City Forest Play School

Located in the beautiful outdoor spaces surrounding Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, City Forest Play School is a play-based, outdoor early learning program for children ages 3 to 5. Children learn with and in nature while building friendships, creating joyful memories, and developing a sense of belonging.

Our forest classroom invites children to connect with nature, follow their curiosities, and use natural “loose parts” to express their creativity, imagination, and emerging ideas. Each day offers opportunities for play, art, science, storytelling, movement, and other exploration.

With an emphasis on kindness, compassion, and respect, our experienced Program Leaders support children’s social-emotional development by offering positive and thoughtful guidance as they explore the forest together.

Active outdoor play is an important part of every day. In our forest classroom, children practice fundamental movement skills by balancing on logs, climbing tree stumps, and navigating uneven terrain. By assessing the challenges in the outdoor environment, children develop a better understanding of their capabilities while building self-confidence, resilience, competence, and problem-solving skills.

If program fees present a financial barrier, families may be eligible for support through the Financial Assistance Program.

Children arrive by 9:30 a.m., dressed for the weather and ready for outdoor play. We start our day with welcome games and activities on the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre playground before heading to our beautiful forest learning spaces.

The class comes together for snack time and socializing before moving into activities and free play. Our Program Leaders combine child-initiated and educator-supported experiences each day. City Forest Play School supports positive peer interactions and helps children develop social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills.

Story time concludes the class before we return to the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre playground for goodbyes and pick-up at 11:30 a.m. In the event of unsafe weather conditions, we will bring nature indoors and use our classroom.

Daily Supply List

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• A small backpack for your child to carry, preferably with a chest strap
• A refillable water bottle with an easy flip-top lid, filled halfway for easier carrying.
• A nut-free snack, preferably packed in a reusable snack bag
• A complete change of clothes, including socks and underwear, in a large labelled Ziploc bag
• Small cloth for hand drying

Please dress your child for the weather and outdoor activities.

During colder weather, please provide:

• Waterproof boots, coat, pants or a muddy buddy
• Warm layers, such as fleece
• Waterproof gloves or mittens (please pack a spare pair) and toque

During warmer weather, please provide:

• A sun hat
• Rain boots or runners
• Rain pants and a jacket, or a muddy buddy
• Light layers