RESOURCES + DISCOUNTS
One of the things I love most about this work is connecting families with the people, places, books, and resources that make it a little easier to bring more nature and play into everyday life. Over the years, I’ve collected quite a list of favorites—some I’ve used with my own family, some I’ve discovered through my work with children, and others that have been shared with me by wonderful people in our local community.
I created this page as a place to gather those resources in one spot. You’ll find favorite books and outdoor gear, nature-based schools and homeschool programs throughout Utah, local places to explore outside, and trusted businesses and organizations I’m happy to recommend. I’ve also included affiliate links and partner discounts when they’re available. When you use one of these links or codes, I may receive a small commission or referral benefit at no additional cost to you. I only share partnerships and resources that I genuinely feel are useful and aligned with the values of Rooted In Play.
Think of this page as a little field guide for families—a place to discover something new, find a helpful resource, or simply get an idea for where to wander next. I’ll continue adding to it as I discover new favorites, so I hope you’ll check back from time to time.
AFFILIATES + DISCOUNTS
We are thrilled to be able to offer the following affiliate discounts to our class community:
Outdoor School Shop: Online shop that curates gear, clothing, and resources specifically for outdoor schools and nature based education programs. Offers gear for both children and adults.
Not sure what your child needs for outdoor school? View our recommended gear checklist and use school code ROOTEDINPLAY at checkout to save 15% off your entire full price order! *Discount does not apply to doorbusters, sale, or (Re)PLAY used gear.
Oaki: A children’s outdoor clothing brand known for durable, affordable rain and weatherproof gear that supports all-weather play.
Save 15% on all purchases with this code: RootedInPlay15
Sparkle Stories: Subscription-based library of gentle, imaginative audio stories designed to support children’s emotional development and family rhythms.
Save 30% off all new subscriptions purchased through this link:
sparklestories.com/rooted-in-play/
You’ll also receive 10% off all future subscription payments. If you are a current Sparkle Stories subscriber, you may send an email to info@sparklestories.com and ask for the discount.
Bookshop.org: An online bookstore that makes it easy to shop for books while supporting independently-owned bookstores.
Through Rooted In Play’s affiliate link below, you can browse and purchase books I recommend for children and families, and 10% of eligible purchases supports Rooted In Play at no additional cost to you.
Shop here: https://bookshop.org/shop/rootedinplay
*All proceeds made via your affiliate purchases will be used to help fund our program scholarships and community events.
Utah Nature-Based Schools, Co-Ops + Outdoor Programs
Pre-Schools
Wonderbloom | Murray and South Salt Lake (The Nature Center at Pia Okwai)
Ages: 2–5 yrs
Website: https://www.wonderbloom.org
Licensed nature-based preschool inspired by forest school approaches. Hosts an indoor and outdoor classroom.
The Child’s Element | Holladay and Bountiful
Ages: 3-7
Website: https://www.thechildselement.org
Mindful forest school; must be potty trained; offers summer camp programs
CCNS (Community Co-Op Nature School) | Salt Lake City (brick & mortar classroom)
Ages: 2-5 years
Website: https://ccnsslc.com/classes-registration
Co-op setting where parents/caregivers participate; offers outdoor and play-based education onsite, on local trails or hybrid options.
Grateful Gathering Forest School | Sandy
Ages: 3-6 year and 5-9 years
Website: https://www.gratefulgatheringfs.org
Forest preschool and afterschool programs.
Off We Go Preschool | Millcreek
Ages: 3-5 years
Website: https://offwegonature.com
Nature and home-based preschool.
Hidden Valley Preschool | Sandy
Ages: 3-5 years
Website:
Nature and home-based preschool
In the Pines | Summit Park
Ages: 3-6 years
Website: https://www.inthepinespreschool.com
Forest school; must be potty independent.
Dancing Cranes Nature Play School | Park City
Ages: 3-6 years
Website: www.dancingcranesnatureschool.com
Small, neighborhood nature-based pre-school; must be potty trained and comfortable being outdoors.
Evergreen Nature School | Logan
Ages:
Website:
Nature preschool offering outdoor-centric early childhood learning.
Wildwood Forest School | Provo Canyon (various locations)
Ages: 3-4 years, 4-6 years, and 7-10 years
Website:
Relational forest school, which places relationship at the heart of education; 100% outdoors; Drop-off; Must be potty trained; offers summer camps.
Wasatch Nature School | Vineyard, Orem and Provo
Ages: 15 months-12 years
Website:
Nature school (100% outdoors) that facilitate learning through well-designed play experiences all in the outdoors, in every season, and inspires and empowers parents to do the same; serves ages 15 months-12 years old
Dirt Learning | West Haven
Ages: 3-5 years
Website: www.dirtlearning.com
StoneybrookHollow | Kaysville
Ages:
Website:
SkyRiverOutdoorSchools | Wasatch + Utah County
Ages:
Website:
Kindergarten + Elementary
Down To Earth | Cottonwood Heights
Ages: 5-15+ years
Website: https://www.downtoearthschool.com
Nature school (100% outdoors) that focuses on stewardship, connection and place-based skills; meets once per week (full or half day) or monthly.
Wasatch Nature School | Vineyard, Orem and Provo
Ages: 15 months-12 years
Website:
Nature school (100% outdoors) that facilitate learning through well-designed play experiences all in the outdoors, in every season, and inspires and empowers parents to do the same; serves ages 15 months-12 years old
Hummingbird Nature School | Taylorsville
Ages: 4-11 years
Website: www.instagram.com/hummingbirdnatureschool
Teens
Coming Soon!
Homeschool Groups + Co-Ops
Coming Soon!
*This is an ever growing list! If you lead/direct a nature-based program or school located in Utah state and would like to have it added to this list, please reach out to Shannon at rootedinplaylearning@gmail.com
Local Places to Explore
Tracy Aviary
Tracy Aviary Nature Center at Pia Okwai
Wheeler Historic Farm
Red Butte Garden
Conservation Garden Park
Hogle Zoo
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Ogden Nature Center
Gillmor Sanctuary
Stokes Nature Center
Kennecott Nature Center
Miller Park Bird Refuge
Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
Swaner Preserve