The
Outdoor
Classroom
Inspire Learning, Start Exploring
Est. 2021
The Outdoor Classroom is an educational institution, offering a unique and enriching variety of learning opportunities in an outdoor setting. Our purpose is to serve the individual needs of every child, to enable them to thrive in their lives. It is our passion to assist children throughout their journey to a happy and healthy childhood.
Testimonials
"A wonderful week outside, the kids had a great time""Super camp organisation, the girls loved the camp""We loved everything""Really great organisation""lt is a great activity for the kids, they love it""Our daughter is so excited to join the summer camp again this year""An amazing time and learns lots. She always comes back with a smile and has lots of fun""Absolutely loves it and all the activities you are doing""Our son had a great time, came home with a big smile on his face""A big thanks for all that you are doing. Our child is very happy to come each week""Thanks heaps for your hard work and professional approach""Thank you for all that you do, he talks so fondly about his time at the forest school""Our daughter really enjoys forest school and couldn't stop talking about it""My boys are very happy at the outdoor classroom"
Contact Us...
For enquires, please contact us. We are happy to hear from you.
About Us
The Outdoor Classroom was founded in 2021. Our professionally developed concept, internationally influential experiences and safe practices ensure that each child receives the utmost care while benefitting from a truly unique outdoor programme.By using an outdoor environment, children experience a sense of nature. We believe that learning outside the traditional classroom setting fosters creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. From nature walks and wildlife spotting to gardening and outdoor games, we offer a diverse range of activities that keep children engaged and excited about learning.We offer a range of activities for children to develop and practice their language skills in English. Our native English speaking teachers make learning a new language engaging and interesting, enabling your child to develop their communication and language skills quickly. At The Outdoor Classroom, we understand that every child is unique. That's why we tailor our activities to suit different interests and abilities, making sure that every child feels included and valued.Qualified teachers and support helpers are their to inspire learning. Small groups allow the teacher to discover each child's motivation to learn. The teacher's role is to inspire learning through providing play opportunities, asking questions and exploring. Our approach focuses on hands-on learning and exploration, helping children to develop important life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Our dedicated and experienced educators are committed to serving the individual needs of every child, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Hi, I'm Sally Draffan
Sally, founder of The Outdoor Classroom: an enthusiast about children's education, physical and mental well-being and the outdoors. Many years of international experience working with children of all ages, contributing as children thrive when provided a fitting environment. It's my mission to promote outdoor learning, through providing educational programmes for children. I support each child's journey of discovery with a core focus on health and well-being.
Camps 2026
The Outdoor Classroom provides day camps during Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn public school holidays in Zurich. Daily activities and excursions for children aged 4 - 10 years, sign up now for an unforgettable holiday packed full of new adventures. With an 75% return rate, our camps are highly recommended by parents and children. Leading the groups are qualified teachers and native English speakers to deliver on our promise of an outdoor, educational, fun-filled holiday camp. Scroll down for our full detailed programme and more information.
Meeting Point: See individually
Start Time: 09:00
Finish Time: 17:00
Cost: 450-.CHF/week or 100-.CHF/day
Incl: Activities, excursions, snacks, transport, entry
Excl: Lunch meal
What to Bring: Backpack with water and lunch
Language: English led activities (staff are bilingual)
Winter Camps 2026
Join our winter camp for indoor and outdoor activities for children. A range of fun opportunities for learning and exploring during the school break. Everything from; indoor sports centers with trampolines, rock climbing and games to forest days where children get involved in outdoor cooking, games, nature crafts and exploring.
| Week 1 | Sports Center | Forest Day | Museum Visit | Mountain Trip | Zoo Trip |
| Week 2 | Indoor Playground | Wildlife Park | Boat Ride | Nature Tour | Arts & Crafts |
Spring Camps 2026
Spring into adventure at The Outdoor Classroom Spring Camps. Kids will explore the wonders of nature through hands-on nature crafts, exciting wildlife treks, an unforgettable zoo trip - all while learning, playing and making new friends. With fresh air, curious minds and plenty of fun, our camp is the perfect place for young explorers to discover, create and grow this spring. Our adventures begin at the meeting point at Hottingerplatz, 8032.
| Week 1 | Playground | Zoo Trip | Nature Crafts | Farm Visit | Forest Day |
| Week 2 | Wildlife Trekking | Indoor Playground | Wildlife Park | Museum Trip | Forest day |
Summer Camps 2026
Our summer camps offer a wide range of activities and opportunities for children to get involved in. The Outdoor Classroom offers children unique and exciting camps packed full of adventure, learning and exploration. Fun is at the core of creating memorable experiences during your child's school holiday. Join the adventure in 2026 for an unforgettable summer! Over the past 5 years we have welcomed over 30 different nationalities to our camp, and are proud of our open-minded, respectful and trustful relationships built with every family.The summer camp is split into 2 locations. Weeks 1 & 5 the meeting point is at Hottingerplatz, 8032. During weeks 2, 3, 4 the camp is located at Quartiertreff Hirslanden's outdoor playground. The cost is 450-.CHF per week or 100-.CHF per day. The day starts at 09:00 until 17:00, with options to add additional hours of care upon request. In small groups, children benefit from having leaders there to maximise their experience. Leading the groups are native English speakers and bilingual staff, so your child can benefit from our unique English-led activities to enhance their language skills.
