Wild Play Woods
An adventure playground in Knoxville, TN.
Where nature, freedom, creativity, and imagination come together to make untamed magic.
A Magical Laboratory In The Forest
Wild Play Woods is a natural landscape of fields and forested areas full of loose parts, building materials, and art supplies. We call it an “adventure playground”, but the concept was originally termed “junk playground.” It looks like a mess to grownups, but kids find it a wonderland of possibility! Read more here about loose parts and what a junk playground is.
Children can interact freely with the materials at Wild Play Woods, engaging in science, engineering, and artistic feats limited only by their imaginations! Playing here is an excellent addition to any homeschool program, giving kids time in nature and hands on experimentation with math and physics principles.
Open-Ended Exploration
Our time is unstructured with a variety of materials to freely choose from. We constantly add to our collection of “loose parts” – materials, supplies, and tools that enhance open-ended play and encourage problem solving, creative thinking, and collaboration.
Nature Immersion
Our program is 100% outdoors in an untamed, natural space. We meet in all temperatures, rain or shine. We play in amongst the plants and animals that call this space home. Children may encounter bugs and snakes, and they will learn to identify poison ivy!
Risky & Messy Play
Children engage in creative risk-taking which builds problem-solving skills. Tree climbing is popular! They use tools like rope and hand saws for construction projects. Our mud kitchen gets lots of use, as does paint and other art supplies.
Community
We value cooperation, collaboration, and community-building. For our Tuesday membership group, our staff members assist the kids in making cooperative rules and decisions that keep everyone in mind and enhance the group culture.
Self-Directed Learning
Children set their own goals and choose their own activities with minimal adult direction. This encourages ownership over the learning process and enhances skill development, independence, and curiosity.
Mixed Ages
Children ages 5 and up play side by side in a more natural social environment. They choose who to learn from and who to mentor. They move between social groups to suit their own goals and comfort.
Three Ways to Play
Drop-off Membership
Our drop-off program is every Tuesday from 11am – 3pm for children ages 5 and up. The Spring session runs from April 2nd to June 11th. Membership is $220 for the first child and $110 for siblings.
Open Family Fridays
We are open on some Fridays for parents to come, stay, and play with their children. No membership or commitments required. Entrance is $5 per child. Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for when we are open.
Group Events
Our space is available by appointment on other days for group field trips, parties, or private family excursions. Reach out on our social media pages for more information and rates. Let’s plan an adventure for your group!
Follow us on social media for the latest updates!
Membership Program Information
Our drop-off membership program gives kids the chance to experience Wild Play Woods in a collaborative, dynamic children’s community. (And gives parents a break!)
The Spring 2024 session runs from April 2nd to June 11th, every Tuesday from 11am to 3pm.
Spring 2024 membership costs $220 for all 11 play days. Additional siblings can enroll for $110 each. There are no additional material fees. Children do not need any special equipment to attend, however they will need to dress for the weather, which may include cold or rainy days. Assistance is available to help every child have the gear they need to have a great time.
Before applying for membership, please read the Membership Agreement. Reach out to Issa Waters at the social media links above with any questions. When you’re ready, fill out an application for each child you’d like to enroll. Spaces sometimes fill up fast!
Wild Play Woods Membership Agreement
Wild Play Woods Membership Application
