Tinkergarten offers a delightful, skill-boosting curriculum. Each season, we help children to develop one of 8 core skills—skills they need to become curious, capable learners who can contribute to their world.
Outdoors is the
classroom.
We have no walls. Creatures are our teachers, mud and sticks are our tools. Every lesson connects us to nature.
Open-ended,
Child Led
Kids learn best when they lead the way. We also help grownups support their child.
Irresistible Invitations To Play
Each lesson is engineered to engage kids in play that they simply can’t refuse!
Quick Deets
Designed for ages 1.5-8, all ages welcomed.
Caregiver attends with child.
John Stymelski Veteran’s Park
14407 Stark Rd, Livonia, MI 48154
Enroll by the season – scroll down for dates.
A typical class includes:
• Singing & animal movements
• Introduction to American Sign Language
• Guess & reveal our featured creature
• Collecting nature treasures to include in our activity
• A new invitation to play each week, based on the current season’s core skill
• Loving rituals to embrace each individual
• Support for parents in observing, co-playing and embracing their child’s natural learning style!
2026 Spring Season – Creativity
9 weekly sessions beginning April 14th.
Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 AM, April 14 –June 9
OR
Tuesdays 5:15–6:15 PM, April 14 –June 9
Register in the section below.
This class will be prorated once the season begins.
This Spring, we focus on creativity—the ability to imagine original ideas or solutions to problems and make them happen. We’ll help kids develop creative mindsets and strategies that they can use throughout their lives to invent new things, solve problems, express their ideas and feelings, and to nurture relationships. And, we’ll do it all through enriching, outdoor play!
Click here for more details about this season’s classes.
Click here to view the season map!
2026 Summer Season – Sensory
9 weekly sessions beginning mid June.
Schedule TBD – email us your input!
Registration coming soon.
This class will be prorated once the season begins.
Senses are central to how kids experience the world, how they behave, and how they learn. While most kids crave sensory engagement, unfortunately they don't always get it. More and more, teachers and parents are noticing that young bodies are crying out for more of what their developing sensory systems need. Good news! Nature truly is the ideal, sensory environment—calming, constantly changing, and stimulating to all of our senses, in perfect balance.
Click here for more details about this season’s classes (please disregard the 2024 date!)
Click here to view the season map (please disregard the 2024 date!)
Register Here
Don’t see your preferred day/time? Request it!
Classes must meet minimum enrollment to run. Some seasons will only offer one class time, even if two are listed. Those first to register will help to determine which class will remain open for further enrollment. If you registered for a class that is closing, you will be notified via email and offered the opportunity to transfer to an available class.
Children must be from the same household to register together and receive the automatic sibling discount.
Scroll down for more info on what to expect and don’t forget to complete our required release of liability waiver!
Gift Cards!
Join a friend or grandchild at a Tinkergarten class, gift a chance for parents to get outside and play as a family or know that young ones are living their best lives outdoors with friends & caring leaders at a drop-off program. Let’s give kids a little adventure and ownership over their own healthy childhood again!
Give the gift of time spent outdoors in the most calming, yet stimulating classroom of all. Recipients can put your gift toward any class fee.
"Too often we give children answers to remember, rather than problems to solve." – Roger Lewin
"Too often we give children answers to remember, rather than problems to solve." – Roger Lewin
Tinkergarten Is Better With Friends!
When a friend signs up for a season of Tinkergarten classes you’ll receive a $25 refund on a current or future enrollment. Just let us know who you referred or have your friend mention you on their enrollment!
Friends who have not yet tried a Tinkergarten class can join one class for free! Just have them reach out to arrange their visit.
What To Expect When You Register
What to bring/wear:
• Each week, families should bring water bottles and seasonally appropriate layers.
• It’s a great idea to bring a blanket on which to sit, especially on wet or snowy days.
• Many families like to bring a snack and/or picnic lunch.
• That’s it!
Cancellations/missed classes:
• Credits and refunds are not offered for classes missed by families. If more than 2 sessions in one season need to be canceled by the leader without rescheduling, families are eligible for a refund for those canceled sessions.
• Decisions about whether it is safe to hold class are determined by the teacher using local weather guidance. The teacher will update families at least 90 minutes prior to class by email and/or text message. Whenever possible, the session will be rescheduled.
More info on your meeting spot and a preview of the learning to come will be sent before your season begins.
Click here to download our required release of liability waiver.
Please complete and return to us by email prior to class or in person at the start of class.
Questions? Check our FAQ page or contact us!
See you outside!