We create wondrous outdoor experiences for children so that they can connect with nature and themselves. We believe that spending more time in nature makes kids happier and healthier and thereby learning and self-esteem will naturally follow.

Who we are

The Forest School was founded in 2021 and The Forest Academy in 2023. Our team consists of a Foundational Team which focuses on foundational work and an Operational Team, including experienced outdoor Forest Guides, who run the programs in Amsterdam. We are supported by an Advisory Board and a diverse group of safety, pedagogical and nature experts who provide us with their wide range of knowledge.

Hoi! Hi! We all speak Dutch and English!

Our Mission

We create wondrous outdoor experiences for children so that they can connect with nature and themselves. We believe that spending more time in nature enhances the emotional and physical well-being of children and health and happiness will naturally follow.

We also strive to spark the imagination of parents, educators, and city leaders with simple and practical solutions that help the Forest School movement flourish and nurture a deep, lasting bond between children and the natural world.

Our Key Pillars

We create these wondrous experiences by combining three unique elements:

Experienced and thoroughly trained Forest Guides and nature experts
The principles of discovery learning and free play
The perfect outdoor environment that sparks curiosity and provides a safe haven for a kids’ nervous system

Why we do what we do

We believe that children are happiest and healthiest when they are given the freedom to follow their own curiosity in a marvellous outdoor environment. We believe (and science has proven again and again) that their cognitive, social, and logical skills develop exponentially when given the freedom to determine their own play in an natural outdoor environment that stimulates them to discover, take calculated risks and try new things. When children are ‘in tune’ with nature and with themselves, they are the foundation for a resilient future society.

Nature is the original ‘home’ of our species. Being outside strengthens the child's development, after all, our DNA is still geared to it. The forest is a magical place that is filled with adventure, fresh air and lots of space, where children can relax and unwind, and get rid of their energy. It is the ultimate place where children can explore, feel, marvel, move, play, wonder, stroll, de-stress, and simply be a child. are stimulated to discover the world around them.