Forest Friends

A nature-based developmental play group where children build confidence, connection, and social-emotional skills through play.

Children collecting forest items in buckets during autumn in a wooded area.

Childhood was meant to be this.

Climbing. Building. Exploring. Imagining. Getting muddy. Developing confidence. Solving problems. Learning to navigate friendships. Developing regulation, flexibility, and social-emotional skills.

Forest Friends brings children together in nature where play becomes the foundation for growth. Every group is thoughtfully facilitated by an occupational therapist while leaving room for the curiosity, movement, and connection that children naturally seek.

Upcoming Forest Friends Play Groups

Nature-based developmental play group based in Stratham NH. Location to be shared during registration.
Nature-based developmental play group based in Stratham NH. Location to be shared during registration.
Nature-based developmental play group based in Stratham NH. Location to be shared during registration.

Check back for future dates! Click the button below if you’d like to join the notification email list about future dates.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULT & REGISTER HERE

What happens in Forest Friends?

Drawing of two children on a park bench, with plants around them. One child, a girl with a ponytail, is sitting on the bench, and the other, a boy, is kneeling on the ground and reaching up.

Child-Led Play

Children follow their curiosity while developing skills through authentic play, exploration, and meaningful experiences.

Line drawing of three pine trees with a log and fence in the background

Nature as a Partner

The outdoors naturally offers opportunities for movement, regulation, creativity, problem-solving, and resilience that can't be replicated indoors.

Line drawing of a family of three, with a man, woman, and young girl, exchanging a small gift, with birthday cake and presents in the background.

Occupational Therapy in Action

Every group is thoughtfully facilitated by an occupational therapist who supports each child's development in real time through observation, connection, and individualized guidance.

Three children and one adult smiling and engaging in activity together outdoors, with trees and a sunny sky in the background.

Small Groups

Groups are intentionally kept small to nurture developmental skills, meaningful relationships, individualized support, and a sense of belonging.

Is Forest Friends right for my child?

Forest Friends may be a wonderful fit for children who...

Benefit from movement, hands-on experiences.

Are building social skills and confidence with peers, friendships, and group participation.

Would benefit from support with regulation, flexibility, impulse control, and social-emotional skills.

Are learning to solve problems, take initiative, navigate group dynamics, and work through challenges with others.

Black background with white outline drawing of a tulip flower inside a circle.

Outline of a hand holding a book or tablet with a blue cover.

White line drawing of a wine glass outline with a leaf inside it on a black background.

White outline of a wine glass with a tall, slender shape against a black background.

Enjoy exploring and playing outside.

Love being in nature and are looking for a group that honors how they naturally learn, play, and connect.

Benefit from sensory-rich, movement-based experiences that support regulation, attention, and participation.

Benefit from the thoughtful guidance and support of an occupational therapist within a small, nurturing group.

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White outline drawing of a plant with curved leaves enclosed in a circle, set against a black background.

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Group Details

Small Groups
Each group is intentionally limited to between 2-6 children to foster meaningful relationships, skill development, individualized support, and a strong sense of belonging.

Ages
Current groups are for ages approximately 4-7 in Stratham, NH, with additional ages and locations throughout Seacoast NH and Southern Maine potentially offered based on interest.

Session Length

Sessions are 60 minutes with built in time for gentle transitions before and after, giving children time to settle in, build relationships, and engage deeply in play without feeling rushed.

Location
Outdoor locations in Stratham, New Hampshire and throughout the Seacoast, with the exact meeting location shared during registration.

All-Weather Approach

Forest Friends is designed to embrace the changing seasons. Groups meet outdoors in most weather conditions, with adjustments made only when safety is a concern.

Gentle Transitions

Families are invited to arrive 15 minutes before Forest Friends begins, giving children time to explore, warm up, and get comfortable with their caregiver nearby. During this time, caregivers supervise their child as they explore.

When the group begins, caregivers are invited to step back while their child participates in Forest Friends. If your child benefits from additional support with transitions, we can work together to find an approach that supports their comfort and growing independence.

Caregivers remain on the property for the duration of the session.

Schedule
Forest Friends sessions are offered a few times each month throughout the year. Each session is a standalone group, so children can join for one or multiple dates.

Investment
$65 a session.

Occupational therapy services are generally eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement. I recommend checking with your plan administrator regarding your specific benefits. Empowering Roots Occupational Therapy is an approved New Hampshire Education Freedom Account (EFA) provider.

Interested in learning more?

I offer complimentary 15-minute consultation to answer your questions, learn more about your child, and help you decide whether Forest Friends feels like the right fit for your family.

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“This nature-based group was exactly what we were hoping to find for our 4-year-old son. We are so grateful for this beautiful play experience.”

— Parent