Question 1

What are Wildlings Forest Playgroups?

Accepted Answer

Wildlings Forest Playgroups are accompanied Forest School sessions for babies and toddlers aged 12 months to 3.5 years. We run termly at Dempsey Hill with two groups: Forest Babies (12 to 24 months) and Forest Cubs (2 to 3.5 years).

Each 90-minute outdoor playgroup session includes a welcome circle, nature-based experiences, child-led play, and a closing circle. Our qualified practitioners facilitate Forest School learning in curated natural spaces.

Participants are invited to enjoy 30minutes stay and play after their session.

Question 2

What ages are Forest Babies and Forest Cubs for?

Accepted Answer

Forest Babies is for children 12 to 24 months who are walking or close to walking. Forest Cubs is for ages 2 to 3.5 years and includes more complex activities and challenges.

If your child falls between age groups, contact us to discuss. You can book a trial session to find the right fit.

For children 3.5 years and older, see our Forest School Club (drop-off, ages 3.5 to 11).

Question 3

How is a Forest School playgroup different from a regular playgroup, music class, or indoor toddler programme?

Accepted Answer

Forest School is fundamentally different from indoor toddler programmes. We offer outdoor, learner-centered experiences in a natural environment wth adults very much part of the learning journey along with the child.

Our outdoor playgroup builds genuine physical, emotional, social and cognitive capability through real-world exploration. The tropical Singapore climate and natural environment are core to the experience.

Question 4

My baby is not yet 12 months old or not yet walking. Can we join Forest Babies?

Accepted Answer

Forest Babies is for children from 12 months who are walking or close to walking to fully benefit. 
You can also book a trial session once your child is ready here: https://www.wildlings.sg/trials

Question 5

Can I bring an older sibling during school holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Children 6 years or under can join a Forest Playgroup session via a single class booking.

Older siblings (7 years and up) can book Nature Playtime instead but ensure they have their own adult to supervise them.

Our cap is no more than one adult per child on site — but one adult can bring multiple children when joining a class.

Question 6

When do Forest Playgroups run? What days and times are available?

Accepted Answer

Forest Playgroups for babies and toddlers run termly at Dempsey Hill, with morning and afternoon sessions. Each session is 90 minutes with an optional 30-minute extended play period.

Days and timeslots vary by term. Check our full outdoor playgroup timetable or sign up to our newsletter for updates.

Question 7

What happens during a Forest Playgroup session?

Accepted Answer

A typical 90-minute Forest Playgroup session includes a 15-minute settling time with free play, a welcome circle to gather together, a physical warm-up activity, and 2 to 3 guided nature experiences led by our practitioner. This is followed by child-led outdoor play where children explore, create and learn independently and with their peers.

We close with a circle to enjoy a story, reflect and share on our experiences. An optional 30-minute extended play period follows.

Question 8

Does a parent or caregiver need to stay during the Forest Playgroup session?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a parent or caregiver stays for the full 90-minute session. Forest School is rooted in connection — exploring, slowing down and discovering nature together, side by side.

Where possible, we recommend the same adult attends each week as adults have a crucial role to play in implementing the forest schools ethos when participating and this is learned over time.

We know this isn't always practical however, so different adults are welcome from week to week if needed.

Our cap is one adult per child on site — but one adult can accompany more than one child (i.e. twins or siblings together), so you don't need to bring a second grown-up unless you want to to support two children.

Question 9

Can I send my domestic helper instead of attending myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes — your domestic helper is welcome to attend in your place. This works well for families with a new baby, a work conflict, or any other reason you can't make the session yourself.

Our cap is one adult per child (the helper counts as that adult). Where possible we'd recommend the same person attends each week, so the adult and child can become familiar with the forest schools ethos together.

If you're pregnant and would like your helper to come along to support you during the session, that's absolutely fine — just let us the teacher know on arrival.

We'd suggest your helper reads the parent handbook before the first session.

