Local In-Person Nature Classes & Events
Join us in the Secret Gardens in Beverly, MA
Nestled in the North Shore of MA
All local classes & events are held in
Beverly, MA in The Secret Gardens
The Secret Gardens
A Little History
The Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom is nestled in the North Shore of Massachusetts in Beverly, MA. Our setting is spectacular! The home is a historical landmark and was the Monserrat Golf Club’s nine-hole children’s course. President Taft resided in the nearby Lynch Park and was known to visit often.
Our demonstration Outdoor Classroom invites children back. These learning gardens are constantly evolving which leaves the visitor curious and full of wonder each time they arrive.
“When children play in natural spaces, they’re far more likely to invent their own games than in more structured settings – a key factor in becoming self-directed and inventive adults later in life” ~Richard Louv – Author of Last Child in The Woods
For Families
In our Parent/Child Secret Gardens Nature Classes, your child(ren) will have fun, make friends and get ready for kindergarten. Each week we explore a new theme which is introduced through a nature-based children’s book. A process art activity is introduced; along with open-ended, child led play in our Mud Kitchen, Eagles Nest, Maker Space Garden, Raised Garden Beds, Music Wall, Wash & Dry Garden, Fishing Bridge, Boat, Pulley, and Art Garden. We aim to play, learn and grow and to build relationships with each other and our ever changing environment.
For Educators
COMING SOON! Events in the Secret Gardens for Educators.
Stay tuned to find a variety of networking events, retreats, mini conferences, and on-site training.
Please note: We use the term “educator” broadly and welcome teachers or professors at any level, early childhood educator, students in a related program, home daycare providers, parents, homeschool parents, leaders/facilitators/guides in the world of education, forest school and/or nature programs. We are opening up the Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom as a space to collaborate, network, learn, and celebrate in person.
How The Parent / Child Nature Classes Work…
All local classes are held in Beverly, MA in The Secret Gardens
01
Classes are held rain or shine.
Please dress for the weather. Please inquire if you need assistance, and/or tips.
02
All classes are held outside.
In the event of severe weather we will send a notification to registered parents and issue a credit.
03
Advanced registration is required.
You have the option to pay per class, or per session. If you are paying per class, write a note at the check-out with the date of the class.
04
Include the name of your child(ren) at the check-out.
You will receive a Welcome email with the address included. Each child will be given a welcome “check-in” rock when they arrive.
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Space is limited
Our nature classes fill up fast.
NOTE: Please inquire if you are interested in putting a group together for a different day, time or different type of class. I’m happy to work with you.
Nature Party Packages
Let us host your child’s next birthday in the Secret Gardens with our Nature Party Packages. Choose your child’s favorite nature-based children’s book and we will design a party around their interests. Only offered to children enrolled in our parent/child nature classes. Ask for our flyer that includes a list of party theme ideas and prices.
Parent Testimonials
Real Parents, Real Outdoor Classrooms, Real Success!
We hope everyone gets to experience a little bit of the magic!
“The secret garden is truly a class and experience this area was missing. The self guided and expressive play is what so many kids are missing at school. My daughter absolutely loves the art projects that Victoria sets up, and talks about them for days even weeks after. We truly enjoy our time in the secret garden, and hope everyone gets to experience a little bit of the magic!”
– Jennifer H.
He’s delighted to be outside in her garden no matter the weather
“My son loves Miss Victoria’s nature classes and is excited to explore new activities each week. He’s delighted to be outside in her garden no matter the weather, and never wants to go home at the end of class. She has so many creative ways to engage outside and with nature, and he especially enjoys engaging freely and independently with all the different tools she makes available (hammers, mallets, rakes, shovels, eye droppers, kitchen equipment, and more!).”
– Emma L.
We are so grateful to have found this little gem right here in Beverly
“I am a repeat customer of Victoria’s because my daughter has genuinely come to love her style of teaching, her space and the comfort of her presence. Victoria is a natural and not only teaches my daughter but has also relayed so much invaluable information to me (directly and indirectly). We are so grateful to have found this little gem right here in Beverly…it’s one of those places you want to tell everyone about because it’s so special.”
– Katie L.
We were blown away by all that The Secret Gardens had to offer!
“I first brought my son to The Secret Gardens a year and a half ago, and it was by far one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Though he had no previous school experience, he was able to easily grasp the routine and flow of the class, making social connections, and taking chances in a safe and supportive environment. We were both blown away by all that The Secret Gardens had to offer! The mud kitchen, the makers space, the clubhouse with books and art projects, and so many more carefully designed spaces allowed my son to imagine and create in ways I had never seen before! Victoria truly has a way of magically crafting nature based stations and lessons that engage the senses and spark ideas in these young minds. There is such a great balance of teacher led and student led activities, which scaffold their development, while also letting them explore on their own. It is truly a gift to get to experience it! Today, my son is 4 years old and is still as excited as ever to go to The Secret Gardens each week. Recently, his 18 month old brother has been joining us, and it is incredible to watch him fall in love with this beautiful place, gifted and passionate teacher, and the wonder of learning outdoors!”
– Heather B.
My son has thoroughly enjoyed The Secret Garden class.
“My son has thoroughly enjoyed The Secret Garden class. Victoria has created a fantastic outdoor classroom where all the children find something that captures their imagination and attention. Each week’s theme seems to also carry into other parts of our life. For instance, the class about bugs inspired my son to notice more and different bugs on our neighborhood walks, even getting down onto the ground to investigate. We are so happy we found The Secret Garden. It’s a very warm and welcoming environment, the perfect place for hands-on learning.”
– Maya W.