Forest Schools For Kids to Explore Nature in Singapore

In the 1800s, the idea of Forest Schools began in Scandinavia as a way of teaching that focuses on nature. It began in countries like Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden and later came to the UK in the 1990s. In a Forest School that’s officially recognized, experienced teachers guide kids through learning activities in natural places.

Forest Schools think it’s important for kids to spend time outdoors, like in forests or meadows, to help them feel good overall. In these calm places, kids learn together, which helps them get better at being social and dealing with their feelings. They also become more confident to try new things, take safe risks, and feel happy in a safe and friendly place.

Not every nature school in Singapore is exactly like a Forest School, but some try hard to be. They want to be recognized by a group called the Forest School Association (FSA). To get this recognition, schools have to meet certain rules. They need at least one teacher who’s trained to a high level in Forest School teaching. They also have to do safety checks and have good safety rules. When a school gets recognized by the FSA, it shows they care a lot about teaching kids outside and following Forest School ideas.

Check out BusyKidd‘s guide to recognizing Singapore’s best forest schools for kids to explore nature.

Forest Adventure Club

Image Credit: Forest Adventure Club via Instagram

Forest Adventure Club in Singapore is guided by dedicated Forest School Coaches who are trained and experienced and deeply committed to the Forest School ethos. Children enrolled in the program will gain valuable knowledge about identifying plants, animals, and insects while also learning practical skills such as setting up a rope swing, tying knots, building dens, erecting shelters, carving, creating nature art, and practicing bushcraft. In addition to regular sessions, Forest Adventure Club offers school holiday camps for further exploration and learning.

Address: multiple locations
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Forestplay SG

Image Credit: Forest Play via Instagram

Located in Singapore’s “first adventure playground,” the ForestPlay Programs offer a nature playscape filled with tires, ropes, recycled wood structures for climbing, trees, plants, and ample space for kids to explore freely. Unlike a traditional full-time school, Forest Play operates as a drop-off program where kids aged 4-7 years can engage in various nature-based lessons each week. Additionally, parent-child programs are available, allowing families to participate in their child’s learning and exploration experiences.

Address: Forest Play Park, 112 Tanjong Beach Walk, Singapore
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Kanopy Forest Preschool

Image Credit: Kanopy Forest Preschool via Facebook

At Kanopy Preschool, the team fosters child-centric learning and nurtures a positive mindset in young children. Children are encouraged to view the world with curiosity and optimism through their outdoor classroom. Designed by specialists in Early Childhood learning, the classroom provides a safe yet challenging environment for kids to thrive. Kanopy offers weekly half-day playgroups, sessions from pre-nursery to kindergarten, and a variety of after-school activities. Explore their programs and schedule further here.

Address: Kanopy Forest Preschool, Bukit Time Campus, 6 Jalan Keria, Mayfair Park, Singapore
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Nurtured Nest

Image Credit: Nurtured Nest via Facebook

A Nature Specialist meticulously crafted the picturesque learning environment at Nurtured Nest, providing students with a breathtaking playscape where they can spend countless hours outdoors every school day. The school’s curriculum is centered around three core areas: the Reggio Emilia method, Forest Schooling, and robust methodologies promoting a sustainability mindset. With certified Level 3 Forest Leaders leading the way, students engage in weekly wilderness sessions, immersing themselves in nature and fostering a deep connection with the environment. Discover more about their innovative living classroom environment and teaching approach here.

Address: Nurtured Nest, 644 Dunearn Road, Watten Estate, Singapore
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Roots And Boots Singapore

Image Credit: Roots and Boots Forest School

Roots and Boost Forest School in Singapore embraces a teaching approach that draws inspiration from the traditional Forest School method while incorporating early childhood development principles for a well-rounded learning journey. In their outdoor classrooms, children of different ages collaborate, fostering social skills under the guidance of instructors with a low guide-child ratio of 1:4 to ensure individualized attention. If you’re considering enrolling your child, you can opt for a trial class to gauge their interest before committing to the weekly drop-off sessions. These sessions, lasting two hours each, cater to children aged 3 years and older. Discover more about their programs and curriculum offerings here.

Address: Roots and Boots Singapore, various locations
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Dulwich College Singapore DUCKS

Nestled within the sprawling Dulwich College campus in Singapore, DUCKS Kindergarten stands out with its distinctive Forest School initiative, complemented by an array of enriching learning experiences and co-curricular activities tailored for young learners. DUCKS fosters an environment where children are encouraged to embrace exploration and take measured risks.

At DUCKS, the Early Years curriculum encompasses regular visits to the Forest School, offering students the opportunity to engage in a variety of hands-on activities. From crafting bird feeders to constructing dens, from digging trenches to identifying different trees and plants, children are immersed in a world of discovery and adventure.

Endorsed by the UK’s Forest School Learning Initiative (FSLI), DUCKS Kindergarten’s Forest School program is renowned for its dedication to outdoor education. To learn more about this innovative program, delve deeper into the wonders of DUCKS’ Forest School initiative.

Address: Dulwich College Singapore DUCKS, 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore
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Tanglin Trust School

Image Credit: Tanglin Trust School

Situated within a British International School, this institution offers a Forest School Program specifically tailored for nursery-aged children. Embracing the ‘Curiosity Approach’ to learning, the school encourages young learners to utilize natural materials in their environment as their primary teacher, with educators facilitating their explorative learning journey. Complementing their after-school curricular forest adventure studies, the Forest School Program allows children up to year 2 to immerse themselves in the greenery of the Wessex Estate, where Tanglin Trust School is located. Discover more about this newly developed Forest School program here.

Address: Tanglin Trust School, 95 Portsdown Rd, Singapore
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The Nature Explorers School

The Nature Explorers School caters to children up to 12 years old, offering a child-centric inquiry approach to teaching. The focus is on developing core skills such as emotional intelligence, life skills, and social awareness. Through hands-on lessons, students explore survival skills, practical scientific methods, and the history and geography of the land. By connecting with their environment, children gain an understanding of the impact of human interaction on nature. The school provides weekly sessions at various times to accommodate your child’s schedule. Explore their programs further here.

Address: The Nature Explorers School, Labrador Nature Reserve, Labrador Villa Rd, Singapore
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The Forest School Singapore

Established as one of the pioneering Forest Schools in Singapore, this school conducts its lessons within the Bukit Timah Forest Basin campus. Offering regular workshops, holiday camps, and weekly drop-off sessions for kids, the school emphasizes a collaborative approach to multi-age explorative classes, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging for every child. With sessions available in both morning and afternoon slots, you can select the frequency that aligns with your and your child’s education schedule. Discover more about the programs offered at Forest School Singapore here.

Address: The Forest School Singapore, Bukit Timah Forest Basin, 2 Dairy Farm Road, Singapore
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Wildlings

You’ll discover the Wildlings’ outdoor nature-based classroom in Singapore’s lush Dempsey jungle region. Offering a diverse array of Forest School programs, they cater to children of all ages. From preschool sessions to the Forest School Club for older kids and even adult-accompanied outdoor playgrounds for the little ones, there’s something for everyone. Experience nighttime playgroups, cooking classes, adventure camps, and the chance to celebrate your child’s birthday with the school guides in nature. With morning sessions for preschoolers and after-school and weekend programs for older kids, there’s ample opportunity for outdoor exploration and learning at Wildlings.