Week 1 (Hottingerplatz, 8032)
| Treasure Hunt | Survival Skills | Sports Day | Wildlife Park | Water Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start with a fun-filled day of discovery. Clues leading to treasure, following the treasure map, panning for gold and metal detecting. | Spend the day in the wild and learn ways to find food, build shelter and skills to survive in the nature. | Begin with a parkour obstacle course, then a game of football followed by games and climbing. | Visit to the wildlife park, spot the bears, search for wolves and spy on the lynx, and so much more! | A boat trip around the lake with stop-offs for a picnic, water playground and cool off in the water fountain. |
Week 2 (Quartiertreff Hirslanden)
| Detective Day | Explore Science | Woodwork | Nature Trek | Cooking Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracking animals, bug hunts and solving mysteries. Detective hats on and magnifying glasses ready, there's some problems to solve. | A day of discovery and where questions are answered with many different scientific experiments. | Building, crafting and engineering. Unleash your child’s creativity and imagination with making wooden models to take home. | Forest, farms and gardens - children learn with a hand-on approach to exploring naturally. | Outdoor cooking class, with an invite all parents to join us for dinner after 17.00 to enjoy a grill and sweet treats. |
Week 3 (Quartiertreff Hirslanden)
| Volunteering | Book Day | Mythical World | Forest Day | Museum Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promoting our intergenerational project, helping our community by playing games and visiting the care home. | Scrapbooking, story telling and flower pressing to inspire creative minds. Plus a Gruffalo hunt. | Inspired by books; make your own fairy land, crafting, paint your own garden gnome and more! | Explore and discover the world around us with games and activities in the forest. | Conveniently, next to our location is the tram museum followed by games in the local forest. |
Week 4 (Quartiertreff Hirslanden)
| Art Project | Team Building | Architect Day | Forest Day | Photography |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learn pottery and clay making, build a terrarium and enjoy games onsite with our art projects. | Games and activities outdoors including; obstacle courses, party games and races. | Find dinosaur bones, dig antient Egyptian treasure and build animal habitats. | Water play, forest activities, playgrounds and exploration. | Build a photo book of your week at camp and craft a picture frame with your photos. |
Week 5 (Hottingerplatz, 8032)
| Earth Day | Farm Visit | Forest Day | Zoo Trip | Nature Crafts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spend the day in the shaded forest playing games, making a kokedama and visit the botanical gardens. | A trip to the farm to go fruit picking, visit the animals and play at the playground. | Enjoy the forest playground, grill over a fire, and play with friends in nature. | A trip to the zoo and discover all sorts of animals. | Outdoor crafting; bees wax candle, create charcoal cave paintings and making mud faces on trees. |
Autumn Camps 2026
Sign up for fun at our Outdoor Classroom Autumn Camps. Campers will embrace the magic of the season with creative arts, enriching outdoor adventures that celebrate autumns colours and changes. Inspiring learning and plenty of exploration, this camp offers an exciting new way to connect with nature and make lasting memories. The meeting point is Hottingerplatz, 8032.
| Week 1 | Sports Center | Nature Crafts | Farm Visit | Nature Tour | Airport Visit |
| Week 2 | Museum Visit | Forest Day | Indoor Playground | Mountain Trip | Zoo Day |
FAQ?
How do we travel to and from activities? We use public transport. If you child already has a ticket, please inform us and bring it with you.
What is included in the price? Morning and afternoon snack, transport tickets, entry, activities and excursions.
What is excluded? Your child’s lunch time meal is not included, please bring a packed lunch in your child’s backpack.
What clothes should I dress my child in? We recommend to bring a spare/extra clothes in you child’s backpack. They must be dressed in weather appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear. Children must bring their own backpack that can carry their belongings.
What is the cancellation policy? All bookings are non-refundable, however you are entitle to change the dates (subject to availability). In rare cases of unforeseen circumstances, we may review refund requests on a case-by-case basis.
How to pay? Within 48 hours, you shall receive confirmation and the payment slip with details for bank transfer.
How big are the groups? Group sizes are approx. 10 children led by a qualified teacher. Staff / child ratio is 1:8.
What extras do we provide? 1-to-1 English tutoring (35 minute class for 20-.CHF) only during weeks 2, 3, 4 of summer camp. Early drop off / late pick up for 30-.CHF per child / per hour. To book, send us an email. Pay on the day via twint or cash.
Do we split age groups? Yes, for some activities children will be divided into groups. This is to ensure children are in age appropriate activities.
What if the weather isn’t good? We ask you to keep an eye of the forecast. Our plan B, when the weather isn’t good, shall change to indoor activities.
