Every Path Leads to Play

An outdoor adventure program for kids ages 5–11 to unplug, explore, and grow through every season.

After School Programs ➔

Day Off Camps ➔

Summer Camp ➔

Birthday Parties & Custom Sessions ➔

Little steps. Big adventures. Grown Outdoors.

What Will My Explorer Do?

Conquer Challenges & Accomplish Goals

From creek crossings, to rock scrambling, and summiting a peak — nature provides the perfect playground to tackle various challenges, physical and mental alike, for young ones to overcome.

Say Hello to Bugs, Birds, and More!

'I spy' learning native wildlife and plant species, searching for bugs and identifying the role of each critter in the ecosystem around us. Birdwatching, animal spotting, tree & flower identification, cloud watching, and more!

Play Games & Activities

Each session is filled with free play, fort building, silly songs, scavenger hunts, animal charades, and activities shaped by the season! Having more fun outside reinforces the space as a fun one to be in, and one to want to be in more.

Make Arts & Crafts

Drawing inspiration from everything around us, creativity comes naturally outside. Making nature crowns, mud painting, insect homes, and stenciling found leaves into nature journals are just a few of the many ways imagination comes to life.

Enrichment & Giving Back

DC specifically offers a lot of learning resources we strive to tap into, including the U.S. Botanic Garden and the National Museum of Natural History. We are committed to giving back to our environment as well by getting involved in local park volunteer opportunities like community clean up days and invasive plant removal.

Learn Trail Safety & LNT Principles

Exploration teaches kids independence, and with exploration comes responsibility. We teach children principles on how to have fun while staying safe in their surroundings, and also how to care for the green spaces all around us with Leave No Trace guidelines at the forefront of every adventure.

Meet Our Educators

A team of seasoned hikers, ready to guide every adventure, while continuing to expand their expertise in science, education, and the natural world along the way.

Learn More

Being Outdoors Makes All the Difference

At the heart of everything we do is a focus on simple, in-the-moment programming that helps children build lasting connections to nature while deepening their sense of self along the way. No two days are alike, as activities shift with the seasons, and are shaped by the environment and the group’s curiosity. Rain or shine, we embrace the elements, get our hands (and shoes!) a little muddy, and discover the joy of adventure wherever the day takes us.

Connected to Nature, Connected to Self

Spending time outdoors helps children feel rooted in their surroundings while exploring themselves. Unplugging from screens and immersing in nature encourages mindfulness, curiosity, and presence in everyday life.

Curiosity & Discovery

From building forts and navigating trails to open-ended games, kids spark creativity and critical thinking at every turn. Hands-on encounters with plants, bugs, and ecosystems fuel natural science learning in a way that’s fun and memorable.

Building Confidence

Outdoor experiences foster independence, resilience, and an “I can do it!” mindset. Climbing rocks, crossing creeks, and completing trails give children a sense of accomplishment they will carry into all areas of life.

Friendship & Belonging

Shared adventures create lasting bonds. Helping each other up summits, cheering on steps, and playing group games all nurture communication, teamwork, and friendship.

Active Bodies, Healthy Minds

Hiking, climbing, balancing, and exploring build strength, coordination, and stamina. Fresh air, sunlight, and active outdoor play support better sleep, immunity, and overall well-being.

Environmental Stewards

Children who play outdoors develop a lifelong respect for nature. We teach Leave No Trace principles, trail safety, and the importance of caring for our environment—so kids grow into responsible, thoughtful stewards of the natural world.

Paula D.

Our son loves Grown Outdoors!!! So lucky to have found such a great after school activity!

Kara A.

Guides were fantastic - Stephanie and Claire brought the energy and excitement every week filled with adventure for both of my kids. The handoff was easy because they were so excited to see what the next session held for them. They worked on education, appreciate for nature, bravery, confidence and fun!

Juliana F.

Sense of adventure, attention and detail to weather, ease in coordination and patience on late arrival, positive and warm welcome into the class for a hesitant child

Brenna V.

My four kids and their friends were able to experience the outdoors in a way that was fun and educational and lead by experienced staff. This day out of school group allowed me, as a working parent, to give my kids some time to expel energy and really have a great time together. As always, they came back full of smiles and stories, and asking when they can go again.

Tobie W.

Our son adores this program! So glad we found you!

Racheal E.

My girls loved being outside, the activities, the fun!!