A group of young children holding hands in line outdoors on a grassy field, with an adult supervising near a large tree in the background.
Three children harvesting black grapes into a green bowl outdoors.
The ground is covered with dry leaves and a few small holes. The word 'HELP' is spelled out with leaves and twigs in the dirt, with a green acorn on the letter 'L'.
Two children playing outdoors in a grassy orchard, one girl climbing a tree while a boy stands holding her hand. Both are dressed in yellow jackets, the girl wears a pink hat, and the boy wears a hood. The orchard is on a cloudy day.
Group of children playing outdoors on a sunny day, participating in a game of limbo under a stick held by two kids, with trees and grass in the background.
A heart shape outlined with brown hazelnuts on dry grass, with small rocks and twigs scattered around.

Forest Drop-off Program

1, 2, 3 or 4 days/week

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday or Thursdays

9am - 1pm

Welcoming children ages 3-6 years

Our Oak Heart Forest Programs are designed to ignite a sense of wonder, adventure, and a deep appreciation and love for the natural world. As parents drop off their children, they can rest assured that our experienced and passionate team of teachers will provide a safe and engaging environment for their children to explore, learn, and grow. Our aim is to foster and deepen the connection children have to Nature, themselves and others that will last a lifetime. We hope you’ll join us!

NOW ENROLLING FOR WINTER II SESSION!

JANUARY 19 ~ MARCH 12, 2026

Location: Briones Regional Park, Alhambra Creek Staging Area

Martinez, CA

Returning families: no need to complete another application. Simply email your enrollment request to: oakheartforest@gmail.com

We are community partners/vendors with Heartwood Charter School and Valley View/Pacific Institute Charter School for our drop off programs. Families that are registered with these charters can use their homeschooling funds for our programs.

New families enroll here
Two children climbing up a large, textured tree trunk and branch in a wooded area with green leaves.

Our program is designed with a whole-child approach, nurturing each child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth through meaningful time in nature. Rooted in play-based learning, children explore the outdoors with curiosity and confidence—building problem-solving skills, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Through guided experiences, open-ended play, seasonal rhythms, and nature-inspired activities, children develop independence, creativity, and a strong sense of self. Our forest educators support each child’s unique developmental journey, creating a warm, safe, and wonder-filled environment where learning unfolds naturally.

Here is a look at our day

DAILY RHYTHM

DROP OFF

Check-in with families as they arrive, and welcome children

MORNING CIRCLE

We welcome one another through songs and stories, share feelings, introduce play invitations, and plan for the day

Hike to our spot in Nature’s playground

SNACK TIME

Each season/session includes seasonal herbal teas

FREE PLAY

Time to observe, explore, run, jump, climb and build. Often this is when we offer an optional seasonal craft or project ~ creating potions, natural dyes and pigments, wet felting, painting, sewing and making plant-based medicine (elderberry syrup, hand salve) to name a few.

LUNCH

Hike back to pick-up site

AFTERNOON CLOSING CIRCLE

Singing songs, storytelling, puppet plays, yoga and goodbyes.

Families arrive at Crow Site for pick up

Also, we delight in whatever explorations and experiences emerge organically from the natural elements, be it rain, mud, sun and air.

Bird's nest with three chicks with open beaks, surrounded by green leaves and branches.
A woman reading a book about shells to two children sitting on grass in a park on a sunny day.