Forest kindergarten, also known as Waldkindergarten or nature kindergarten, is a unique preschool model for children aged three to six that operates almost exclusively outdoors, regardless of the weather. Children are encouraged to play, explore, and learn in a forest environment, emphasizing natural objects over commercial toys, with adult supervision serving to assist rather than lead.
The concept originated in Denmark in the early 1950s with Ella Flautau. It further developed in Sweden in 1957 with Gösta Frohm's "Skogsmulle" nature education, which was formalized into "Rain or Shine Schools" by Siw Linde in 1985. Germany officially recognized these outdoor nurseries in 1993, leading to a significant boom from approximately 450 in 2005 to over 1,500 by late 2017.
These kindergartens fulfill the same basic purpose as traditional nurseries but prioritize a child-led, experiential connection with nature, typically using a designated woodland area and a shelter for extreme conditions.