FAQ

What ages are your programs for?

Little Muddy Fingers offers nature-based experiences for children ages 18 months–9 years. Sometimes a child ten years or older enjoys the program as much as the 1-9 year olds. Tinkerguardians especially is appealing to older children. They are most welcome to enroll and join the class! 

Does a caregiver need to stay with my child?

Yes. Tinkergarten and Tinkerguardians classes are caregiver and child experiences, and a participating adult stays with their child throughout class. 

Can siblings join the class?

Yes. Our classes are designed to welcome families.

Siblings 18 months and older may enroll at a discounted rate.
Siblings under 18 months or 11 years and older are welcome to attend free of charge, as long as they are sharing materials with their enrolled sibling or simply enjoying the time outdoors.

We trust families to use their intuition. If a young toddler will spend most of class being worn, riding in a stroller, or napping, it may feel right to wait a season or two before enrolling. Older siblings (11+) may attend as helpers, explorers, or quiet companions.

If a sibling needs to attend for just one class due to a scheduling shift (a school day off, for example), they are welcome to join. Please simply let the teacher know ahead of time so materials can be adjusted if needed.

If an additional child (sibling, cousin, friend) will attend more than one class, we ask that families send a $25 per-class fee to the teacher prior to attending.

Are refunds offered?

If a refund is requested 60 days or more before the first class of a season, families may receive:

• A full refund within 60 days of initial registration, or
  
  

• A credit toward a future season of classes.
  
  

If the refund is requested within 60 days of the start of the season, families may receive:

• A credit worth half of the remaining classes in the current season, applicable to a future session.

Are refunds or credits offered for missed sessions?

We do not offer refunds or credits for sessions missed by families.

However, if the teacher must cancel more than two classes in a season and is unable to reschedule, families will receive a refund for those canceled classes.

What happens in inclement weather?

We are an all-weather class, but always a safety-first class.
The teacher uses local guidance and a weather safety chart to determine whether class can be held.
Families will be notified of any weather-related changes at least 90 minutes before class in our WhatsApp group.

What should my child wear?

Dress for getting messy! Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes that can handle dirt, mud, water, and outdoor exploration are encouraged. Check the weather and bring layers as needed.

How do I register?

Click Register for Tinkergarten, Register for Tinkerguardians on our Classes page to access the registration form.

How do I book a birthday adventure?

Visit Birthday Adventures and click Plan Your Adventure to tell us about your celebration.

How is safety supported in class?

Each child (our explorer) shares class with a trusted adult (their guide).
The teacher’s role is to hold space, offer invitations to play, support safety, and nurture curiosity.

We welcome healthy risk-taking—climbing, balancing, experimenting.
These experiences help children learn strength, judgment, and confidence.
We simply ensure the risks are meaningful, not dangerous.

We follow a few simple agreements:

• Explorers may roam as long as they can see or hear their guide or the teacher.
  
  

• When taking physical risks, we pause to check: “Do you feel sturdy? Do you feel safe?”
  
  

• Sticks are wonderful tools, but we use them with spacious bodies so friends stay safe.
  
  

• Nature treasures stay out of our mouths; if a little one is exploring orally, we work together to support that need safely.
  
  

A First Aid Kit is available on site for attending adults to use if needed.

How are class photos used?

Little Muddy Fingers may take photographs during classes and birthday celebrations to document the nature play experience, activities, materials, and special moments from the event.

Photos of non-identifying details may be used for Little Muddy Fingers promotional purposes, including:

Nature activities

Activity setups

Children’s hands creating or exploring

Artwork and creations

Natural discoveries

Photos where faces are not visible

Before the party, parents/guardians may provide permission regarding the use of images where their child’s face is visible.

What is the approach to health and wellness in class?

Before class:
Please self-screen. If you or your child has had fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or new respiratory symptoms within the last 24 hours, we ask that you rest at home.
If anyone in your household tests positive for COVID-19, please follow current CDC guidelines regarding isolation before attending.

During class:
Treats and snacks are enjoyed in your own small “nest” space, to support allergy safety.
Hand washing is part of our rhythm when the weather allows (usually above 50–60°F).
Please let the teacher know in advance if your family has allergies that may require additional awareness.