Autumn Woods
Family Forest Morning Series | AGEs 4-12
6-Week Autumn Forest School
Sundays • September 27 + October 18, 25 + November 1, 8, 15, 2026 • 10:00am–12:00pm
Six Sundays in the Changing Forest
Autumn Woods is a 6-week immersive forest school experience designed to help children build confidence, resilience, practical outdoor skills, and ecological awareness through one of the most remarkable seasons in the forest.
From the first changing leaves of September to the colder, quieter woods of November, children return to the same woodland space each week and experience autumn unfolding around them.
We’ll notice leaves changing and falling, discover how seeds travel, explore fungi and decomposition, investigate how wildlife prepares for winter, and learn practical skills for staying comfortable outdoors as the days grow colder.
This is child-led, place-based forest school rooted in exploration, real skill development, risk-benefit learning, ecological understanding, and belonging.
Rather than simply learning about autumn, children experience it.
They notice. They investigate. They build. They climb. They create. They problem-solve. They take appropriate risks. And over six weeks, they begin to understand the woodland as a place they know and belong to.
Participation & Drop-Off
Children ages 4–6 may attend independently if they are comfortable and capable in an outdoor group setting. Parents are welcome to stay, remain nearby on site, or drop off.
Children ages 3 and under require a parent or guardian to remain and actively supervise for the duration of the session.
Older children ages 7+ may attend independently with completed waiver and emergency contact information.
This flexible structure allows families to participate in a way that supports their child’s readiness while maintaining a safe, relationship-based forest school environment.
Ideal For Families Who Want To:
• Build confidence and independence outdoors
• Support resilience, problem-solving and healthy risk-taking
• Reduce screen time and create meaningful time in nature
• Develop practical outdoor and nature-awareness skills
• Help children understand the changing seasons through firsthand experience
• Experience Forest School in a structured yet child-led environment
• Build an ongoing connection with a familiar woodland place
Designed for children ages 4–12 • Parents/guardians welcome • Adults FREE
Week 1 – Autumn Awakens
Changing leaves • fall colours • collecting & pressing • seasonal awareness
Our autumn journey begins by slowing down and noticing what is changing. Children explore fall colours, collect and compare leaves, begin a leaf press, and use their senses to discover the first signs that the forest is preparing for a new season.
Week 2 – Seeds on the Move
Seed dispersal • acorns • caching • movement • migration
How does nature move? We investigate seeds that fly, fall, hitchhike and travel, search for acorns and other autumn treasures, experiment with seed dispersal, and explore how animals move through the changing season—from squirrels caching food to birds beginning incredible migrations.
Week 3 – Mushroom Mysteries
Fungi • decomposition • rotten logs • hidden forest life
We head into the hidden world of the forest floor. Children search for fungi, investigate rotten logs and leaf litter, discover decomposers and minibeasts, and explore how fallen trees and leaves become part of the living forest again.
Week 4 – Wild Winter Preparations
Hibernation • overwintering • dens • animal adaptations
Winter is coming—but what does wildlife do about it? Children discover the different strategies animals use to survive the cold, investigate hibernation and overwintering, search for animal signs, and build woodland dens and shelters inspired by the creatures around us.
Week 5 – Fire & Forest Skills
Fire • tinder • knots & tools • campfire cooking • keeping warm
As the forest becomes colder, we turn to practical woodland skills. Children learn about fire safety and the fire triangle, search for natural tinder, practice knots and age-appropriate tool skills, and experience the simple pleasure of preparing something warm over the campfire.
Week 6 – Into the Wild Woods
Cold-weather forest challenge • navigation • survival • teamwork • campfire finale
Our final morning brings everything together.
With the leaves mostly fallen and winter approaching, children take on a cold-weather Wild Woods adventure incorporating navigation, observation, teamwork, shelter and the skills they've developed throughout the season.
We finish together around the fire, reflecting on how much the forest—and the children—have changed since those first September leaves.
Full 6-week series:
$260 per child - Hst Included
Limited Drop-in rate: $45 per child per session
Contact Us for Drop-In Availability or Group Rate Offers | Restrictions Apply | Pricing listed + HST
This is a family-participation program.
Waiver must be signed prior to attendance.
Program runs in all weather except extreme danger (policies below).
Bathroom: rustic/outhouse or tree option depending on site conditions.
Children must come dressed for winter.
Spots are limited to maintain a high-quality, relationship-based experience.
We run in rain, cool temperatures, and muddy conditions.
We cancel only for:
• Severe wind warnings
• Thunderstorms/lightning
• Extreme weather advisories
If Wildfire Environmental cancels due to severe weather or instructor illness, a make-up session will be scheduled.
No refunds once registered.
This is an outdoor, nature-based program involving uneven terrain, natural materials, seasonal environmental risks, and tool use. A signed waiver is required prior to participation.