The Out to Play Centre is at Beetbox Farm. It was on this organic people-oriented farm that the magic was first stirred up to become the community that is Out to Play.
Easily accessed from downtown Ottawa, Nepean, Barrhaven and Kanata, Beetbox Farm is surrounded by public land and the Shirley’s Bay Trail Network. At the Out to Play Centre children play in meadows, orchards, forests and along the shoreline of the Kitchissippi River. The farm experience at the Out to Play Centre is unique, where children might gather vegetables from the gardens, feed the chickens or say hello to Fiona, the goat.
The shelters at the Out to Play Centre are large canvas wall-tents and a cabin. In the winter they’re cosy and heated by woodstoves.
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For children 4-10 years the Fox Program offers child-centred, inquiry-driven and educator-supported learning and connecting through play on the land. Each day includes warm and connected circle time which includes oral storytelling, gathering for mealtimes and books, and playful and kind conversations.
Our days include a daily hike out, and the options of playing with art, large loose parts and science investigations. The days on the land offer periods of deep immersive play and wilderness skills with educators playing alongside, scaffolding learning, and supporting children in staying safe and kind together.
Our approach is emergent and responsive which means each day is unique, active and filled with learning. Teachers are happy to communicate and collaborate with public school teachers and service providers to offer consistency and share learning.
Families will receive a packing list for the days together including back-up clothing, snacks, lunch and water. Families receive a monthly newsletter and two invitations to Out to Play Family Gathering events. Join the Out to Play community.
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This program takes place from 9:00-3:00 on Fridays from September 5 to June 12 at the Out to Play Centre. There are 37 program days and two Saturday Family Gathering Days on October 25 and May 23.
There is no program on December 26, January 2, March 20, and April 3 for seasonal breaks and holidays.
09/05/2025, 09/12/2025, 09/19/2025, 09/26/2025, 10/03/2025, 10/10/2025, 10/17/2025, 10/24/2025, 10/31/2025, 11/07/2025, 11/14/2025, 11/21/2025, 11/28/2025, 12/05/2025, 12/12/2025, 12/19/2025, 01/09/2026, 01/16/2026, 01/23/2026, 01/30/2026, 02/06/2026, 02/13/2026, 02/20/2026, 02/27/2026, 03/06/2026, 03/13/2026, 03/27/2026, 04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026, 05/01/2026, 05/08/2026, 05/15/2026, 05/22/2026, 05/29/2026, 06/05/2026, 06/12/2026
Participants must be 3 years and 8 months to 10 years old when the program starts.
Maximum: 16
Registration starts on 04/27/2025 and ends on 04/30/2026.
"Out to Play holds a special place in our family's hearts. In sea of structured school days, extracurriculars, and the ongoing draw of screens, Out to Play has provided all four of our children a sacred space to delve into deep play, lasting connections, and a greater connection with nature. Our kids 'needs and interests are varied, and Out to Play has found a way to meet them all. For parents, nothing is more satisifying than pickup. Instead of the usual response of "good" to the question of "how was your day?" after a day elsewhere, the car ride home seems to be a great saga of the day's events -- everything from collecting caterpillars to building shelters to following otter tracks. The staff have a way of letting children be their most authentic selves when there. For us, it will be a sad day when our children age out, as it has been so central to us these past years." - MA
Please contact Out to Play Inc if you have any questions.