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, our Saturday Crows 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 short 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.
The Crow program is a shorter day, 9am -1pm. Families will receive a packing list for the days together including back-up clothing, snacks, lunch and water. Families receive a monthly newsletter and an invitation to Out to Play Family Gathering events. Join the Out to Play community!
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This program runs on Saturdays from September 13 to November 8 at the Out to Play Centre. There are 8 program days and a Saturday Family Gathering Day on October 25.
There is no program on October 11 for the holiday.
09/13/2025, 09/20/2025, 09/27/2025, 10/04/2025, 10/11/2025, 10/18/2025, 10/25/2025, 11/01/2025, 11/08/2025
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 11/01/2025.
"Our two oldest daughters attend forest school here. To say it has been a life saver is an understatement. Out to play has given them a chance to be free and unapologetically themselves. They are accepted and encouraged in ways that you do not get in a regular school environment (or most other extracurriculars). They have learned so much and have deepened their understanding, love and appreciation for the land" - JS
Please contact Out to Play Inc if you have any questions.