Toddle Dawdle + Forest Explorers Program
Making childhood magical, one trail at a time
Welcome to our Toddle Dawdle + Forest Explorers program, a magical nature-based learning adventure designed for curious young minds, with a focus on tots to early elementary youths.
In our outdoor sessions, we will bring new discoveries with circle time, songs, stories, hikes and sensory play. Your little explorer will climb, create, splash and wonder their way through hands-on experiences that nurture both body and soul.
From building stick forts to dancing with the trees, from foraging for seasonal berries and flowers to spotting new plants, from making mud masterpieces to discovering amazing critters that live among us (or us among them!) — we're growing confident, creative, and connected kids who see the world as their playground.
For our parents, we have a Parent Circle where we dive into enriching conversations and activities designed just for adults, for your own growth and discovery.
Fall session begins end of August 2026 (see below for details)!
Added bonus: Discover new places and many hidden gems around the Bay, with each session!
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Register by Sunday, Aug. 23 to get early bird pricing:
Single season totals for 8 classes (9th class is a makeup): $440 (one child) | $352 (2nd child) | $308 (3rd child)
Full year totals for 16 classes (17th class is a makeup): $720 | $576 (2nd child) | $504 (3rd child)
After Aug. 23 (single season only):
Single season totals for 8 classes (9th class is a makeup): $480 (one child) | $384 (2nd child) | $336 (3rd child)
No refunds are provided.
Registrants will be responsible for paying their own entry and parking fees.
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Focus only on the current semester at a time; no need to commit to one year.
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Sessions planned for parents to talk about challenges that are not only about parenting but also other topics, like back-to-work networking, guest speakers and more.
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Meet the same families at each session and build community with those learning the same things and facing the same challenges. Make memories to last a lifetime.
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Walking, climbing, splashing and running enhances gross motor skills while making nature art and sensory play will focus on fine motor development.
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From learning new words to observing and exploring, from focus to balance, little ones will unlock more potential of their growing brains. Critical thinking, problem solving, social and emotional growth — all start early.
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Try fun science experiments, learn about nature’s ecology, make fun art that encourages logical thinking and more.
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Explore textures, sizes, shapes and more while breathing in fresh air that stimulates all five senses of little minds (and for grown ups, too)!
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Littles learn how to care for the environment, observe seasons and their outdoor bounties, and instill a love for the planet at an early age. We will explore forests through all the seasons and learn about the cycle of life from spring to winter.
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Littles learn about animals, flowers, trees, birds and more! Watch their eyes light up when they spot something from their books in real life. We add fun and educational flashcards to keep enrichment ongoing after families go home.
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Silly Slugs with Miranda (Peninsula + South Bay )
Saratoga, Los Gatos, Campbell, Los Altos, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Mateo
SATURDAYS: 9:30 - 11:30 AM
FALL
Aug 29, Sep 19 & 26, Oct 10 & 24, Nov 14 & 21, Dec 5
Make-up session: Dec. 12
SPRING
Feb 27, Mar 6 & 20, Apr 3 & 17, May 1 & 15, Jun 5Make-up session: May 22
2nd child: 20% off / 3rd child: 30% off
👶 Infants under 12 months are FREE when joining a sibling!
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Happy Hawks with Sarah (Peninsula)
Redwood City, San Carlos, Woodside, Foster City, Palo Alto
WEDNESDAYS: 3 - 5 PM
FALL
Sep 9 & 23, Oct 7 & 21, Nov 4 & 18, Dec 2 & 16
Make-up session: TBD with group
SPRING
Feb 24, Mar 10 & 24, Apr 7 & 21, May 5 & 19, Jun 2
Make-up session: TBD with group
2nd child: 20% off / 3rd child: 30% off
👶 Infants under 12 months are FREE when joining a sibling!
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Mighty Monarchs with Mahsa & Pranali (Tri-Valley & East Bay)
San Ramon, Berkeley, Oakland, Fremont, Milpitas, North San Jose, Sunnyvale, Pleasanton - More info coming soon
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WHAT'S INCLUDED
Guided adventure, scavenger hunt and educational activities
Digital guide that will make the session EASY for you and your family!
In-person guided outing
All logistics
Explorer checklist (what you need to bring)
Take-home craft and/or treat for the kids
Arts, crafts and science activities
Natural + cultural history, plus lunch + coffee stops + more
YOU'LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO
First-aid kit
Loaner kit of hiking gear (48-hour notice): https://bit.ly/loanerkit. Please inquire about what gear is available; we have items for kids and adults, like single/double jogging strollers, Baby Bjorn infant carrier, toddler backpack carrier, hiking poles, etc.
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Program Basics
What age group is this program for?
Our Toddle Dawdle + Forest Explorers program is designed for curious young minds from infants to early elementary ages.
How long is each session?
Each class runs 1.5 to 2 hours, giving plenty of time for exploration, learning, and fun!
What's included in each session? Every session includes circle time, songs, stories, yoga, hikes, sensory play, hands-on activities, nature exploration, science fun and arts + crafts that kids can take home.
Scheduling & Locations
How often do sessions meet?
Sessions are held every other weekend (except state and federal holidays).
How many sessions are in a season?
Each season (fall and spring) features 8 sessions, plus one make-up session.
Do you visit the same location each week?
No! We explore a different beautiful Bay Area location each session, discovering hidden gems and new places within a 35-40 minute drive radius from your selected location.
When will I know the schedule and locations?
You can already see the dates for each season on our website, by guide name and location. Specific location details will be shared one month before each season begins.
Registration & Fees
How much does the program cost?
$55 per session when enrolling by season, or $45 per session when you enroll for the full year (fall + spring). Sibling discounts apply: 20% off for a second child, 30% off for a third. Registrants are responsible for their own entry, toll, and parking fees.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes! We offer discounts for additional siblings from the same family. When signing up, select the option that reflects the number of children in your family. The 2nd child receives a 20% discount and the 3rd child receives a 30% discount compared to the single child registration fee.
Do I have to commit for a full year?
We encourage families to enroll for the full year — it's the best value at $45 per session and means you're locked in for all the fun without having to re-register each season. If you prefer, season-by-season enrollment is also available at $55 per session.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment is made through the sign-up page on our website.
What to Expect
What should my child wear?
Dress for outdoor adventure! We recommend comfortable clothes that can get dirty, closed-toe shoes with good grip, and layers for changing weather.
Safety & Logistics
How do you ensure safety?
A detailed guide about all logistics for each location will be shared after sign up and one month before the program starts. Our guides bring a first aid kit and are required to undergo CPR training with Red Cross.
Do you provide snacks?
No, we do not provide snacks or drinks in this program.
Do you offer a refund?
The program is non-refundable. However, a one-time credit transfer is available upon request. This allows you to attend a make-up session at any other location in the current season, or apply the value of the session fee toward any hike or day trip organized by Family Adventure Squad, within 3 months from the date of the missed session.
How do I contact you with more questions?
You can reach us at miranda@mommymehiking.com
When does the next season start?
Our fall 2026 season begins August 29. Sign up now to secure your spot!
How do I sign up?
Visit us at https://www.familyadventuresquad.org/toddle-dawdle-forest-explorers-program
Can I visit a class before committing?
Upon request, we offer a one-time trial drop-in to one outing. If you choose to enroll after your trial, the trial fee will be applied toward your season registration.
To book a trial outing, please select that pricing option on the program webpage.