When I first dreamed up the idea for the Lake Region Nature Playgroup, it wasn’t a formal plan or a long-thought-out project. It was born out of something really simple: I wanted my kids to spend more time outside. Like many parents, I was feeling the weight of too much screen time, too many indoor hours, and not enough opportunities for my children to move, explore, and just be kids in nature.
I also noticed something discouraging—so many local playgrounds were empty, especially during the day. I’d bundle up the kids, pack snacks, and show up hopeful, only to find we were the only ones there. I wanted my kids to play with other children, to learn to share a swing, to build imaginary worlds in the woods, and to learn the rhythm of nature as the seasons changed. But more than that, I needed connection too, and I knew I wasn’t the only parent craving real-life community.
So I created a Facebook group.
It was a small step that turned into something much bigger. I invited every local parent I knew and asked them to share it with friends. By the end of that first month, we had 42 families join. I was blown away by how quickly it grew. Our first few meetups were simple—choose a trail, share the details, and show up. And people did.
Quick Look:
- 🎉 1 year of weekly meetups
- 👨👩👧👦 400+ families have joined us on the trails
- 🥾 20+ outdoor spots explored across 8 towns
- 🤝 Collaborations with land trusts and local libraries
- 🆓 Usually free, or very low cost.
The response was incredible. So many parents and caregivers told me how much they appreciated having a free, low-pressure activity to look forward to each week. We weren’t just getting our kids outside—we were exploring new places together, learning from each other, and building a little community that didn’t require sign-ups, fees, or perfection.
“Thank you for giving me the confidence to try new trails with my littles” – Carlen, Windham
“It’s the activity my daughter and I look forward to most each week” – Faith, Mechanic Falls
“This is the perfect weekly activity for my boys who live outside, but don’t spend much time with other kids” – Sarah, Standish
Of course, there were a few hiccups. Some weeks, it was just me and a neighbor friend. A few meetups had to be rescheduled due to snowstorms or days when the wind chill was too much for little faces. And with a group that changes in size week to week, not every location was able to accommodate all of the vehicles. But each season brought lessons and new families, and it all felt worth it.
August marks a full year of nature playgroup meetups, and I’m excited about what’s ahead. Over the next year, I plan to keep a more regular rhythm—alternating between Tuesdays and Wednesdays—to help families better plan and accommodate many schedules . I’ll continue to keep the walks short or stroller-friendly, with lots of time for free play. I now have a list of locations with plenty of parking and open space to accommodate our bigger weeks with 15-20 families comfortably.
I’m also working to lighten the planning load by collaborating with local partners. We’ve already teamed up with Loon Echo Land Trust to host meetups at their preserves and are in conversations with several local libraries to coordinate nature-based storytimes and outdoor learning programs. These partnerships allow the group to keep growing while offering even more enriching experiences for families.
At the heart of it all, the Lake Region Nature Playgroup is about showing up. It’s about letting kids run ahead on the trail, find bugs under logs, and climb the same rock ten times just because it feels good. It’s about chatting with another parent who gets what your morning looked like—or standing in the quiet while your kids play and the wind rustles the trees.
Thinking of Joining? Here’s What to Expect:
🗓️ Meetups: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, alternating semi-weekly
🕘 Time: 9:30–11:00 AM (Spring & Fall), 10:00-11:00AM (Winter), 9:00-10/10:30AM (Summer)
📍 Where: Locations vary throughout the Sebago Lake region—usually short trails, preserves, or playgrounds
👶 Ages: Especially great for toddlers, preschoolers, and homeschool families, but all ages are welcome.
🥾 What to Bring: Water, snacks, weather-appropriate clothes, and a sense of adventure
📱 Stay Updated: All event details are posted in the Facebook group each week
Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for a reason to get out of the house, we’d love to have you join us.
👉 Want to join us on our next adventure?
Come be part of the community—join the Lake Region Nature Playgroup on Facebook for weekly meetup details, trail updates, and tips for getting outdoors with little ones.
🌿 Are you a local organization looking to support outdoor play or connect with area families?
Reach out about collaboration or spotlight opportunities—we’d love to work with you.
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