The Out to Play Centre is nestled at Beetbox Farm — an organic, people-centred farm where the first sparks of what is now the Out to Play community were lit.
Easily accessed from downtown Ottawa, Nepean, Barrhaven, and Kanata, Beetbox Farm is surrounded by public land and connected to the Shirley’s Bay trail network. Here, children spend their days immersed in meadows, orchards, forests, and along the shoreline of the Kitchissippi River. The farm experience is woven naturally into each day — children might gather vegetables from the gardens, feed the chickens, or pause to greet the animals.
At the Out to Play Centre, our shelters include spacious canvas wall tents and a cabin. In the colder months, these spaces become warm and welcoming, with woodstoves offering a cosy place to gather.
About the Program
For children aged 2.5–4 years, the Owl Program offers a gentle half-day introduction to Forest and Nature School. From 9:00am–12:00pm, children are supported by kind and attentive educators as they engage in active outdoor play, daily hikes, circle time, and storytelling. Each day unfolds through exploration of the fields, forest, and farm — and yes, getting wonderfully muddy is part of the experience.
To join the Owls, children need to be independently toileting and comfortable using a potty or outhouse. We offer flexible drop-offs, recognizing that learning to say goodbye is part of this stage, and we meet children and families with care and understanding.
Families receive a simple morning packing list (including spare clothing, snacks, and water), along with regular updates about their child’s experiences. You’ll also be invited to join us for two Out to Play Family Gatherings — a memorable way to connect with other families.
We would love to welcome your family into the Out to Play community.
Program Dates
This program takes place from 9:00-12:00 on Tuesdays from September 8, 2026 to June 15, 2027 at the Out to Play Centre. There are 37 program days and two Saturday Family Gathering Days on October 24 and May 15.
There is no program on December 22, December 29, January 5, and March 16 for seasonal breaks and one professional development day.
Registration and Payment Details
Out to Play programs require an access code to complete registration. If you do not have an access code, please reach out to [email protected] or add your child to our waitlist here!
Multi-day and Sibling Discounts are available.
Out to Play offers flexible payment and withdrawal options. You can pay in full at the time of registration, or choose a 10% deposit followed by three seasonal installments. Payment options include credit card, pre-authorised debit, or e-transfer, selected at the time of registration. The cancellation and withdrawal policy is generous, and is shared in detail during the registration process.
09/08/2026, 09/15/2026, 09/22/2026, 09/29/2026, 10/06/2026, 10/13/2026, 10/20/2026, 10/27/2026, 11/03/2026, 11/10/2026, 11/17/2026, 11/24/2026, 12/01/2026, 12/08/2026, 12/15/2026, 01/12/2027, 01/19/2027, 01/26/2027, 02/02/2027, 02/09/2027, 02/16/2027, 02/23/2027, 03/02/2027, 03/09/2027, 03/23/2027, 03/30/2027, 04/06/2027, 04/13/2027, 04/20/2027, 04/27/2027, 05/04/2027, 05/11/2027, 05/18/2027, 05/25/2027, 06/01/2027, 06/08/2027, 06/15/2027
Participants must be 2 years and 8 months to 4 years and 8 months old when the program starts.
Maximum: 10
Registration starts on 04/18/2026 and ends on 05/26/2027.
"I's time at Out to Play has been transformative, fostering her love for nature and enabling her to develop important life skills. She has developed a deep appreciation for nature, learned valuable life skills, and formed beautiful friendships with her peers and the land. We are incredibly grateful for the positive influence you've all had on her overall development. The program has shaped her character and resilience in a profound way."
Please contact Out to Play Inc if you have any questions.