Heading into Nature to Support the Social-Emotional Skills of Kids
Nature OT Groups | Pop Up Play | Specialty Groups
East Toronto | Etobicoke
Does your child struggle with…
Big emotions?
Trying new things?
Sticking with an activity or staying focused?
Making friends?
Sharing information in class?
With the Forest As Our Clinic, OT Groups Promote…
Peer modelling
Cooperation
Social skill building
The development of empathy & self-esteem!
OT Groups for Kids
With each adventure-packed outdoor group, your child will have opportunities to connect with their body, build skills for navigating emotions, and practice social skills with their peers.
Pop Up Play Groups
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Give your child the opportunity to get outside and play in the forest. These groups are open to ALL kids. They pop up so join our mailing list to find out when the next is happening!
Drop In Groups are slightly different in that they are meant for OT kids/families wanting to try out a group session. They will periodically happen when we start a group and have spots still remaining. The series will be prorated if your child decides to come on a weekly basis.
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$35 | 60 minutes
All groups are led by a registered OT and supported by Larchwood Volunteers.
$45 | 90 minutes
These drop ins occur during our regular group which runs on Saturdays from 10-11:30am.
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Drop In to our East end group on October 31st! If you love it you can continue on with us for the remainder of the program.
Ages 7-12 years
10am-11:30am
Location: Williamson Ravine
Wear your costumes!
FROSTY FOODIES
Nature OT Groups
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Give your child the opportunity to play with others and build emotional-regulation skills in a supportive, Neurodiversity-affirming environment.
This is a 90 minute weekly session that runs for 8 consecutive weeks. We also hold one “rain date” in the unlikely event that we need to cancel.
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$896 for an OT spot.
$496 for a Play Partner spot.
Non-refundable $150 deposit due at the time of booking. Full payment required prior to session start. Each week receipts will be issued for submission to your funding provider.
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West End Fall 2026 (Etobicoke Creek Park)
Sept 19 - Nov 14
(no Thanksgiving weekend session)
Rain Date: Nov 21st if needed
East End Fall 2026 (Williamson Ravine)
Oct 17 - Dec 5
Rain Date: Dec 12th if needed
Special Interest Groups
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Occasionally we stray from our ever popular 8 week Nature OT group, in an attempt to provide some more ‘interest-based’ opportunities for our neurodiverse kids.
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Frosty Foodies Cooking Group
When: TBD
Location: Various Locations
Duration: 2 hours
join our list if you’re interested!
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Indoor Handwriting support with an OT and OTA
Location: Beetle & Bear Clinic, 1822 Danforth Ave
Time: Saturdays
Private or Group options available
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of kid does well in your groups?
We welcome school aged children, ages 4-12 years of age to our groups. We group the children, based on their development and needs, into Seedlings (3-5 years), Sprouts (6-7 years) and Explorers (8-12 years).
We see many children with Autism, ADHD, Coordination Disorders and Anxiety. A diagnosis is NOT required to access OT services.
We complete an in depth screening/intake to ensure that your child is ready for a group experience. We also encourage parents to accompany their child to a Pop Up or a Group prior to their session starting. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the environment and the team.
All children must be independent in mobility and toileting.
What is a Play Partner?
Play Partners include siblings or friends with no identified OT needs. These children will develop skills in leadership, mentoring, diversity & inclusion.
Where do groups take place?
We love the most natural, unstructured space we can find! We often host groups in our local ravines or wooded parks. We enjoy having access to water and we’d rather not see a play structure! These are wild, muddy and risky spaces.
How are the groups led?
Each group will have a maximum of 6 children with 1 OT or OTA leading the session. We have a robust volunteer recruitment program that provides us with the added adult support that we need to ensure the safety of your children in the outdoors. Each group will have 2-3 volunteers depending on the needs of the participants.
How will I know how my child is doing in group?
The team is always available for a quick chat before or after group. If that’s tough we are happy to arrange a call at a better time.
Weekly written documentation is completed for each participant and at the end of the session the parent chooses either a written summary of their child’s participation or a 1:1 phone call (20 minutes) with the OT.
What happens in a 90 minute session?
Check out the videos below. Each OT leads their group in their own unique way but activities can include sharing circles, hiking, scavenger hunts, building forts, swinging, climbing, exploring, nature crafting and cooperative games. We also incorporate principles from the Powerfully You Curriculum. Click here to learn more about this unique emotional regulation framework.
Ever wondered what a
Nature OT Group is all about?
Click here to check out an instagram post that goes through what a session might look like!
Each one different, but they're always filled with play, exploration, and meaningful growth. Real sessions flow naturally, using nature as our guide and based on each child’s needs, energy levels, and goals.
Our OT Kristina shares how she gets ready for Nature OT Group and what you can expect.