The Grow House Forest School program in Zurich offers a unique and inspiring experience for children to develop a love for nature while learning with their minds, hearts, and hands. Conducted in English, it provides the English-speaking community with access to this enriching opportunity. Led by certified instructors, the program caters to children aged 2-5, encouraging sensory engagement and self-paced learning without the constraints of a formal curriculum. Through this approach, children are inspired to explore their creativity, acquire real wilderness skills, and develop fire safety awareness. Their forest school is located on the Albis Pass, approximately 15 km south of Zurich city center. It is conveniently accessible by car or public transportation, with bus 240 from Thalwil providing a direct connection.
At Grow House Forest School in Switzerland, children engage in a variety of hands-on activities designed to foster their love for nature and develop practical skills. Activities include :
Exploring the Wilderness : Nature walks to discover local flora and fauna. Sensory play with natural elements like mud, leaves, and water.
Building Outdoor Skills : Learning basic wilderness skills such as knot tying and shelter building. Fire safety and supervised fire-making activities.
Creative Expression : Nature-inspired arts and crafts, using materials found in the forest. Storytelling and imaginative play in a natural setting.
Practical Learning : Identifying plants and learning about their uses. Seasonal activities such as foraging and observing wildlife.
Teamwork and Independence : Group games that promote collaboration. Opportunities for self-paced exploration and problem-solving.
Campfire Cooking : Campfire cooking is a favorite activity at Grow House Forest School, combining hands-on learning with delicious results. Children learn essential outdoor cooking skills in a safe and engaging environment.
Their primary meeting point is at Hinteralbisstrasse 10, 8135 Langnau am Albis (bus stop Hinteralbis). At this location, their school has a barn and forest garden, which provide a variety of environments for the children to explore and inquire.
They have a second location with a permanent fire pit, about 500m away, in the woodlands behind the Windegg Hotel
The program includes games throughout the woodland, treasure hunts, making a den, building a campfire for toasting marshmallows.
Go on a wizards quest, make a fairy house, track down the magical woodland folk, make magic wands and potions. Build a campfire and toast marshmallows or pop popcorn.
Build dens in the woods, using tarpaulins & natural materials then use them to play games or for storytelling. Build a campfire and toast marshmallows & pop popcorn.
