Gardiner, Montana
A nature-immersive playschool at the gateway to Yellowstone, where children build curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong bond with the living world around them.
About Us
Discovering Creation Nature Playschool is more than a program — it is a philosophy. We believe the most powerful classroom has no walls, that the richest curriculum is written in seasons, and that children who grow close to the natural world grow into thoughtful, resilient humans.
Nestled on Scott Street in Gardiner, we draw upon our extraordinary location at the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park to craft a learning experience that is as unique as the landscape itself. Every program is guided by the rhythms of the land — the migration of elk, the bloom of wildflowers, the silence of snow — teaching children to observe, wonder, and belong.
Our Approach
Our curriculum is built on the conviction that children learn best when they are engaged, active participants in their own discovery. Here is what shapes every day at our playschool.
Every lesson emerges from the living world. Seasons become subjects. Weather becomes science. The animals that pass through Gardiner become the teachers. We follow the children's interests through the landscape, letting wonder drive the learning.
We do not rush childhood. Each child moves through activities at their own rhythm, with ample time for unstructured play, deep observation, and the kind of repetitive exploration that builds real understanding. There is no clock on curiosity.
Intimate group sizes mean every child is seen, known, and challenged appropriately. Educators build genuine relationships with each family, and children develop the social confidence that comes from secure, consistent connections.
Children learn by doing — by planting seeds, building shelters, tracking animal prints, and experimenting with natural materials. We provide open-ended tools and abundant outdoor resources that invite creativity, problem-solving, and tactile engagement.
Programs
We offer flexible scheduling to match the needs of growing families in the Gardiner area. All programs include the full nature-based experience — fresh air, outdoor exploration, and purposeful learning.
A gentle introduction to the playschool world for our youngest learners. Shorter sessions focus on sensory exploration, language development through storytelling, and building comfort in the outdoor environment at a pace that feels safe and joyful.
Our signature program. Full-day immersion in nature-based learning that weaves early literacy, math concepts, and social-emotional growth into outdoor adventures. Children develop independence, collaborative skills, and a deep sense of place.
Designed for children preparing for kindergarten and beyond. This program deepens cognitive skills — pre-reading, number sense, scientific thinking — while maintaining our outdoor-first approach. Children graduate with confidence and curiosity intact.
Seasonal sessions are also available during school breaks and summer months. Contact us for current availability and scheduling.
Gallery
My daughter has never been so engaged, so curious, so alive. She comes home singing songs about the trees and pointing out birds she remembers from our last hike. This place has changed how our entire family sees the world.
Visit Us
We invite you to stop by and experience the atmosphere firsthand. Whether you have questions, want to tour our outdoor space, or simply want to learn more about how nature-based learning can benefit your child, we would love to meet you.
Get in Touch
We are currently accepting new families. Reach out to schedule a visit, ask questions, or learn about enrollment. Every conversation starts with listening — tell us about your child and what you are looking for in a learning community.
Thank you for reaching out. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
