New School-Year Nature Preschool Launches in Marin County

Marin Mommies presents a sponsored article from Snails & Turkey Tails.

Snails & Turkey Tails is a trusted local favorite nature school in Marin County. We launched last summer with our outdoor preschool adventure camps at beautiful China Camp State Park, and this year’s camps are better than ever—especially with the addition of Friday pony rides, a camper favorite!

Building on that success, we’re excited to expand our offerings with the launch of our school-year nature preschool beginning this September!

• Our 2-year-old classes meet Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and are limited to just four students for a cozy, personalized experience.
• Our 3–5-year-old classes meet Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We offer an optional extended day until 3PM.

All preschool classes are offered on a semester basis and meet weekly. (We also offer 1-hour Messy Play Nature Classes that meet at various locations on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. These classes are a mini version of our preschool days and a great addition to your current preschool program!)

We love watching our students explore new experiences, develop new skills, build confidence, and grow more resilient each day. That’s why our program is rooted in nature-based play. Through play, children learn to cooperate, negotiate, and build empathy as they engage in shared experiences and imaginative role play. It also plays a vital role in language development—helping children expand their vocabulary and storytelling abilities through interactive, creative expression. Unstructured play nurtures creativity, innovation, and flexible thinking, while also presenting opportunities for problem-solving and independent decision-making. Most importantly, play empowers children to manage frustration, take healthy risks, and develop lasting self-confidence.

When nature and play come together, the benefits multiply. Natural environments are rich with sensory experiences that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and deepen observation skills. Time spent in nature also has a calming effect—helping to reduce stress hormones like cortisol and support emotional regulation. Research shows that early exposure to the outdoors fosters a lasting sense of connection to, and respect for, the natural world. Whether building forts, gathering natural materials, or engaging in imaginative play among trees and trails, children gain holistic, child-led learning experiences that are deeply meaningful and developmentally enriching.

We know there are many wonderful preschool programs out there, and we hope you'll consider Snails & Turkey Tails as part of your child's early learning journey. We're here to support your child’s growth in a nurturing, outdoor setting.

For more information, visit www.snailsandturkeytails.com.