Parent Child Enrichment

Program Info

Age: 2-4
Overview: Weekly 2-hour outdoor sessions for parents and children to explore nature, play, and connect in community.
Daily Rhythm: Nature play, circle time, snack, craft/parent talk, goodbye song.
Class Section: Free play, seasonal songs, simple nature crafts, parent conversations.
Integrated Learning: Rhythm, seasonal patterns, and sensory exploration support growth.
Tuition: Free (registration required; spaces limited).

Enroll Your Child

Our Offering

Nourishing Connections provides parents and children with a gentle, nature-based community experience. Each week families gather outdoors to explore, sing, share food, and create together. The rhythm of the morning offers balance between open discovery and structured connection, supporting children’s natural sense of security and parents’ desire for meaningful community.

The forest itself becomes the classroom — offering textures, patterns, and seasonal changes that inspire wonder and deepen the bond between parent and child. Parents are encouraged to either join their child in play or take time to connect with other caregivers, fostering friendships and support networks.

What Makes Nourishing Connections Unique

Nature Immersion: Sessions unfold outdoors in meadows and pine forests, grounding families in the beauty of the natural world.
Family Connection: Parents and children share meaningful time together while also finding support from a circle of peers.
Rhythm & Flow: Activities balance open exploration with predictable routines, helping children feel secure and thrive.
Community Building: Small group size encourages friendships, shared experiences, and lasting connections among families.
Accessible & Inclusive: The program is free to attend, with registration ensuring space for all interested families.

Questions and Answers

Do I need to stay with my child during the session?

Yes. This is a parent/child program, and parents must remain with their child for the entire 2-hour session.

How many families can join each session?

We welcome about 12 parent-child pairs per session to keep the group small and supportive.

What should we bring with us?

Please bring a healthy snack or picnic lunch and a blanket for sitting. Dress for the weather, as we’ll be outdoors in all conditions.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. Nourishing Connections is free of charge, though registration is required as spaces are limited.

Testimonials

Melissa and Anthony are kind, gentle, loving souls with a fabulous focus on the beauty around and within. We met through the music classes I teach and they were focused on the rhythm of their children’s learning styles. Anthony brings an unmatched energy and Melissa brings a peaceful gratitude for all around her. They are right on track with healthy sustainable lifestyles for body, mind and spirit. Your family will be enriched by this family whether you have a moment with them or a blink of the preschool years or a lifetime of friendship. Highly recommend! With their thoughtfulness and dedication, their school will be of unmatched quality and bring joy to all who enter their life garden.

- Tibbe, Music Teacher

I would very much love for my children to be a part of Forest Lake Nature School. If I could roll the clock back in time and make it all happen somehow, cosmically, if they were small people, I think they would be nurtured well and certainly a couple days a week with you all. Which is the best compliment I can really give, because I am pretty particular about what I want my children to be a part of.

- Greg, Naturalist and Guide

Forest Lake Nature School has been one of the biggest blessings my wife and I have experienced in our community. Anthony and Melissa have created a space that is safe, that is nourishing, and the learning that happens is remarkable. My daughter is now a bird identifying expert, she has a deep desire to be outside, and the relationships she has created are set up to last a lifetime. We are so grateful for being introduced to the Ulrich family and everyone in this community.

- Aaron, Parent and community member

In a crazy world where so many people are disillusioned with school systems, and kids are bombarded with screens, this is an amazing change of pace AND a place for kids to learn the way they were created to learn!

- Bethany, Community friend

FLNS is a blessing to the twin cities! An educational and nourishing offering for families, an invitation to deepen relationships with the land and each other. A much needed invitation for children to experience the simple yet profound beauty of the natural world.. and to explore with freedom and ease!

- Bridget, Parent

My daughter and I are really enjoying the parent-child group through Forest Lake Nature School. Melissa and Anthony are so warm and welcoming and we’ve made so many friendships and found such a great community through our participation in their program. We love the community building, togetherness, learning, programming and atmosphere. Their group is always our favorite activity of the week because we get to play outside together while being apart of something that is really helping shape the next generation into loving, kind, responsible, aware and well rounded people who care about living a holistic lifestyle in balance with nature and who will be passionate about stewardship of the land. We love Forest Lake Nature School and look forward to our ongoing participation as part of this beautiful family they have created.

- Sarah, Parent

For our family, Forest Lake Nature School has meant connection, being closer to nature and nourishment of the mind/body/soul.