What if my child doesn’t speak English? Activities are led in English but our leaders speak other languages too. Our goal is to enable children to build friendships, promote communication and encourage language. Whether a friend helps to translate, hand gestures, google translate or learning words in their language – we always find a way!
What kind of snacks are provided? Fruit, veg sticks, snack bars, pastries, crackers, bread, nuts, dried fruits. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Ideas for packed lunches? Pasta salads, sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, wraps, snack bars, something savoury, cheese, eggs, cold meats, smoothies, rice, dips etc.
What are the terms and conditions? The terms and conditions are found at the end of this page, along with our privacy policy.
Foundation
Our Global Education ProjectPlanting the Seeds of Learning – One School at a TimeAt The Outdoor Classroom, we believe that every child, no matter where they are in the world, deserves a great start in life. That’s why we’ve launched a new non-profit initiative aimed at improving early years education in communities that need it most. Our mission is to provide an education that facilitates learning and development as part of a safe, happy and healthy childhood.Through this project, we send passionate, experienced teachers to schools around the world. These educators work hand-in-hand with local individuals and institutions, sharing resources, developing learning strategies, and building creative ideas to help every child thrive.It’s all about planting seeds for a brighter future - through play, quality learning and creating enabling environments.How You Can Help?This project is powered by people like you. Parents, families, and communities who care deeply about giving all children a fair start. Whether it’s through a donation, fundraising, or simply spreading the word - you can make a difference.Together, we can create outdoor classrooms with laughter, curiosity, and opportunity - wherever they are in the world.Ready to get involved?Contact us for more information. We welcome expertise and educators who wish to get involved, funding to propel this initiative globally, and schools that want to contribute to our mission.
Blog
We are proud to say that our projects make a difference internationally. Take a look at some of the wonderful collaborations The Outdoor Classroom has proudly participated in. For enquiries, please contact us directly.
Forest School – Zurich, SwitzerlandOur Forest School programme in Zurich has allowed us to connect children with nature in meaningful, lasting ways. Through hands-on exploration, seasonal learning, and child-led discovery, we created a space where young learners can build confidence, resilience, and environmental stewardship. This helped families and the wider community see the profound impact that outdoor education can have on emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Guest Lectures on Outdoor Philosophy – Eastern Connecticut State University (USA)As guest lecturer at Eastern Connecticut State University, I offered students the chance to explore the philosophical foundations of outdoor learning. Together, we examined how nature shapes human understanding, creativity, and wellbeing, and how educators can incorporate reflective outdoor practice into their teaching. This helped future educators and environmental advocates deepen their awareness of the pedagogical dimensions of learning outside the classroom.
After School Club – Zollikon, SwitzerlandIn Zollikon, our After School Club welcomed an imaginative environment where children can learn through play. By integrating activities, creative projects, and social skill-building, we supported children in discovering their strengths while forming meaningful connections. This collaboration strengthened the community by giving young learners a nurturing space beyond school hours.
Forest School Training – Sheffield, United KingdomParticipation in the Forest School Training programme in Sheffield empowered educators and aspiring outdoor practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to bring high-quality nature-based learning to their own communities. Through hands-on workshops, risk-benefit training, ecological awareness, and reflective practice, participants gained the confidence to design and lead their own Forest School sessions. This has helped expand the global network of meaningful outdoor education.
Waldtag (DE) – Chinderhuus Jota Nido, SchweizUnser Waldtag in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Chinderhuus Jota Nido bietet den Kindern einen festen Tag in der Natur, um zu entdecken, zu spielen und neue Fähigkeiten zu entwickeln. In Anlehnung an die Tradition der Waldpädagogik liegt der Fokus darauf, Selbstständigkeit, Teamarbeit und einen respektvollen Umgang mit der Umwelt zu fördern. Diese Partnerschaft schafft einen fröhlichen, wöchentlichen Rhythmus, der eine gesunde kindliche Entwicklung unterstützt und die Verbindung der Kinder zur Natur stärkt.
Forest Day Sessions – Spielhuus Elefant Witikon, SwitzerlandWorking with Spielhuus Elefant Witikon, we provided a Forest Day Programme that brings children into the heart of the natural world each week. The programme encouraged curiosity, sensory learning, and exploration, allowing children to develop a deep relationship with the local landscape. This partnership has enriched the centre’s curriculum with authentic, outdoor-based learning and unforgettable experiences.
Volunteer Work with the Elderly – Zurich, SwitzerlandOur social action project to work with the elderly in Zurich has been a heartwarming opportunity to build intergenerational connections. Through conversation, companionship, games, and time spent together, we aim to bring joy, presence, and social engagement to older community members. This work reflects our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of people across all stages of life.
Wildtierschutzprogramm mit Igeln – Zürich, SchweizUnsere Freiwilligenarbeit mit lokalen Igelorganisationen in Zürich konzentriert sich auf den Schutz und die Rehabilitation dieser liebenswerten Wildtiere. Diese Zusammenarbeit unterstreicht unser Engagement für Umweltschutz und den Schutz heimischer Wildtiere.
Gallery
