Fuquay-Varina’s first half-day nature preschool is here.
Looking for a screen-free, active start for your child? At Sprouts, we believe that childhood is meant to be a little wilder. If you're looking to trade the tablet for the trees, you've found the right place.
We provide an immersive, 100% outdoor experience led by the local brand you know and trust: Ranger Dan. Our half day preschool programs run from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and are built around Ranger Dan’s Environmental Education (EE) certified curriculum.
Here, your child isn't just "outside"—they are discovering the science of the seasons, the wonders of North Carolina wildlife, and the confidence that comes with real-world exploration.
“Encourage your child to have muddy, grassy or sandy feet by the end of each day, that’s the childhood they deserve.”
Learning happens outdoors
Through Play
We're not just taking them for walks – we're seeing them build forts in a million different ways, find bugs they've never seen before, and learn how trees talk to each other (root systems are amazing). They have space to imagine whole new worlds, get a little wild, and have fun every step of the way.
In the Woods
It’s about getting their hands dirty, climbing over logs barefoot (or with their favorite boots), and seeing that nature is way cooler to experience in person. We want them to feel connected to the woods, like it's their own backyard, and to understand how every little piece of it matters.
Around the Garden
We set the stage for them to compost, plant, harvest, and see why it's important to eat real food - blueberries, basil, pumpkins and cucumbers. Getting their hands in the soil, teaches them to appreciate the work that goes into growing things. Practical learning and pollinator collaboration at its best.
It’s in Our Nature
We are hands-on, holistic kind of people. We’re not afraid of getting dirty, we love seeing wildlife in their natural habitats and think dandelions are misunderstood.
Just ask the pollinators.
Our Daily Flow
9:00 AM - Welcome & Wild Beginnings!
Arrive, explore our nature-filled space, and dive into free play! Build, create, and connect with friends before class.
9:45 AM - Story & Song Circle
Take a seat around the log circle for enchanting stories featuring local animals and wildlife, then sing along to nature-themed songs and rhymes!
10:15 AM - Nature's Art Studio
Get creative with treasures found in nature! Think decorating bug hotels, tie-dyeing with dandelions, and engineering nests inspired by the creatures we see.
10:45 AM - Adventure Time
Let's explore! Whether it's a forest walk searching for animal tracks, a bug hunt, or observing wildlife in the garden, let your curiosity be your compass.
12:00 PM - Picnic Power-Up
Refuel with a yummy lunch from home and share stories (and maybe a song about a squirrel) from our morning adventures.
12:30 PM - Cool Down
Wind down and relax in pea sprout fort, sway gently in a hammock, and don’t forget to wash off all the potting soil from little hands and feet.
1:00 PM - Say Bye to Friends
See you tomorrow for another day of outdoor learning.
Connect With Us
Interested in our nature preschool or have a question for Ranger Dan? Fill out some info and we will be in touch as quick as we can. We can’t wait to grow with you!