Grow Curious
Grow Resilient
Grow Outdoors

An all-outdoors, year-round, play-based classroom that guides children to appreciate the joys of our planet.

AGES 2–10  ·  FORT WASHINGTON, MD / NATIONAL HARBOR AREA

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This Fall's Programs

Two weekly classes. Pick one or join both!

Backyard Classroom at the Park

Mondays, 11 AM – 1:30 PM

Oct 5th – Dec 14th (11 weeks)

A semi-structured, secular, nature- and play-based class built around a new theme each week. Our focus is science and the local ecosystem, with a splash of history, social studies, survival skills, English, and more.

  • Hands-on learning: Short lessons are mixed with activities that bring each week's theme to life, including art-based learning, themed games, and movement.
  • Room to roam: Free play is woven in between lessons and activities, giving children time to explore freely and regulate themselves.
  • Free play fun: Playgrounds, riding bikes and scooters together, and rotating activities like parachute games, soccer, field games, chalk fun, and more!
  • Snack & Storytime: Our beloved closing ritual, where we review the day's lesson and sit down for a snack and a read-aloud with a living book.
Smiling kids on a park bench by the playground, and Pari' leading a hands-on activity with a group of kids

Nature Classroom at the Park

Fridays, 11 AM – 1:30 PM

Oct 9th – Dec 18th (10 weeks, no class Nov 27th)

A semi-structured, secular, nature- and play-based class built around a new theme each week. Our focus is science and the local ecosystem, woven together with applicable history, social studies, survival skills, herbalism, and wild edibles.

  • Explore together: We learn organically as we explore the parks and trails in our area, identifying plants and animals and following where curious minds lead us. A caterpillar might spark a talk about life cycles, or a berry might lead to "Is this edible?" Nets, buckets, magnifying glasses, microscopes, guides, and other exploratory aids are supplied to encourage a deep dive into the amazing world around us.
  • Hands-on learning: Nature journaling, art, scavenger hunts, games and/or movement reinforce that week's themed lesson.
  • Snack & Storytime: Our beloved closing ritual, where we review the day's lesson and sit down for a snack and a read-aloud with a living book.
Kids in rain jackets exploring a muddy pool with sticks among fall leaves

25% off each sibling & siblings under 2 are free!
Refer a friend & save $10!

What We Do

Backyard Classroom is an outdoor nature and play-based enrichment club that focuses on guiding children ages 2–10 (and parents alike) to appreciate the joys of our planet. By connecting with nature and learning about the world around them, vital skills are organically absorbed.

Caregiver Role

One caregiver per family is required to attend all current programs (no drop off). If possible, the caregiver will guide the child throughout the class and activity as needed. This also enables the lesson to be learned by the caregiver so it can be reinforced later. Remote workers are welcome and families help one another out as needed. Younger and older siblings are welcome to tag along, free of charge - we are a homeschool friendly environment!

Members Get Access To

  • Seasonal programs and events
  • Supplementary homeschool resources to reinforce each week's lesson at home:
    • Engaging printables and worksheets
    • Kid-friendly podcasts and video links
    • Music playlists
    • Easy hands-on activities (little to no prep!)
  • Invites to monthly kid-friendly hikes
  • Invites to play dates that foster friendship and community
A toddler walking a grassy trail on a group hike

WHERE

Rotating parks, trails and playgrounds within 30 minutes of Tantallon North in Fort Washington, MD, serving families across southern Prince George's County and northeast Charles County, MD, and nearby Alexandria, VA, including Fort Washington, Oxon Hill, National Harbor, Accokeek, Clinton, Temple Hills, Forest Heights, Friendly, Potomac Heights, Bryans Road, Indian Head, Bennsville, Pomfret, White Plains, La Plata, Waldorf and Brandywine. Exact addresses are shared directly with registered families after sign-up is complete, for everyone's security.

Moments From Class

Rain, snow, mud and sunshine: a peek at what we get up to in the parks around Fort Washington.

Kids painting with watercolors at an outdoor art table
Two bundled-up kids playing in the snow
Children exploring a log pile and nature table in the woods
Kids gathered around a bin of nature finds
Little explorers in yellow raincoats on a rainy day
Children digging together in a sandbox in their winter coats
A group of kids smiling on a park bench
Children's hands around a circle of stones they built together

What Families Say

“I am very happy with the progress he made in your classes this year. I can confidently say that it has made a difference in his development, including his motor skills (e.g. cutting, threading beads, etc.), creativity and ability to follow directions. I appreciate you being so patient with him. J**** always looks forward to coming to your class and talks about you fondly.”
Esperanza A.
“I’ve been going to her Backyard Classroom for a little over a year now and my daughter absolutely loved it! Every time we go it’s a new activity that is hands on and it ends with a book reading! I highly recommend signing up!”
Melanie
“Backyard Classroom has been truly incredible for us! My children are 6 and 4 and they love Pari’ and her class! They have learned so much and have made the sweetest friends! So grateful we found The Backyard Classroom!”
Shannen
Join the Club

Join the Club

  1. 1Choose & payPick your membership below
  2. 2Registration formOpens automatically after you pay
  3. 3Calendar inviteSent within 1–2 days & includes all intro info
1

Choose Your Membership & Pay

Suggested club membership donation. Pick your level and family size below. As soon as your payment goes through, you'll be taken straight to the registration form (step 2).

Base Level

One class: Monday or Friday

$225 · 1 child · full season

About $20 per class. Save $50 vs. drop-ins.

Your choice of one fall class, plus materials and exploratory equipment, supplementary homeschool resources, invites to monthly kid-friendly hikes and meetups, and a place in our eco-friendly community.

No Friday class on Nov 27th. Each enrolled Friday child gets one free pass to join any Monday class this fall.

1 Child $225 2 Children $390 3 Children $555

Each sibling saves 25% or more. Siblings under 2 are free.
4+ children? The 4th child and up are half price. Email us for your link.

Best valueAll-In Level

Both classes: Monday and Friday

$425 · 1 child · full season

About $20 per class. Save $100 vs. drop-ins.

One class free! $25 less than two Base memberships.

Both fall classes (21 in all), so your family gets outside at least twice a week. Includes materials and equipment, homeschool resources to reinforce lessons at home, invites to monthly hikes and meetups, and our eco-friendly community.

One free Bring-a-Friend pass for each enrolled child, good for one guest child at any class this fall. No Friday class on Nov 27th.

1 Child $425 2 Children $740 3 Children $1,055

Each sibling saves 25% or more. Siblings under 2 are free.
4+ children? The 4th child and up are half price. Email us for your link.

Drop-In

One class, one day

$25 · 1 child · one class

Try a class before you commit.

One class (Backyard Classroom or Nature Classroom) plus that week's homeschool resources. A great low-commitment way to try us out before joining for the season.

Loved it? Join for the season and your drop-in payment goes toward your membership. Email us for your link.

1 Child $25 2 Children $40

3+ children? Email us for a custom link.

If you can't provide the suggested donation, but perhaps something smaller, or you're currently in a difficult season of life, please contact Ms. Pari'.

2

Complete the Registration Form

After you pay, the registration form opens automatically. It includes contact info, allergies, and the liability waiver. Your spot is held once both your payment and form are in.

Already paid but closed the page before finishing the form? Finish your registration here.

3

Watch For Your Calendar Invite

Within 1–2 days you'll get a calendar invite with the exact address and class details. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.