Forest School FAQs

Barefoot and Wild Forest School @ Freeman Park in Idaho Falls, ID

🌿 What is Forest School?

Forest School is a child-led, outdoor education model that focuses on exploration, play, and hands-on experiences in nature. Originating in Scandinavia, it’s designed to foster resilience, creativity, independence, and a lifelong connection to the natural world. Unlike a single field trip, Forest School offers regular, long-term sessions to deepen children's relationship with nature — and themselves.

🪵 What do they do at Forest School?

Activities vary day to day, guided by children’s interests and seasonal changes. They may:

• Build shelters, climb trees, or use tools (safely!)

• Hunt for bugs or follow animal tracks

• Create nature art or make stories from sticks

• Child-led free play

• Circle time read aloud to help foster creativity for the day

• Journal about what they observe or feel

The focus is on process over product, wonder over worksheet, and connection over control.

🧠 What are the benefits?

Research supports that Forest School:

• Boosts confidence, social skills, and independence

• Enhances executive function, problem-solving, and self-regulation

• Reduces anxiety, improves mental health, and supports focus

• Promotes physical activity, motor skills, and immune function

• Teaches children to assess risk and adapt in real-life situations

(Reference: Early Childhood Education Journal, 2013)

👧👦 Who can attend?

We offer classes for children ages 3–15.

Tuesday- 3–4 years

10:00am –12:30pm

$100/month or $800/year

Tuesday- 5–7 years

1:00pm –4:00pm

$100/month or $800/year

Wednesday- 8–15 years

11:00am –3:00pm

$100/month or $800/year

Thursday- 3–7 years

1:00pm –4:00pm

$100/month or $800/year

Tuesday/ Thursday Combo- 3–7 years

$175/month or $1,200/year total for both Tue/Thu

Are there discounts for multiple children?

Yes, we offer a Sibling Discount:

• 2 kids = $5 off

• 3+ kids = $10 off

📍Where does Barefoot & Wild Forest School meet?

We meet at Freeman Park in Idaho Falls at 1290 Science Center Dr, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, United States. To find us, take the second left at the entrance on Science Center Drive.

📅Does the school meet year-round?

Barefoot & Wild Forest school starts the week of Labor Day in September and goes until the end of May each year.

🌩️ Is class ever canceled due to weather?

A unique aspect of Forest School is that it exposes children to a variety of seasons, weathers, and all the wonderful experiences that occur in nature whether it rains, shines, or snows. That is why following dress guidelines is so vital for a great experience! Generally, school will occur regardless of weather conditions. There are times, however rare, when the weather presents hazardous conditions, such as extreme storms or temperatures. In those cases, our team will contact you prior to class and we will reschedule the session for as soon as possible.

🍎 What do kids eat?

We provide whole food snacks inspired by nature: seasonal fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. Snack time is also a time to talk about food origins, healthy choices, and mindful eating.

🧥 What should my child wear?

We believe there's no bad weather — just the wrong clothes. Here’s how to dress for success in every season:

☀️ Summer

• Lightweight, breathable layers

• Long sleeves/pants for sun and bug protection

• Sun hat & sunscreen

• Closed-toe shoes (hiking sandals or trail shoes)

🍂 Fall

• Moisture-wicking base layers

• Fleece or wool middle layers

• Waterproof outer layers (jacket & pants)

• Waterproof boots & warm socks

• Hat, gloves, extras in a dry bag

❄️ Winter

• Three-layer system: Base (wool/synthetic), Insulation (fleece/down), Waterproof shell

• Insulated, waterproof boots

• Mittens, neck warmer, thermal socks

• Extra gloves & socks

🌧️ Rain

• Full waterproof gear (not just water-resistant)

• Rain jacket with hood, waterproof pants or full suit

• Rubber boots

• Synthetic or wool socks

• Optional: warm hat or brimmed rain hat

Pro Tip: Kids often enjoy winter and rainy days the most — puddles, snow, and mud are part of the magic!

🧑‍🏫 Who leads the sessions?

Forest School sessions are led by trained educators skilled in child development, ecological literacy, and outdoor risk management. We’re here to support children’s growth — not direct it.

📅 How do I register?

Check out our Program page to learn more, our Enrollment page to register your child, or reach out to us for current openings and enrollment forms. Space is limited to maintain small group sizes and ensure quality, hands-on experiences.

💬 Still Have Questions?

We’d love to connect! Reach out to us to learn more about whether Forest School is right for your child.