settling into group rythms
3 days/Week $485/month
Our most immersive experience. Spending more time together allows children to deepen friendships, enjoy the full adventure, and become rooted in a close-knit community.
Try a Forest Preschool Day
$95
A one-time experience for families considering enrollment. Your child joins a regular forest preschool day with our group.
Spring Session
April – June
10:00 AM- 1:00 PM
1-3 Days Per Week (based on availability)
Spring is a beautiful introduction to forest preschool and a great way for families to experience our program before joining the full school year community. As the forest comes alive, children explore trails, follow streams, find tadpoles and newts and go on grand adventures with friends.
Summer Programs
July 9 – August 28
8:30 AM- 11:30 AM
3 Days/Week
Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays
Tuition $445/month
Our extended summer program is similar to our full year preschool. Children come 3 days a week throughout the season, creating predictable rythms and form deep connections with the other kids in their group.
You just can’t beat summers in Oregon. It’s an amazing time to be outside playing and exploring!
3 Day Summer Adventure Camps
Give your child the joy of mornings in the forest filled with outdoor adventure, new friendships, and unforgettable memories in some of Eugene’s most beautiful natural spaces. Each camp is an experience filled with adventures on the trail, exploration, hiking, play, and the simple joy of being a kid outside.
Camp Details
- Ages: 3.5 – 5
- Children must be fully bathroom independent
- Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Tuition: $240 per session
2026 Camp Sessions
- Session 1: July 15-17
- Session 2: July 22-24
- Session 3: August 5-7
- Session 4: August 12-14
Spots are limited.
