Our lessons follow a steady progression and are organized into three units. In our Our Treasures unit, we zoom in on the natural treasures within our outdoor spaces. In our Our Spaces unit, we zoom out to notice what is happening and changing in our biomes—up, down and all around us. In our final Our Focus Tools unit, we zoom inwards on the “tools” and strategies we can use to support ourselves as we focus.
Fall Class: Focus
Friday Class, 10:30-11:30 am
September 27th to November 1st
10 Spots Available
Sunday Class, 10:30-11:30 am
September 29th to November 3rd
Fall Session Tinker with Katie Presents:
Science Exploration
Ages: 4-8 (siblings welcome)
Monday, August 5th to September 16th
11:00-12:00pm
Join us in our science/play class outdoors
Class is Full
Join Our Outdoor Play Classes for 1.5-6 year olds in San Diego or our new class for 4-8 year olds- Science Exploration.
I am thrilled to invite you to our Tinkergarten-inspired outdoor classes for young children and their caregivers at beautiful Lake Murray. Let's enjoy the outdoors together!
Learning Through
Movement
Autonomy
Hands-On Learning
Art Exploration
Highly Engaging
Activities
Experience a Fun-Filled Learning Adventure in Our Outdoor Classroom!
Our outdoor classroom provides a space for your child to explore and play. We foster a sense of community and offer engaging lessons that ignite excitement and keep your child engaged.
Friday Class
10:30-11:30
September 27th- November 1st
Fall Season: Focus
Enrolling Now
Our Focus curriculum is designed to help kids hone the symphony of skills we use to direct, shift, and sustain our attention. Throughout the series, we’ll leverage the captivating natural world to teach kids several building blocks of focus: how to feel present in the moment; how to zoom in and zoom out; how to wonder; and how to follow our interests. Throughout our series, we’ll also reinforce rituals that help us feel both grounded and open to discovery.
Sunday Class
10:30-11:30
September 29th- November 3rd
Tinker with Katie Presents: Science Wonder
Our seven week session uses the scientific method to make predictions and draw conclusions
Classes will begin with a physical group activity and then learners will dive into their science lesson
Ages 4-8 years old
Siblings Welcome
Monday Class
August 5th- September 16th
11:00am- 12:00pm
Fostering Children's Growth Through Core Skill Development
Our program aims to enhance the growth of children by focusing on one of eight fundamental skills each season. Our goal is to instill curiosity and capability in our learners, so that they can make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
Nature is the Classroom
No matter the setting, every lesson connects us to the natural world. Creatures are our teachers, and mud and sticks our tools.
How it Works
Open-ended,
Child-led
Kids learn best when they lead the way. We also equip grownups support children's playful learning.
Irresistible
Invitations to Play
Each lesson is engineered to engage kids in play that they simply can’t refuse!
Delightful,
Skill-Boosting Curriculum
Over the past decade, we’ve honed our unique approach to help kids become healthy, curious, capable and caring learners.
After Participating in Tinkergarten......
87%
of families report kids spending more time outside.
93%
of Guides report gaining new ideas for engaging kids in play
90%
of families report kids play more independently
Class Packages:
One Enrolled Explorer
One Class: 23$
Three Classes: $69
Six Classes: $138
For ages Walking to 20 months:
One Class: $17
Three Classes: $51
Six Classes: $102
Sibling Discount: 25%
One Class: $17.25
Three Classes: $51.75
Six Classes: $103.50
Be in the know! Join our mailing list, and you'll get the inside scoop on free community events and classes.
This is my son's first class experience. Katie did a fantastic job making him feel comfortable and included. He was very excited for class each Friday and I am so pleasantly surprised at the friends he has made.
-Spring 2023
Katie is so good with all the kids and makes them excited to learn and participate. In yesterday's session, my daughter was able to explore the area and collect materials to build a nest for her hedgehog. She loved the whole lesson.
- Winter 2022
Times flies with the different stations. I love how engaged kids are during this time. Thank you so much for the sessions. You are a great facilitator and role model. My child enjoyed every session so much. We will definitely come back.
-Summer 2023
Family Testimonials from Past Seasons
I would rate Friday's class a 5 out of 5. It was a really wonderful class and the topic tied in thematically, to perfection. The dough, kindling collection, and fire construction are excellent toddler activities.
-Fall 2022
Frequently Asked Questions:
Click Here
Meet Your San Diego Tinkergarten Leader
Teacher Katie
Evergreen Tinkergarten Leader for Eight Seasons
Hometown: La Mesa, CA
Katie studied Special Education and Early Childhood at Illinois State University, and graduated in 2008. She has been teaching for fourteen plus years, in many different capacities- as a middle school and early childhood teacher, volunteer in Peace Corps serving in Youth Development, ESL Teacher, Dream Engineers, and teaching online classes.
She is a mother to two explorers, Lilly, who is four and Isabela, who is two. They love the outdoors and thrive in outdoor play.
