Rooted In Play Outdoor Learning

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Cottonwood Heights, UT
Rooted In Play Outdoor Learning

Nature-based, parent-child outdoor enrichment for children ages 6 months–8 years.

Offerings include weekly classes, seasonal events, drop-ins & outdoor birthday parties building confidence, creativity, resilience & connection through hands-on play.

05/15/2026

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04/28/2026

Have you heard of the 3 B’s of creativity? 🧠✨

Breaking, blending, and bending—basically all the things kids naturally do when we let them just play. (This intriguing framework comes from the book, The Runaway Species by David Eagleman and Anthony Brandt.)

Once you start noticing it, you see it everywhere—taking things apart, mixing random materials together, molding things into something totally new.

We’ve been exploring each of the 3 B’s in Nature Explorers this spring, and honestly… the ideas the kids come up with are the best part. 💛

04/06/2026

April is here! 🌸 Our calendar is blooming with spring discoveries and time to connect in nature.

Come play & explore with us! 💚

👀 www.rootedinplaylearning.com

03/23/2026

Our winter season ended in the best way we know how… a SUPER celebration 🦸‍♀️🌎✨

We honored all the animal superheroes we learned about, celebrated and made stewardship promises to this incredible Earth we get to explore, and reflected on all the growth, curiosity, and joy we shared together this season.

Each explorer earned their persistence skill pin—a reminder that even now that winter is over, they can do hard things, keep trying, and persist 🩵

And of course… we celebrated with a mud feast! 🥣
Mixing, creating, imagining, and getting wonderfully messy—just the way childhood should be.

I’m so proud of these little explorers (and their grown-ups!) and all the ways they showed up, tried new things, and connected with nature and each other. What a beautiful season it’s been. Now, onto to spring! 💚🫟🌷

03/15/2026

Spring is almost here, and we LOVE a reason to celebrate! 🌱🥳

Join us for Spring Forward, a special outdoor gathering to welcome the new season with nature play, simple exploration, songs, and community.

It’s a chance to slow down, notice the early signs of spring, and enjoy a playful morning outside with your family.

🌸 FREE + OPEN TO ALL
📅 SAT, MARCH 21
⏰ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🌳 CRESTWOOD PARK

Spots are limited — scan QR code or visit link in bio to register! Play invitations are geared for ages 1.5-8, and can be enjoyed at your own pace.

03/03/2026

🌎🐾 It’s World Wildlife Day!

Wildlife conservation doesn’t have to be big or complicated. It starts in our backyards, parks, and neighborhoods.

Many Indigenous communities have long modeled living in respectful relationship with the land — reminding us that stewardship is part of everyday life. We can practice that in small, meaningful ways with our children.

Here are simple ways your family and our communities can participate:

🪶 Observe, don’t disturb. Watch birds, insects, and animals without chasing, trapping, or relocating them. If you can, bring a small notebook and pencil along to draw and/or record what you find.

🌿 Plant native species. Even one pot of native flowers can support pollinators. Some of the best flowers for pollinator gardens include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, bee balm, lavender, and milkweed.

🪵 Leave natural spaces natural. Return rocks, sticks, and logs after exploring. Stay on trails when possible.

💧 Provide water thoughtfully. A shallow dish with stones can support insects and birds in warmer months.

🗑 Pick up litter. Wildlife can’t thrive in habitats filled with plastic and waste.

📚 Learn together. Read books about local wildlife. Notice who shares your neighborhood.

Conservation begins with relationship. When children learn that animals are neighbors — not just something to study — they grow into adults who care deeply about protecting them.

02/27/2026

The worm lives safely underground—
moves quite slowly, makes no sound.
In gardens he is highly prized
for keeping soil well-fertilized,

but…
he doesn’t come out
when birds are about,
for some birds will eat him
if ever they meet him.

*No worms were harmed during this exciting worm hunt! They were found roaming on a tennis court (no place for a worm) and were all safely (and happily) returned to the soil and covered with a big pile of wet leaves.

📖: Common Critters; “Earthworm” 🪱
✍️: Pat Brisson
🖼️:

02/19/2026

I absolutely love hearing from families!

I’m so grateful for the families who join us for outdoor adventures each week 💗 Reading your kind words and constructive feedback helps me grow and reminds me why I do what I do — helping kids (and grown-ups!) explore, play, and connect with nature and each other.

02/17/2026

A little sneak peek at what we’re growing this spring! 🌷👀

Whether you’re joining us for Nature Explorers or Nature Babies, this season will be brimming with playful learning, connection, and the kind of magic that only spring brings.

Swipe for a closer look—and tell me which lesson you’re most excited for! 🤗➡️

02/12/2026

Halfway Through Winter ❄️

We’re officially halfway through this winter’s Animal Superheroes series at Nature Explorers — and these kids have been all in! Here’s what we’ve been up to:

We’ve excavated ice worms from frozen ice blocks, experimenting with tools and testing strategies.

We’ve built cozy dens for our groundhog friends, using our imaginations and thinking like engineers about what makes a shelter sturdy and warm.

We’ve taken on the role of woodpeckers — tapping, testing, comparing materials, and strengthening coordination and focus with every determined peck.

This season of Nature Explorers isn’t about rushing through. It’s about slowing down long enough to notice. To problem-solve. To collaborate. To grow persistence (and confidence!), no matter the weather.

And while we still have a few more winter adventures ahead… spring is quietly waiting in the wings. 🌱

Spring enrollment is opening Feb 16th, and a brand new season of muddy boots, budding curiosity, and fresh discoveries is just around the corner—I can’t wait!

11/05/2025

Gratitude grows when it’s modeled. 🍂
When children see us pause to say thank you for the sun’s warmth, pick up a piece of trash, or make time for them, they learn that gratitude isn’t just words, but a way of being. Also, that it feels good to do good!

It’s never too early to begin. Even our littlest ones can notice beauty, offer a smile, or share something they love. 💛

November is and Every Tuesday this month, I’ll be sharing some playful ways you can help kids nurture and practice gratitude together, and how to honor those who came before us.

✨ This season, let’s give children chances to practice gratitude — through small acts of kindness, thoughtful gifts and moments of reflection.

📸 .snapshots

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Cottonwood Heights, UT
84093

Website

http://www.rootedinplaylearning.com/

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