Our outdoor play-based groups have moved to a new website—find information and sign up at The Real Work
Nature-Based Therapy Groups at The Real Work provide a perfect supplement for kids engaged in individual work with an OT or Play Therapist, or for neurodivergent kids who need more support in social settings.
What Makes Our Outdoor Groups Different
Nature-Based therapists use the power of nature to add to your child’s occupational therapy goals. In addition to working in a clinic with an OT, many families find the socialization and outdoor components of our groups to be exactly the missing piece for their child’s development.
Who They’re For
Our groups are perfect for children who might:
Need help with social skills or making friends
Experience challenges with emotional regulation
Have diagnoses like autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or developmental delays
Benefit from building physical coordination and strength
What a Session Looks Like
Mini-Groups are 60-90 Minutes
Full 10-week groups are 90 minutes
Groups meet weekly on the same day (E.G. Thursdays at 3:30 in Beaverton)
Groups are therapist-led, sensory-friendly, and crafted around the needs of the children enrolled.
How to Join a Group
Head to our new page at The Real Work and and tell us about your child
Pre-Register for a group
Complete a mini-assessment and onboarding
You’ll be invited to Enroll in the best-fit group
Is a group right for my child right now?
Every child is different — and we want to help you feel confident about your next step.
If you're wondering whether one of our outdoor therapy groups is the right fit, this self-assessment can help. It only takes a minute and can bring clarity and peace of mind.
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✅ Self-Assessment: Is an outdoor therapy group a good fit for my child right now?
Check all that feel true — there are no wrong answers.
🌿 My child:
☐ Struggles with regulation (big energy, big emotions, frequent meltdowns or shutdowns)
☐ Is sensitive to sensory input (like loud noises, messy hands, or bright lights) — or constantly seeking it (movement, crashing, touching everything)
☐ Has a hard time with transitions, flexibility, or unexpected changes
☐ Wants to connect with other kids but struggles with how to start or keep it going
☐ Seems overwhelmed in typical group settings like school, camp, or organized sports
☐ Communicates differently — through play, movement, gestures, or few/no words
☐ Often needs extra support to feel safe or confident in their body and in social settings
☐ Thrives in nature — or you suspect they would, if given the right structure and support
☐ Benefits from clear rhythms, predictable routines, and playful invitations rather than pressure
☐ Is a deep feeler, a sensory-seeker, a wiggle-lover — or a combination of all three
💬 And you, the parent or caregiver, might:
☐ Be looking for support that honors your child’s nervous system and unique pace
☐ Feel like you’re constantly “translating” the world for your child — and wishing others saw what you see
☐ Be exhausted from trying to make your child “fit” into settings that weren’t designed for them
☐ Want a space where your child can play, move, and connect without being shamed for how they show up
🚩 Group participation may not be the best fit right now if your child:
☐ Has a current pattern of eloping (running away) from caregivers or activities in outdoor spaces
☐ Is experiencing frequent, intense aggression toward other children or adults
☐ Has very limited capacity to separate from a caregiver, even with support
☐ Needs 1:1 adult support for most activities in order to stay safe or engaged
☐ Is currently in a high level of distress that would make group participation overwhelming or dysregulating
💡 That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your child.
It simply means a smaller, more contained environment — like individual OT — may be a safer and more supportive starting point.We’re happy to talk it through and help you decide.
Why Choose Outdoor Kids Groups?
Through activities like hiking, fort-building, and nature exploration, your child will develop:
Emotional control
Problem-solving abilities
Adaptability and cooperation
Confidence and focus
Balance, strength, and endurance
Gross and fine motor skills
Sensory integration
Risk assessment and safety awareness.
How do outdoor social groups help children?
Send us a message below, and we will answer your questions!
FAQs
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The mini-assessment gives us a chance to get to know your child’s strengths, needs, and personality so we can recommend the best fit. It also helps us make sure our groups feel safe, connected, and supportive for everyone involved.
(Think of it like matching kids with the right trail — not too steep, not too boring, just right for their pace.) -
That’s exactly the kind of kid we designed this for.
Our therapists are trained to support children who need extra help feeling safe in social settings. We’ll never force participatio. Instead, we meet each child where they are and offer structure, sensory support, and playful invitations to connect at their own pace. -
Great question. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Group OT supports social learning, sensory regulation, and relationship-building in an outdoor setting with other kids.
Individual OT is a 1:1 session focused on your child’s unique goals, with more direct therapist support.
Not sure what’s right? That’s what the mini-assessment is for — we’ll talk it through together.
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Most groups are designed for kids within 3 years of each other: such as 3.5-7, 7-10, 8-11 but we look at more than just age. Developmental stage, sensory needs, and social readiness help us create a good group mix.
Have a teen or toddler? Reach out! We sometimes run specialty groups or have partner referrals to share.
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We’ll follow up with a recommendation and let you know what group options are available. If we don’t have a current fit, we’ll offer next steps, like a future season placement or a 1:1 OT spot if available.
What Parents are Saying
"Thrive Outside showed us that our child is capable of so much more when in the right environment and with the right people."
"This is a beautiful opportunity for all children. I truly believe every child can benefit from OT, especially when it's outdoors and led by such lovely people."
"The most surprising outcome is how much our child loves to go on walks now! His stamina has noticeably increased, and he actually enjoys getting outside, moving his body, and exploring."
