LIVEfor

04/25/2026

Come play the TimberNook way!

04/22/2026

Today we celebrate Earth Day—but the real work happens in the small, everyday moments with our kids. 🌎

Teaching children to care for the environment isn’t just about recycling or picking up trash. It’s about helping them notice the world around them, respect it, and feel connected to it. When kids learn to love the Earth, they grow into adults who will protect it.

Let them dig in the dirt, explore the woods, ask questions, and take the lead. Show them that their actions matter—because they do.

We’re not just raising kids—we’re raising the next caretakers of our planet. 💚

04/22/2026

🌎 In celebration of Earth Day and TEN years of Balanced & Barefoot, we’re giving back to this incredible TimberNook community!

The winner will receive:
– A signed copy of Balanced & Barefoot
– A TimberNook mug

To enter:
1. Like this post
2. Follow on Instagram & TimberNook on Facebook
3. Comment your answer to: Where was your favorite place to play growing up?

✨ Bonus entry: tag a friend who would love this.

We will choose one winner from Instagram and one from Facebook on April 30, 2026!

*No purchase necessary. Must be 18+. This giveaway is not affiliated with or sponsored by Instagram or Facebook.*

04/21/2026

Slots are still available for summer camps!

Register today and get ready to see your child experience their best summer yet!

https://timbernook.com/providers/livefor/

04/21/2026

Dr. Bundy is 100% correct!

"Play is a powerful tool, enabling important learning that school curricula usually do not yield." — Dr. Anita Bundy 🌿

📖 Read the full University of New Hampshire study to see how TimberNook transforms kids, teachers, and school communities: https://hub.exchangepress.com/author/lisa-ranfos/?print=print-search

04/11/2026

Truth!

"Teachers reported increased collaboration, more flexible lesson planning, and greater joy in teaching after TimberNook experiences."

Learn more about our new research with the University of New Hampshire here:
https://hub.exchangepress.com/author/lisa-ranfos/?print=print-search

03/30/2026

I am often asked how I make TimberNook accessible to everyone, and while the specifics can change, the one thing that is important to remember is that everybody deserves a chance to play the TimberNook way.

Trust the process.

Step back and tune in.

It can be tempting to step in too soon and come up with a handful of reasons why it's okay to have more adult presence with kids who seem to need it more.

However, we are not giving kids enough credit when we do this. Learning how to manage appropriate risk taking in a child with physical and cognitive delays is just as important as it is for neurotypical kids to learn these skills.

This photo is just one small reminder that kids can help each other. They can recognize a call for help and step in to help only as much as the child needs to become part of the group. To play and experience the magic of TimberNook safely until they see the child has mastered the skill. This is the beauty of multi-age and all ability play.

After several kids took turns making sure this camper could climb their build to the slide, he eventually gained the confidence and the skill to do it on his own. He became part of the group and he grew so much more than if I would have held his hand every time I got nervous he may fall. I heard his ask for help, and so did the campers. They found a way to communicate and they figured it out together. Without an adult telling them what to do.

03/25/2026

Edible bugs? Add some ketchup and mustard and nothing could stop these kids from creating crazy concoctions! Stepping outside of one's comfort zone promotes neural plasticity which is important for cognitive wellness and growth.

03/23/2026

Sensory Adventures: Fear Factor is off to a great start! Play looks different for all kids, but we tend to see similar play themes. From fort building, to exploring the woods, painting, or creating things with mud, one thing was certain today, all kids were deep in authentic childhood play.

What will tomorrow bring? We can't wait to find out!

03/21/2026

Get yourself and your kids up in the trees on these beautiful days! The fresh air, the views, and the climbing are all great for our bodies and minds.

03/18/2026

Mud season is coming...and we cannot wait!

At TimberNook, we believe childhood is meant to be felt - in muddy hands, bare feet, and tiny treasures carried home in pockets. 🌿

03/16/2026

It may be covered in snow today, but in just one week these woods will be filled with kids playing. Opening up more space every season allows for deeper, more authentic play spaces. We cannot wait to see these woods come alive.