Weekly stay & play sessions
Outdoor stay and play for under 5s and their grown-ups. Come every week or drop in when you can.
Outdoor Stay & Play for Under 5s
Play · Explore · Observe · Create: muddy boots and happy hearts in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside.
What is Down the Garden Path?
We're a relaxed outdoor stay and play group where babies, toddlers and preschoolers (0–5) can play, explore, observe and create in nature, whatever the weather. Think forest school style play in Oxfordshire, on a friendly village paddock just minutes from Reading.
Everything is child-led in a safe, welcoming outdoor space: mud kitchens, sensory play, nature crafts, songs and stories, den building, digging and planting. Little ones set the pace, follow their curiosity and get gloriously, happily muddy.
Grown-ups stay and play too. It's a chance to slow down, connect with other parents and carers, and enjoy the outdoors together. Wellies and waterproofs encouraged!
What we offer
Toddler outdoor play, nature crafts and gentle routines, with the same friendly faces every week.
Nature play & crafts
Seasonal activities all year round: planting, bug hunts, leaf art, mud pies, mud kitchens and den building.
Songs & stories
Every session finishes with outdoor circle time: songs, rhymes and a story under the open sky.
All weathers welcome
We play come rain or shine. Wellies, waterproofs and a change of clothes. Puddles are part of the fun!
Sessions are bookable in advance via Bookwhen
Book NowA little gardening wisdom
“Life's a garden: dig it. You gotta make it work for you.”
Where to find us
The Paddock, Eye & Dunsden Village Hall, Playhatch, near Reading, Oxfordshire
A baby and toddler group easily reached from Playhatch, Sonning, Caversham and Henley.
Free parking at the village hall. The paddock is just behind the hall. Look for the flags and follow the garden path!
About Nikki
Hi, I'm Nikki, founder and the friendly face behind Down the Garden Path.
I'm passionate about outdoor, child led play and the incredible difference time in nature can make to children's development, confidence and wellbeing.
After more than 20 years in the classroom as a passionate and highly qualified Early Years teacher, I have seen first hand the lasting impact that high quality learning experiences can have on children's personal, social, emotional and academic development. I truly believe that the early years should be filled with curiosity, creativity and meaningful opportunities to learn through play. Through Down the Garden Path, I want to share the magic I have created in the classroom with children and their grown-ups, inspiring families to embrace the joy and wonder of learning and playing together outdoors.
At Down the Garden Path, there's no pressure to achieve, no perfectly planned outcomes and no expectation to keep clean! Just fresh air, open ended play, muddy boots, friendly faces and the freedom for children to follow their curiosity while grown-ups enjoy a relaxed, supportive community.
I cannot wait to welcome you Down The Garden Path.
- Paediatric first aid trained
- DBS checked
- Fully insured