Wildwood Nature Group
Nature Group Homeschool Enrichment Program
Wildwood Nature Group is a year-round outdoor homeschool enrichment program that helps families weave adventure, exploration, and consistent time in nature into their homeschool rhythm. Together, parents and children build resilience, learn practical outdoor skills, and grow in a strong, connected community.
Wildwood Nature Group is free and open to all homeschool families. Sign-ups are always open.
Why We Gather
We believe that time in nature is a vital part of education, from beginning to end. Exploring outdoors, observing creation, building friendships, and taking supported risks are living lessons that enrich every subject. And it’s not just good for the kids—it’s life-giving for the whole family!
Wildwood Nature Group emphasizes hands-on exploration, hiking, nature and outdoor skills, and unstructured, mixed-age free play.
Age Recommendations
This is a multi-age program. Families with children of all ages are welcome. We have found that mixed-age learning in nature creates an atmosphere where younger children are inspired, older children are strengthened, and everyone has a place to belong. Please note: This is an active program with dynamic adventures and weather. For each outing, we make recommendations on the use of strollers or carriers for younger children.
An encouraging note on older children: As children get older, they spend less and less time outdoors, exchanging time in the outdoors for time in the classroom and in organized activities. We want to see more middle school and high school students return to nature, where they can learn, discover, and develop in a more balanced and natural way. Older students will experience numerous benefits from regular attendance at Nature Group.
Program Schedule and Locations
🌲 Weekly Nature Group
Every Thursday, homeschool families meet for a nature-focused adventure at one of the many parks, lakes, trails, or green spaces around the Twin Cities. Locations are typically a < 30-minute drive from Minneapolis.
🏞️ Big Outdoor Outings
We reserve the last Friday of every month for extended time in nature—stretching our comfort zones and exploring locations that might be a little further away.
🏕️ Group Family Camping
From early summer through fall, we offer camping trips filled with adventure.
Sign Up for Wildwood Nature Group!
Wildwood Nature Group is free and open to all homeschool families. Sign-ups are always open. To get started, please fill out our Sign-up Request Form.