Jamaica Plain | Roslindale
Outdoor Education at the Arnold Arboretum
BOPN's original program at the Arnold Arboretum offers children 281 acres to explore.
The Arboretum is a plant museum with a magnificent diversity of landscapes, habitats, and plant species from around the world. Adventure awaits!
Programs Available at the Arboretum
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Toddlers
Ages 15 months - 2.9 years
Half Day
An introduction to outdoor school for ages 2.5 - 2.9 years.
Toddler ConnectionsSeasonal weekly playgroups for toddlers (15 mos - 2.9 years) and their caregivers.
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Preschool*
Ages 2.9 - 2.11 years
Half Day & Full Day
Mixed-age programs focused on sensory exploration, honing gross and fine motor skills, and building class community.
* Preschool & Pre-K are together in one cohort. -
Pre-K*
Ages 3 - 6 years
Half Day & Full Day
Mixed-age nature immersive programs designed to spark curiosity and concentration, and foster independence.
* Pre-K & Preschool are together in one cohort.
Full-Day Class
In addition to our half-day classes, we also offer a full-day class at our Arboretum location. We spend the morning outdoors and return to our Community House nearby for the afternoons.
"It's impossible to convey to you how grateful I am to have knowledgeable and compassionate guides like you in this [parenting] journey.
Thank you for all that you do, the wonderful program you are creating, and for doing your best to make it accessible to families from all socio-economic backgrounds. We're so grateful to be part of the BOPN community."
Summer at the Arboretum
Full Day Mixed Age
Ages 2.9 - 7 years
Four-Week Sessions | 8:30AM - 3:30PM
Session One
July 1 - 26
Session Two
July 29 - August 23
**Full Day Summer is currently Waitlist only.
Half Day Mixed Age
Ages 2.9 - 8 years
1 Week Sessions | 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Week 1: June 24 - June 28
Week 2: July 1 - 3
Week 3: July 8 - July 12
Week 4: July 15 - July 19
Week 5: July 22 - July 26
Week 6: July 29 - August 2
Week 7: August 5 -August 9
Week 8: August 12 - August 16
Week 9: August 19 - August 23
Week 10: August 26 - 30
**Online enrollment for Half Day Summer is OPEN!
What's Next?
1. Inquire:
Submitting an inquiry form tells us you’d like to learn more about BOPN. We will send brief introductory information and help you arrange a tour.
2. Visit:
Touring allows you to see our philosophy in practice, chat with our experienced nature educators, and enjoy the forests, gardens, and landscapes that BOPN children explore each day. Dress for the weather, and bring the kids!
3. Apply:
Submit your enrollment application and fee. Financial assistance is available, and applications for Financial Aid must be submitted with enrollment applications.
4. Enroll:
If your child is admitted to a program, you will receive an invitation to enroll. We will provide everything you need to complete the enrollment process online.
Take the first step.
Our Outdoor Educators
Meet the Arnold Arboretum
Located in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, the Arnold Arboretum is a tree museum, home to rare and unique species from around the world. Botanists come to the Arnold Arboretum to research the “living collections.” The diversity of landscapes, habitats, plant species, and varied topography offer unique opportunities for nature-connection and environmental education.
An important part of our mission is to instill in children respect for all living beings and to teach them how to preserve and protect the environment for generations to come.
