Outdoor Facilities
Connecting With the Environment
Outdoor Activities and Play Time
A Daycare Environment Rooted in Exploration
Our outdoor facilities and experiences are designed to align with authentic Montessori principles—giving children the freedom to explore while providing gentle structure and purpose. From seasonal activities to daily outdoor play, every experience supports whole-child development in a way that feels joyful, grounded, and natural. The children enhance their relationship with other children and nature through our outdoor activities.
Jackson Hole has a rich culture tied to the outside environment. We live in a special place that celebrates and embraces activities tied to being outdoors. Dr. Montessori felt the garden should be an extension of the classroom, allowing children to connect to all of the natural lessons and experiences available outside. Not only do we spend time each day in our backyard, we also hike trails located on nearby Snow King Mountain.
Our classroom activities include activities such as corn hulling, nut cracking and chopping to make special birdseed mixtures, growing our own sunflower seeds, and grinding eggshells to feed our plants. Children learn to grow flowers and vegetables, which are used for flower arrangements and snack, grow mint for tea parties, and spend time at Ms. Dee’s house helping her extensive gardens thrive. The class worm bin shows children how decomposition works and contributes to the health of our Earth.
In the wintertime National Elk Refuge sled rides provide a place to learn up close about important large animals in our ecosystem while we study migration and biomes. Past special activities have included cross-country ski lessons, snowshoeing, sledding, hikes, and boat rides in Grand Teton National Park.
“It is also necessary for his psychical development to place the soul of the child in contact with creation, in order that he may lay up for himself treasure from the directly educating forces of living nature.”
— Maria Montessori
Learning Through Nature, the Montessori Way
Outdoor learning is not a break from education—it is education. In the Montessori philosophy, nature serves as a powerful teacher, offering real-world experiences that nurture curiosity, responsibility, and independence. By extending the classroom outdoors, children engage all their senses while building a deep respect for their environment.
At Montessori School of the Tetons, outdoor exploration supports physical development, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. Whether hiking local trails, tending gardens, or observing wildlife, children develop confidence, resilience, and an understanding of their place in the natural world.
This intentional integration of outdoor learning is a defining feature of our approach to daycare in Jackson Hole, allowing children to learn through movement, observation, and meaningful connection with nature year-round.
“Montessori School of the Tetons was like a second home for our daughter. She was encouraged to explore, be independent, foster real world skills, and build strong relationships with the staff and the other kids. The deep pedagogical knowledge of the staff, as well as the genuine love they have for the kids, meant that Zoe’s academic learning and social growth during her time at Montessori was exponential. It was a joy to watch. I know she had the best start possible for Kindergarten because of her time at this school.”
Karyn Chin
Experience Our Outdoor Montessori Environment
Seeing children learn outdoors brings the Montessori philosophy to life. If you’re searching for a daycare in Jackson Hole that values nature, independence, and hands-on discovery, we invite you to see our classroom and outdoor spaces in action.
Contact Montessori School of the Tetons to schedule an observation or learn more about our school and outdoor learning approach.