Snails & Turkey Tails Nature Preschool

Nature preschool—sometimes called forest preschool—is more than an early education program. It’s a warm, loving invitation for children to build meaningful relationships with the earth, with others, and with themselves. Grounded in the belief that children thrive through freedom, play, and unhurried exploration, nature preschool offers a world far from the pressures of overstimulation and rigid structure.

Here, learning takes place among forests, beaches, open skies, and muddy trails—natural spaces that soothe the nervous system, awaken curiosity, and provide a safe environment for children to learn at their own rhythm. Our emergent curriculum follows the child’s interests, always rooted in nature. Monthly special events enrich their experiences with activities like pony rides, wild animal presentations, and visits from guest artists, musicians, and storytellers.

Being outdoors fosters a deep connection with life in all its forms—plants, animals, seasons, and shifting weather. Children grow to care for the world not because they’re told to, but because they’ve come to love it. This early bond with nature lays the foundation for a lifelong sense of stewardship, wonder, and peace.

In a fast-paced, noisy world, nature preschool offers something rare and deeply needed: a quiet, compassionate space where children are free to be themselves—curious, wild, sensitive, joyful—and where learning unfolds naturally, with love at its heart.

Nestled in the natural beauty of China Camp State Park, our preschool, Snails & Turkey Tails, is a nurturing haven for children ages 2.5 to 5. We believe the best classroom has no walls. Surrounded by trees and trails, children are invited to explore, discover, and grow. We honor each child's innate curiosity and joy, nurturing resilience, creativity, and empathy through hands-on experiences in nature.