Play. Explore. Create.
Our Guarantee
Discover the Signature Wildwood Experience
A classroom full of warmth and beauty and an exceptional natural setting is provided where children are encouraged to play deeply, explore, experiment, make mistakes, and care for others. Children are given many opportunities to observe and participate in household tasks, such as food preparation, dish washing, setting the table, folding napkins, planting, and harvesting. At least two hours of outside time is part of our daily rhythm. Outdoor working and playing helps children develop a respect and connection to nature and the changing seasons. We further this connection to nature through seasonal songs, finger plays, games, and stories in our daily circle and storytime. We offer routines and rhythms on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis to add stability and security to children's experiences.
About Us
Exploring outside. Everyday.
Set on 10 acres, we offer children the chance to visit with the chickens and goats, help in the garden, and explore the woods and climb boulders and fallen down logs
Experiencing all weather.
We embrace Mother Nature and explore outside in the rain, sunshine, and snow. "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. " ~ Alfred Wainwright
Our Mission
We help children thrive through exploration in nature, practical life-skills, and abundant opportunities for outdoor and indoor child directed play.
Testimonials
Our Team
Sarah Morrison
Sarah is thrilled to be able to create a loving and nurturing space for children to explore and play with the support of her family. Before starting her own family she worked at the Chicago Waldorf School as both…
Becca Meyer-Rasmussen
Becca is so happy to be a part of the Wildwood community. She is passionate about working with kids and helping them feel safe and loved to be exactly who they are. Becca brings patience and grace with her…
Gabriel Morrison
Gabe‘s woodworking business, Vise & Virtue (visevirtue.com) has created many beautiful pieces for Wildwood, including shelves, cubbies, blocks, and our lunch table. He is also designing and creating our incredible nature playspace. He is also our substitute whenever needed.
Bekah Burkhard
Bekah is passionate about creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for the children that are in her care. She is focused on the ways to help kids develop emotionally, mentally, and physically. Bekah is a mom to one…
Cynthia Zender
Cynthia Zender, Sarah's Mom, is thrilled to spend some of her retirement telling stories and reading to all the children at Wildwood Farm & Daycare. After a long career as a technical trainer at a software company, Cynthia is…
Julie Helenus
Julie, from Chicago, has been bringing the joy of music into the hearts and lives of children since 1993. Affectionately known as "Miss Julie" by hundreds of Wiggleworms students at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago,…