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, yoga, 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 yoga under the sky — 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.

Winter session begins January 2026 (see below for details)!

Added bonus: Discover new places and many hidden gems around the Bay, with each session!

  • Walking, climbing, splashing and running enhances gross motor skills while making nature art and sensory play will focus on fine motor development.

  • 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.

  • Try fun science experiments, learn about nature’s ecology, make fun art that encourages logical thinking and more.

  • Explore textures, sizes, shapes and more while breathing in fresh air that stimulates all five senses of little minds (and for grown ups, too)!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Focus only on the current semester at a time; no need to commit to one year.

  • A One time credit transfer enables you to attend a make-up session at any other location in the current season or to use the value of the session fee towards any hike or day trip organized by Family Adventure Squad, within 3 months from the date of the missed session.

  • The fee is $275 per season, per child, which includes all 5 classes.

    Winter season runs from Jan to mid-March

    Spring season runs from mid-March to May

    Siblings are welcome in the program! We offer a special discounted rate for siblings from the same family:

    Winter season fee for 1 child: $275

    Winter season fee for 2 children (siblings): $495

    Winter season fee for 3 children (siblings): $690

    Spring season fee for 1 child: $275

    Spring season fee for 2 children (siblings): $495

    Spring season fee for 3 children (siblings): $690

    Winter+Spring season fee for 1 child: $550

    Winter+Spring season fee for 2 children (siblings): $990

    Winter+Spring season fee for 3 children (siblings): $1375

    Registrants will be responsible for paying their own entry and parking fees.

  • Silly Slugs with Arren (South Bay Foothills)

    Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, Saratoga, Campbell, Mountain View, Sunnyvale

    SATURDAYS: 930 - 1130AM (2nd & 4th weekends)

    Winter Season Dates: Jan 10, Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21, Mar 7

    Winter Season Fee: $275

    Spring Season Dates: Mar 21, Apr 4, Apr 18, May 2, May 16

    Spring Season Fee: $275

  • Happy Hawks with Sarah (Peninsula)

    Redwood City, San Carlos, Woodside, Foster City, Palo Alto

    WEDNESDAYS: 3:30-5:30 PM (Alternate week)

    Winter Season dates: Jan 14, Jan 28, Feb 11, Feb 25, Mar 11

    Winter Season Fee: $275

    Spring Season Dates: Mar 25, Apr 8, Apr 22, May 6, May 20

    Spring Season Fee: $275

  • Mighty Monarchs with Mahsa & Pranali (Tri-Valley & East Bay)

    San Ramon, Berkeley, Oakland, Fremont, Milpitas, North San Jose, Sunnyvale, Oakland, Pleasanton

    SUNDAYS: 930-1130 AM (1st & 3rd weekends)

    Winter Season Dates: Jan 11 (Pranali), Jan 25 (Mahsa), Feb 8 (Pranali), Feb 22 (Mahsa), Mar 8 (Pranali)

    Winter Season Fee: $275

    Spring Season Dates: Mar 22 (Pranali), Apr 5 (Pranali), Apr 19 (Mahsa), May 3 (Mahsa), May 17 (Mahsa)

    Spring Season Fee: $275

Enroll Now!

  • 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.

  • 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 session meet?

    Sessions are held every other weekend (except state and federal holidays).

    How many sessions are in a season?

    The Winter season has 5 classes from Jan to mid-March.

    Spring season has 5 sessions from mid-March to May.

    Registration options are available for 10 sessions to cover the combined Winter and Spring seasons, as well.

    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?

    A detailed class schedule with specific dates and locations will be shared one month before each season begins. You can already see the dates for each season on our website, by guide name and location.

    Registration & Fees

    How much does the program cost?

    The fee is $275 per season, per child, which includes all 5 classes.

    Registrants will be responsible for paying their own entry fees, toll and parking fees.

    Can I bring a sibling to the session with my registered child?

    Siblings are welcome in the program! We offer a special discounted rate for siblings from the same family! Below is the detailed pricing information. Please choose the appropriate option based on the number of kids in your family, at the time of registration.

    Winter season fee for 1 child: $275

    Winter season fee for 2 children (siblings, 20% discount for 2nd child): $495

    Winter season fee for 3 children (siblings, 30% discount for 3rd child): $690

    Spring season fee for 1 child: $275

    Spring season fee for 2 children (siblings, 20% discount for 2nd child): $495

    Spring season fee for 3 children (siblings, 30% discount for 3rd child): $690

    Winter+Spring season fee for 1 child: $550

    Winter + Spring season fee for 2 children (siblings): $990

    Winter + Spring season fee for 3 children (siblings): $1375

    Do you offer sibling discounts?

    Yes! We offer discounts for additional siblings. When signing up, select the ‘2 kids (siblings)’ or ‘3 kids (siblings)’ option based on the number of kids in your family.

    2nd child receives a 20% discount and third child receives a 30% discount compared to the single child registration fee. All of the children must be siblings.

    Please see detailed pricing information in the previous question above.

    Do I have to commit for a full year?

    Not at all! Our flexible sign-up allows you to focus on just the current season — no need to commit to a full year.

    What payment methods do you accept?

    Payment is made through the sign-up page on our website.

    Missed Session & Make-ups

    What happens if we miss a session?

    Life happens! If you miss a session, you can use a special one-time credit transfer to attend a make-up session at any other location in the current season or use the value of the session fee towards any hike or day trip organized by Family Adventure Squad, within 3 months from the date of the missed session.

    Can I transfer my make-up credit to a different season?

    At this time, make-up sessions can only be completed in the season for which you are registered. However, you can choose to use the value of the session fee towards any hike or day trip organized by Family Adventure Squad, within 3 months from the date of the missed session.

    What to Expect at Forest Explorers Program

    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.

    What should we bring?

    Always bring snacks, water, extra clothes, sun protection, small trash bags and layers of clothing with you. Once you sign up, you will receive a detailed location and schedule guide which includes any items specific to a session location. In addition, your guide will share any additional info before each session through a private group chat.

    What if it's raining?

    Classes will meet rain or shine, except during extreme weather when an advisory might be in effect. Arrangements to transfer the credit will be communicated in such cases.

    Is this program suitable for shy children?

    Absolutely! Our nature-based approach helps children of all personalities feel comfortable and engaged at their own pace.

    For Parents

    What is the Parent Circle?

    Parent Circle is a space for grown ups to discuss any and all topics, not limited to parenting. Meaningful conversations around topics like back-to-work, networking as well as guest speaker sessions from experts in various fields, aimed for grown ups. We will also put out surveys to hear what you want to discuss with other parents!

    Can I participate in activities with my child?

    Yes, Parent/caregiver participation is required in this program.

    Will I meet the same families each week?

    Yes! You'll see the same families throughout the season, building a wonderful community of like-minded parents and children.

    Safety & Logistics

    How do you ensure safety checks?

    A detailed guide about all logistics for each location will be shared after sign up and one month before the program starts. In addition, 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 special one-time credit transfer is possible, upon request.

    The one-time credit transfer allows you to attend a make-up session at any other location in the current season or to use the value of the session fee towards 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

    Getting Started

    How do I sign up?

    https://www.familyadventuresquad.org/toddle-dawdle-forest-explorers-program

    When does the next season start?

    Season starts in Jan 2026 after New Year.

    Can I visit a class before committing?

    Upon request, we offer a one-time trial drop in to any session. After the trial session, if you choose to sign up for the program, we will adjust the trial session fee in the season registration fee.

    To book a trial session, please select that pricing type on the webpage for the program.