Question 10

Can I bring grandparents, relatives, or friends visiting from overseas to a session?

Accepted Answer

Forest Playgroups work best with one adult per child during the session, which keeps the structure and ethos intact. A grandparent or regular caregiver is welcome to come as the accompanying adult in place of a parent.

We understand wanting to share your child's experiences with grandparents, relatives or friends visiting from overseas, so they're very welcome to join during the 30 minutes of stay-and-play after the session ends. While the session itself is running, visitors can pop over to Baker and Cook cafe.

Nature Playtime is another lovely option for bringing visitors along to see Wildlings.

Question 11

What if my child does not want to join in the activities?

Accepted Answer

We let children join activities at their own pace, and where possible, arriving on time gives them a chance to settle. Share your child's interests with the teacher as it gives us a gentle way to guide them into play.

Most children settle confidently within 2–3 sessions as they grow familiar with the outdoor environment and the forest school rhythms. We encourage adults to narrate and model the activities too as a warm invitation for little ones to feel connected to the activity until they are ready to engage.

Question 12

What should we wear and bring to Forest Playgroups?

Accepted Answer

Come ready to embrace the great outdoors! None of this is a rule and no child will ever be turned away for not wearing the 'right' thing. These are just our recommendations from years of running sessions in the tropics.
What we'd suggest wearing:
Long sleeves and long bottoms (loose and stretchy so they're easy to peel on and off) — handy for sun and insect protection
Aqua shoes or trainers, plus a spare pair of plastic sandals to change into if needed
For young children, trousers tucked into socks helps keep ants off ankles — especially handy in wet weather when ants are out in force
Clothes that are happy to get dirty and stained
A good idea to pack:
A change of clothes, spare shoes and a towel
Water bottle
Hat
Sunscreen and mosquito spray, applied at home before you arrive
If your session includes a campfire (holiday camps, Forest School Club, and school visits with a campfire experience):
Hair tied back
Closed-toe shoes
If your session includes water play (slip-n-slide, Swish Swimming, raft building, or just splashing about at Dempsey or West Coast):
Rash vest, swim shorts, a long-sleeved and long-bottomed swimsuit, or a rash vest and leggings
Normal shorts and t-shirt will do too — as long as you have a change of clothes, or don't mind drying in the sun!

Question 13

Is there somewhere to leave our pram or car seat during the session?

Accepted Answer

Yes we have covered space at both locations to leave transportation devices.

At Dempsey we recommend placing the rain cover over your pram as we never know when a sudden shower might arrive.

Question 14

What if I am unable to attend a session during the term?

Accepted Answer

Make-up sessions depend on the length of the term you've booked:4 weeks or under: no make-up5 to 8 weeks: 1 make-up9 to 13 weeks: 2 make-ups (most common)Longer terms (Term 3 can run up to 14 weeks): 4 make-ups, which can also be used for event tickets if Term 3 events fall within your termMake-ups can be taken on another timeslot in the same term. Alternatively, you can convert one make-up to two Nature Playtime vouchers ($50 value, never expire — roughly the same price as one Forest School Club or playgroup session).You can also invite a friend along to use up a make-up session, free of charge.

Question 15

Can I book a single Forest Playgroup session instead of a full term?

Accepted Answer

Single classes are available on a discretionary basis for existing customers and alumni, when we have space.
Forest Playgroups work best when families commit to a full term. New to Wildlings? Try a trial booking.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

Question 16

Can I join Forest Playgroups after the term has started?

Accepted Answer

Yes — subject to availability. We pro-rate the fee to cover the remaining sessions in the term.
We don't take pro-rated bookings more than 7 days before your intended start date. Contact hello@wildlings.sg or WhatsApp +65 8875 5919 to enquire.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

Question 17

Do I get priority to rebook before bookings open to new customers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once your child has completed a full term, you get a priority window of at least two days to rebook before bookings open up to new customers.
We email enrolled families directly with the priority booking window each term.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

Frequently asked questions