Stay and Play
An end of week ritual of wonder
Stay & Play Fridays at Forest School for Life
Whether your child is wide-eyed with wonder or curled up asleep in your arms, Stay & Play is a gentle invitation to be held by the woods.
Each Friday morning, we gather in nature to explore, rest, and reconnect, with the nature, with our children, and with each other. These sessions are open to all families with children aged 0–5, and they offer a rhythm of play, presence, and possibility.
Themed adventures each week
Every session is lovingly themed around a story, a nature concept, or a seasonal curiosity, so your child begins to build familiarity and delight in the world around them. One week might explore hedgehogs and hibernation, another might follow the tale of a woodland fox or the lifecycle of a leaf.
- Dressing up is warmly encouraged, whether it’s wings, cloaks, or creature costumes. It helps children feel fully immersed and adds a touch of magic to the morning.
- Fairy Walks begin each session, acting as a gentle warm-up. Along the way, children encounter provocations, tiny invitations to interact, collect, wonder, and imagine.
These walks are not hurried. They are spacious, sensory, and full of possibility.
What happens each week?
Our Stay and Play sessions are held on Fridays during term time between 10am – 12pm. We ask that those with children aged 0-5 arrive 15 minutes early to enable time to settle in and introduce them.
No two Fridays are the same, but the welcome is always warm:
- In the Den, children explore natural materials, mud, moss, feathers, and firewood, through open-ended play and gentle guidance.
- On nature walks, you can meander towards the meadow, whilst noticing seasonal shifts each term and look out for trail sheets to learn more about topics.
- In the Roost, you gather around the fire for warm soup, herbal teas, and simple snacks. The kettle is always on, and the light through the trees is always changing.
Some families come to play. Some come to rest. Some come simply to sip tea while their baby sleeps. All are welcome.
Facilities and forest comforts
We’ve thought carefully about what makes a morning in the woods feel easy and nourishing:
- Composting toilets and baby changing facilities are available onsite
- Gated and fenced in safe places to play and find a sense of freedom
- Sheltered areas offer protection from wind and rain, while keeping the woodland ambience intact
- Woodland buggies are available to borrow if you’d prefer not to muddy your own, just ask at the gate
- Complimentary Forest School boot bags are available to help keep your car clean after muddy adventures
- Bring your own flask, and we’ll provide the rest, herbal teas, warm soup, and simple snacks by the fire
Booking onto Stay and Play
- Tickets must be booked in advance via BookWhen (see the booking page below)
- Each person attending (adult or child) needs their own ticket
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, but block bookings can be shared with a friend or family member if your plans change
- Discounts available for block bookings
- Gift bookings are available! Stay & Play sessions make a beautiful gift for new parents, offering not just an outing, but a doorway into community, nature, and gentle companionship.
Spaces are limited to keep the experience intimate and safe. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Next steps
Come and see a typical day for yourself by booking a visit at our site. We’d love to show you around and answer any questions you have.