At Snails & Turkey Tails childhood is treasured, learning comes to life, and each day is filled with discovery, creativity, and growth in the natural world.
At Snails & Turkey Tails, childhood is meant to be muddy, magical, and full of wonder. We celebrate learning through joyful play, everyday discoveries, and meaningful moments in nature. Our outdoor classes and camps—led by experienced, caring educators—invite young children to explore, create, and connect with themselves, their friends, and the natural world around them.
Our program is rooted in play, curiosity, and developmentally appropriate practices, supporting the whole child—mind, body, and heart.
Nature School
Our Nature School for ages 2–4 meets at beautiful Stolte Grove in Mill Valley, where little ones learn through hands-on exploration, movement, and play. Each day is spent outdoors, giving children the freedom to climb, dig, build, observe, and discover at their own pace.
At Nature School, children engage in guided hikes, sensory exploration, storytelling, songs, seasonal crafts, and open-ended nature play. We focus on nurturing curiosity, confidence, social skills, and a deep connection to the natural world. Our experienced teachers gently support early friendships, emotional growth, and kindergarten readiness — all in a joyful, unhurried outdoor setting.
Classes are offered 2, 3 or 5 days per week on a semester basis, allowing families to choose a rhythm that works best for them while giving children consistent time to build community and connection.
Our Camps
Our camps are week-long, fully outdoor adventures filled with wonder! Each camp week is unique and inspired by the season, with activities like forest and beach exploration, nature art, storytelling, and imaginative play.
Join us at scenic locations like China Camp State Park and Lake Lagunitas, where every day is a new adventure.
Why Nature Matters
Time in nature supports children’s overall development. Outdoor play builds strong bodies through movement and sensory exploration, encourages curious minds through observation and problem-solving, and helps children manage big emotions by promoting calm, resilience, and mindfulness. Nature also fosters friendship and teamwork through collaborative play and nurtures lifelong curiosity by allowing children the freedom to explore at their own pace.
Our Philosophy
At Snails & Turkey Tails, learning is guided by play, curiosity, and connection. Children explore through hands-on, unhurried play, while activities naturally emerge from their interests and the rhythms of the seasons. We encourage safe risk-taking, sensory experiences, and creativity, while nurturing strong connections to nature, peers, and the wider community.
"My child really enjoyed the outdoor experiences at Snails & Turkey Tails camp. The campers were given freedom to explore in a controlled/safe environment. The recall from new learnings from camp has been incredible! He is constantly telling me about new plants and animals he learned about! We look forward to signing him up next year."
~ Summer Camp Parent
"Liesha exuded such positive and exploratory energy that our kids felt it through beautiful osmosis! From climbing trees to collecting artifacts in nature, this camp gave our kids such valuable lessons which they continue to take forward with them as their curiosity grows. We look forward to signing up again next summer!"
~ Summer Camp Parent
"If we could but see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change."