Nature Play All Day

About this program

Nature Play All Day is a nature immersion and play-based early childhood program located in Appleton, Maine. Founded by Ade Hofmann, a former traditional classroom teacher with over a decade of experience, the program represents a fundamental reimagining of what early childhood education can look and feel like. The program's philosophy is simple yet profound: living is learning, and play is an essential right for all children. After years in traditional settings, founder Ade traded fluorescent lights for sunshine, creating an environment where children spend approximately 90% of their time outdoors exploring, discovering, and growing at their own pace. What distinguishes Nature Play All Day is its commitment to uninterrupted play and child-led exploration. Teachers practice not interrupting children's work, talking less and connecting more. This approach creates space for children to develop confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning through their own discoveries.