Functional Roots

04/12/2026

Join us for more summer fun! ☀️🌻🌱🐞

Check out the details of all of our summer programs - each built with intention, purpose and love around nature.

🌱The Little Adventurers themed 4-week series are a great option for inspiring creativity, joining your child in play, connecting with other families and open to multiple siblings.

☀️ Wild Wanderers preschool enrichment is great for your preschooler or soon-to-be preschooler to carry-over common concepts required for school but with the creativity and flexibility in nature with a certified teacher. Limited space available. Applications are required.

🌈 SEL-ebrate (Social Emotional Learning) Nature Camp is our only drop-off option for students entering kindergarten through second grade. Open to all children who love to explore nature on the beautiful campus indoors and outdoors ! The program design will help your child stay active, creative, problem solve, practice skills for regulation and social connections. You’ll also explore our mini-meal program, also immersed in the Wild Wanderers preschool enrichment for exposure to natural foods and gaining more food confidence. Facilitated by licensed OTs and educators. Limited space available. Applications are required.

Visit www.functional-roots.com for more details and registration.

We hope to see you in the wild!🐻

02/24/2026

Don’t miss out on this Free event inspired by the seasons of nature! 🍃

Tell us you’re coming by visiting the link or simply drop by 😊

https://functional-roots.com/event/grow-through-the-seasons-play-event/

02/06/2026

✨Ready for some warmer outdoor fun?

Lock in your spot to join us for another season of nature-based play groups in a Pittsburgh area park! 🌱

https://functional-roots.com/nature-play-groups/

01/19/2026

Spring Play Groups are OPEN in a Pittsburgh area park near you! 🌱

We’re so excited to welcome families back for another season of our signature nature-based play groups—designed to help you and your child grow in confidence together.

Through outdoor play and thoughtfully chosen children’s books, you’ll discover simple, meaningful ways to support your child’s learning and development at every stage. Each group is led by licensed pediatric occupational therapists, offering a proactive, play-based approach to development and practical parenting strategies you can carry into everyday life.

We’re honored to be part of your village 🤍

For more details and a direct registration link visit https://functional-roots.com/nature-play-groups/

12/19/2025

✨Apply now for our Spring 2026 Preschool Enrichment Program!

Meet Molly - our licensed teacher with a wealth of knowledge and creativity to facilitate our Wild Wanderers Preschool Enrichment group this spring with a home base at Fall Run Park on Fridays.

Our nature-based program is deeply rooted in social emotional growth while allowing each child to become the truest versions of themselves and finding a rhythm to be prepared for life outside of the trails.

🌱Apply at https://functional-roots.com/wild-wanderers/

12/18/2025

Join your preschooler in the forest this Spring!

Wild Wanderers Nature-based Preschool Enrichment program begins March 6, 2026

Join us in small groups on Fridays at Fall Run Park, Pittsburgh from 10:30-11:30 am for a 12 week program co-designed with licensed teachers and OTs to provide your child with foundational skills for pre-k and beyond!

Check out more details and apply here:

https://functional-roots.com/wild-wanderers/l s

Build the foundation for Pre-K and beyond in this program designed to build confidence and peer connection while exploring our natural world.

11/26/2025

❄️ Join us for a Winter Wonderland Nature Play event at Tree Pittsburgh!

December 4th • 10:30–11:30 AM
Free Drop-In Event • Ages 1–8 (All Welcome!)

Step into a magical Winter Wonderland with Functional Roots and a team of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students from Carlow University for a joyful morning of nature-based play indoors and outdoors overlooking the beautiful trees and river at . Families are invited to drop in anytime between 10:30–11:30 AM for cozy, sensory-rich activities designed to spark exploration, creativity, and connection in the colder months.

Little ones (and their grown-ups!) will enjoy:
✨ Nature-inspired sensory stations
✨ Winter movement + motor play
✨ Open-ended materials for imaginative exploration
✨ Gentle play-based activities to support regulation and development

As part of this community gathering, families can also support Tree Pittsburgh by helping release seed bombs into the river during our farewell—an eco-friendly way to nourish the land and plant seeds for spring growth.

This family-friendly event is best suited for ages 1–8 years, but children of all ages are welcome to join the fun. Please register in advance so we can prepare enough materials for all participants.

Come celebrate the season, play outdoors, and plant a little hope for spring—together.

Tell us you’re coming 👉 https://functional-roots.com/event/free-winter-wonderland-nature-play-event/

09/30/2025

🎉Themed Pop Up Nature Play Groups in October are open for registration.

✨Our weekend pop up groups are filling fast this fall. Register now to save your spot!

The Little Adventurers nature-based play group pop ups are enjoyed by families who may not be able to join our full 8-week program design during our current times.

You will still gain the support, connection, intentional interactive play stations, and inspiration to continue the fun beyond our groups - just in a single day class!

📍October Pop Up Play Groups are held on select Sunday mornings at Frick Park, Pittsburgh.

Groups are most enjoyed by ages 1-8 years old with a caregiver.

*Please note: The themes offered are part of the 8-week programs offered this fall. Stay tuned for additional pop up classes throughout the fall season.

❤️Visit https://functional-roots.com/nature-play-groups/ for details and to register

09/20/2025

Join this Little Blue Truck inspired play day at Frick Park in Pittsbrugh tomorrow at 10am. It’s perfect for your little one who loves trucks, animals, and making everything come to life outdoors! 🛻

https://functional-roots.com/event/little-blue-truck-pop-up/

09/05/2025

🎉Pop Up Nature Play Group options beginning NEXT WEEK!!

Our nature-based play group can now be enjoyed by families who may not be able to join our full 8-week program design during our current times.

You will still gain the support, connection, intentional interactive play stations, and inspiration to continue the fun beyond our groups - just in a single day class!

📍September Pop Up Play Groups are held on select Sunday mornings at Frick Park, Pittsburgh.

Groups are most enjoyed by ages 1-8 years old with a caregiver.

*Please note: The themes offered are part of the 8-week programs offered this fall. Stay tuned for additional pop up classes throughout the fall season.

Want to join the full program of fun? Our Sunday groups beginning Sept 14 at Fall Run Park are still open for registration.

❤️Visit https://functional-roots.com/nature-play-groups/ for details and to register

08/23/2025

✨Spots are available for Fall 2025!

We have some exciting adventures planned this fall for our Wild Wanderers to:

🌱Learn with nature
🌱Foster confidence, resilience, and independence
🌱Connect with peers, caregivers, and the community

With a blend of expertise, we offer a gentle introduction to small group settings to practice foundational social emotional skills for Pre-K and beyond. Join our intentional community of explorers and caregivers to play, discover, and create memories together!

✨ Learn more and register here: https://functional-roots.com/wild-wanderers/

08/12/2025

If you want connection, confidence, and intentional play for your child that you don’t have to plan or clean up…JOIN US THIS FALL! 🥰

Join our cumulative design sensory-motor group programs with your little one ages 1-8 years in Pittsburgh area parks.

Stay tuned for our weekend pop up group in alternate locations 🌱

Register at https://functional-roots.com/nature-play-groups/