Playgroups for Toddlers

Playgroup in the Wild – ages 0 to 4

Winter 2024 Session – Click here to Register

Winter 2024
– Thursdays –
Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 29, Mar 14 & 21
(No Class Feb 22 & Mar 7) – 9 classes total
$22 a class X 9 = $198
– Friday –
Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 30, Mar 15 & 22
(No Class Feb 23 & Mar 8) – 9 classes total
$22 a class X 9 = $198

*Please note* Younger siblings who are non-walkers and can be worn in a carrier are free to join.

Playgroup Waitlist – Sign-Up Here

Families on the waitlist will be contacted after current families are given a chance to re-enroll and before sessions are opened up to the public.

Questions? Contact Jenn at jenn.zielinski@urbanprairie.org or 312.858.4562.

Two toddlers in the Child in the Wild Playgroup standing outdoors arm in arm on a set of stone steps surrounded by prairie grass.

Playgroup in the Wild will feature unnoticed and tucked-away natural surroundings located right in our great city, such as:

North Park Village/Walking Stick Woods
LaBagh Woods
Palmisano Park
Humboldt Park Lagoon
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Garfield Park Conservatory

A mother and child in the foreground and a mother and child in the background hike down a woodland trail as part of nature exploration in our Child in the Wild Playgroup.

Inspired by Scandinavian Forest School education, Playgroup in the Wild seeks to address the “Nature Deficit Disorder” phenomenon by exposing young children to movement, activities, and play, primarily in nature. This program will inspire children’s imaginations through the exploration of beautiful, wild environments.

Playgroup in the Wild is a forest classroom experience with the Waldorf morning circle and snack.

Classes run from September to June, with selective Summer sessions.
Classes meet on Thursdays and Fridays between 9:30-11:00 am.
If you need a discount, please contact jenn.zielinski@urbanprairie.org.

For more class registration information, contact Jenn Zielinski at jenn.zielinski@urbanprairie.org.

A group of toddlers and parents sit in a circle outdoors and look on as a teacher engages the toddlers through their imagination by telling a story using a puppet.

Lead teacher Erica Moriarty will lead families in exploring local forests and parks, building stick houses, making crafts of natural materials, and gathering for snack and circle time in an outdoor Waldorf class experience. By layering up into appropriate clothing (including coats, rain, and snow pants, when needed) to play outside–no matter the weather – children will really get to explore nature. The more we reconnect our children with nature, the more they will value the natural environment and develop their minds and bodies through play. As parents/guardians/caretakers, this program provides an opportunity to meet and share experiences with others in a fun and supportive environment.

Inquire Today!