Wild About You: Celebrating Valentine’s Day the Forest School Way

Valentine’s Day is often associated with cards, chocolates and shop-bought gifts, but at A Touch of the Wild, we believe the most meaningful expressions of love are found outdoors, muddy and smiling, surrounded by trees.

This February, we’re celebrating love, connection and kindness the Forest School way, through shared experiences in nature, gentle learning, and time spent together in the woods.

Love Grows Best Outdoors

Time spent in nature has a powerful effect on children and adults alike. At our Forest School sessions in Devon, we see daily how the woodland encourages children to slow down, notice each other, and build strong emotional bonds.

When children explore the outdoors with their grown-ups, they develop:

• Secure attachments
• Confidence and independence
• Empathy and cooperation
• A sense of belonging

These early connections form the foundations for lifelong learning and there’s no better place to nurture them than in the natural world.

Valentine’s Day at Forest School: More Than Hearts and Cards

In Forest School, Valentine’s Day isn’t about perfection, it’s about process, presence and play. Children learn that love can be shown through teamwork, sharing, listening, and caring for the environment around them.

Here are some of our favourite Valentine’s-inspired Forest School activities you can try at home or enjoy during our sessions:

🌿 Twig Heart Creations

Using fallen twigs, wool and natural materials, children create heart shapes and woodland decorations. This supports fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving, all key elements of early years education.

🔍 Love the Earth Nature Hunt

Children search the woodland for heart-shaped leaves, stones, moss patches or bark patterns. This encourages observation skills, mindfulness and a deeper connection to nature.

🔥 Campfire Valentine Treats

There’s something incredibly bonding about cooking together over an open fire. From heart-shaped toast to warm snacks shared at the fire circle, these moments become treasured childhood memories.

Why Valentine’s Activities Matter in Early Years Education

Celebrating events like Valentine’s Day in a Forest School setting allows children to explore emotions in a safe, gentle and age-appropriate way. Through outdoor play and guided activities, children learn:

• How to express feelings
• How to build friendships
• How to care for others and the natural world

These experiences support emotional development, a vital part of holistic early years learning.

Wild Tots: A Valentine’s Date with Nature 🌱

Our Wild Tots sessions in Devon are designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers aged 1-5 and their parents or carers. February is a wonderful time to join us, as the woodland feels calm, cosy and full of quiet magic.

Each session includes:

• Child-led outdoor play
• Forest crafts and nature exploration
• Songs, stories and seasonal activities
• Campfire time and shared moments

Wild Tots isn’t just a toddler group, it’s a chance to connect, slow down and fall in love with nature together.

Why Families Choose A Touch of the Wild

Parents across Devon choose A Touch of the Wild because we offer:

• High-quality Forest School education
• Experienced, caring practitioners
• A strong focus on wellbeing and connection
• Outdoor learning in all seasons

We’re passionate about helping children grow with confidence, curiosity and a deep respect for the natural world.

Join Us This Valentine’s Season

If you’re looking for outdoor toddler activities in Devon, meaningful experiences for your child, or a gentle introduction to Forest School, February is the perfect time to start.

Book a Wild Tots session today and celebrate Valentine’s Day with muddy boots, warm hearts and woodland memories.