Mud Kitchen Kids

Outdoor Play • Meaningful Movement • Child-Led Exploration

 

Mud Kitchen Kids is a nature-based developmental enrichment program created by a pediatric occupational therapist.

 

Our intentionally designed outdoor environment gives children opportunities to move, explore, create, problem solve, connect, and engage in sensory-rich play at their own pace.

 

Mud Kitchen Kids incorporates principles of occupational therapy and child development while preserving something essential to childhood: the freedom to play.

Programs are open to all children and are not considered individualized occupational therapy evaluation or treatment.

 

Two Ways to Play

 

🌿 Itty Bitty Muddy Buddies

A Caregiver + Me Mud Kitchen Experience

Ages 2–4

 

Created for our littlest explorers, Itty Bitty Muddy Buddies invites young children and their caregivers to experience the Mud Kitchen environment together.

There is no expectation to move through activities or participate in structured instruction.

 

Children are invited to explore at their own pace while caregivers follow their child's lead, play alongside them, and enjoy the experience together.

 

Play opportunities may include mud and water play, digging, pouring, carrying, climbing, balancing, swinging, messy play, loose-parts exploration, and meaningful movement throughout the outdoor environment.

 

Each registration includes one child + one designated participating caregiver.

 

Caregivers also receive a weekly OT-informed educational email connecting children's play and movement to sensory-motor development, regulation, learning, and early childhood development, along with simple ideas to extend similar play experiences at home.

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One additional sibling under age 1 may attend free with the registered child and caregiver.

 

🤎 Mud Kitchen Kids

Independent Outdoor Developmental Program

Ages 4–9

 

Mud Kitchen Kids gives children the opportunity to participate independently in a supportive, nature-based environment designed to encourage child-led exploration, movement, creativity, problem solving, and connection with peers.

 

This is a drop-off program. Caregivers do not attend, allowing children opportunities to build confidence and independence while exploring alongside peers with support from our trained team.

 

Activities and play opportunities are informed by principles of occupational therapy and may support:

• Sensory processing

• Gross and fine motor development

• Coordination and balance

• Motor planning

• Problem solving

• Social participation

• Emotional regulation

• Confidence and independence

 

Development Through Play

Across both programs, children are given time and space to explore a rich outdoor environment through sensory play, meaningful movement, imagination, experimentation, and connection.

 

Rather than directing children through a prescribed set of activities, the environment provides opportunities for children to follow their interests, engage their bodies, take on challenges, and discover what comes next through play.

 

Grants Accepted

Empowering Parents Grant
Idaho Home Learning Academy

 

Registration

Mud Kitchen Kids programs are offered seasonally, and space is limited. Registration is currently open for Fall 2026 programs, including Itty Bitty Muddy Buddies and Mud Kitchen Kids.

 

Complete the appropriate registration form to begin enrollment.

 

Be sure to add your information below to receive updates about future Mud Kitchen Kids programs, pop-ups, and registration opportunities.