Simple drawing of a natural landscape with trees, clouds, and a pond or lake in the foreground.

An Outdoor Nature Program

Explorers is VPP’s outdoor nature program taught by credentialed Early Childhood Teachers and a California Naturalist. Classes give children and their grownups the chance to explore the beautiful outdoors together (rain or shine!), by enjoying songs, stories, games, art, and hikes at local nature areas. Classes are open to all families in the community as well VPP members. 

Fall 2026 Registration is will open late August.

The Fall 2026 Session will start in late September and go through the month of November. The exact dates and weeks will be released soon.

Registration links will appear below when enrollment opens.

Please reach out to teachoutside@valleyparent.org or director@valleyparent.org for any questions.

A young girl in a blue raincoat with the hood up, holding her hands together and looking down in the rain.
A woman and two children outdoors, sharing a moment of joy and holding hands, dressed in colorful jackets.
Child with blonde hair wearing a pink shirt, black pants, and red boots crossing a shallow creek in a forested area with fallen leaves and tree roots.
Young girl standing outdoors on a muddy ground, holding a large dark blue umbrella, wearing a mint green waterproof jacket with hood, dark pants, and rain boots, with a blurred background of dry grass and trees.
Children hiking up a green grassy hill on a dirt path, with two children further up, and two more sitting on the grass, under a partly cloudy sky.
Two children standing on large rocks outdoors with trees in the background during fall.
A group of children and a woman walking on a dirt trail through a park with trees and hills in the background.
Children sitting on a fallen tree in a forest, wearing colorful rain boots and casual clothes.
A young girl with blonde hair wearing a gray jacket and dark pants leaning against a large tree in a wooded area with green trees and fallen leaves.

A Class for Every Age and Stage

Explorers classes are broken into two age groups: Little Explorers (walking toddlers - 3 years old) and Big Explorers (3 - 8 years old). We are flexible on ages and encourage you to enroll in the class that works best for your family. Baby siblings are welcome to attend at no cost in a sling or carrier.

Typical Class Days, Times & Ages

Tuesday 10:00-11:30 AM  (Little)

Wednesday 1:00-2:30 PM (Big/Combo)

Thursday 10:00-11:30 AM (Combo)

Friday 10:00-11:30 AM (Combo)

Drop-in Classes Available

Classes that have openings are available on a drop-in basis. It’s a great option if you would like to try out a class, or sign up for the remainder of the session.

Tuition

$290 for 8 weeks 

Please note that in order to properly plan and staff our classes, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please follow us @ValleyParentPreschool on Instagram or Facebook for the latest registration information.

Learn more about Explorers

  • Class locations are mostly located in Dublin, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Sunol, Hayward, Castro Valley and other nearby cities within 35 minutes of Danville.

  • Yes! If you are registering more than one child in the same class, please include the additional names and birthdates in the “Notes” section of the registration form and ensure you have the appropriate quantity in your cart. If enrolling siblings, we will manually refund 10% off your purchase for our Sibling Discount after your registration within 5 - 7 days. Please email us if you enroll siblings and do not receive this discount.

  • Explorers is not offered during the summer, but we look forward to seeing you at our spring, fall or winter sessions!

  • No, we explore rain or shine! Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket and shoes.

  • If classes need to be canceled due to wildfires or unsafe air quality, we will reschedule for a different day or offer an indoor alternative. Because we offer our classes at the lowest prices possible, we are unfortunately not able to offer refunds or session transfers due to air quality. We will, however, always offer an equal amount of make up options so families receive a complete and wonderful session!

  • Yes, Valley Parent Preschool is licensed by the state of California (license #073400683).

    Our teachers are highly qualified and exceed all California requirements for Early Childhood Teachers. This includes completing fingerprinting and background checks. Additionally, all teachers are regularly trained in CPR and wilderness first aid, and are vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.