The
Outdoor
Classroom

Inspire Learning, Start Exploring

Est. 2021


The Outdoor Classroom is an educational institution, offering a unique and enriching variety of learning opportunities in an outdoor setting. Our purpose is to serve the individual needs of every child, to enable them to thrive in their lives. It is our passion to assist children throughout their journey to a happy and healthy childhood.

Testimonials...

"A wonderful week outside, the kids had a great time." Kusnacht, Aug 2024"Super camp organisation, the girls loved the camp." Zollikon, Aug 2024"We loved everything." - Zollikon, Jul 2024"Really great organisation." - Zollikon, Jul 2024"lt is a great activity for the kids, they love it."- Zollikon, Mar 2024"Our daughter is so excited to Join the summer camp again this year." - Hottingen, Feb 2024"An amazing time and learns lots. She always comes back with a smile and has lots of fun."- ZH, Sep 2023"Absolutely loves it and all the activities you are doing Dubendorf." - Aug 2023"Our son had a great time, came home with a big smile on his face." - Zurich, Jul 2023'Highly recommend!! My son loves it." - Zollikon, Jan 2023"A big thanks for all that you are doing. Our child is very happy to come each week." - Benglen, Nov 2022"Thanks heaps for your hard work and professional approach." - Rüschlikon, Sep 2022"Thank you for all that you do, he talks so fondly about his time at the forest school." - Zürich, Aug 2022"Our daughter really enjoys forest school and couldn't stop talking about it!" - Schlieren, May 2022"My boys are very happy at the outdoor classroom." - Kūsnacht, Jan 2022

Contact Us...

For enquires, please contact us. We are happy to hear from you.

About Us

The Outdoor Classroom was founded in 2021. Our professionally developed concept, internationally influential experiences and safe practices ensure that each child receives the utmost care while benefitting from a truly unique outdoor programme.By using an outdoor environment, children experience a sense of nature. We believe that learning outside the traditional classroom setting fosters creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. From nature walks and wildlife spotting to gardening and outdoor games, we offer a diverse range of activities that keep children engaged and excited about learning.We offer a range of activities for children to develop and practice their language skills in English. Our native English speaking teachers make learning a new language engaging and interesting, enabling your child to develop their communication and language skills quickly. At The Outdoor Classroom, we understand that every child is unique. That's why we tailor our activities to suit different interests and abilities, making sure that every child feels included and valued.Qualified teachers and support helpers are their to inspire learning. Small groups allow the teacher to discover each child's motivation to learn. The teacher's role is to inspire learning through providing play opportunities, asking questions and exploring. Our approach focuses on hands-on learning and exploration, helping children to develop important life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Our dedicated and experienced educators are committed to serving the individual needs of every child, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Hi, I'm Sally Draffan

Sally, founder of The Outdoor Classroom: an enthusiast about children's education, physical and mental well-being and the outdoors. Many years of international experience working with children of all ages, contributing as children thrive when provided a fitting environment. It's my mission to promote outdoor learning, through providing educational programmes for children. I support each child's journey of discovery with a core focus on health and well-being.

Camps 2025

The Outdoor Classroom provides day camps during Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn public school holidays in Zurich. Daily activities and excursions for children aged 4 - 10 years, sign up now for an unforgettable holiday packed full of new adventures.

Meeting Point: Hottingerplatz, 8032 Zurich
Opening Times: 09.00 - 17.00
Additional hours: Upon request
Language: English
Food: Morning + afternoon snack incl.
Cost: 450-.CHF per week / 100-. per day
Included: Snacks, transport, excursions, activities, entry
Age range: 4 - 10 years
Group size: 10 +/-
What to bring: Backpack, water bottle, packed lunch, extra clothes

Summer Holidays

SummerMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
14.07.25 - 18.07.25Wildlife ParkNature tourCastle VisitVolunteer dayZoo Trip
21.07.25 - 25.07.25Sports dayVolunteer dayWildlife parkAirport visitFarm visit
28.07.25 - 01.08.25TechnoramaNature tourBoat rideForest dayWildlife park
04.08.25 - 08.08.25Sports dayZoo tripVolunteer dayForest dayCastle visit
11.08.25 - 15.08.25Farm VisitBoat rideWildlife ParkForest DayAirport trip

A fun packed programme, led by our English teachers, designed to help your child develop their language skills while exploring the best of Zurich on daily adventures, excursions and activities. An unforgettable summer full of adventure!

Autumn Holidays

AutumnMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
06.10.25 - 10.10.25Farm TripForest DayAirport TripTrampoline parkWildlife park
13.10.25 - 17.10.25Zoo TripVolunteer dayWildlife parkMuseumCastle Visit

Celebrate the beginnings of autumn with our fun-filled programme that offers diverse opportunity to explore natures seasonal changes. Activities led in English with a variety of indoor and outdoor opportunities - so whatever the weather, your child will create unforgettable memories at camp!

Foundation

Our Global Education ProjectPlanting the Seeds of Learning – One School at a TimeAt The Outdoor Classroom, we believe that every child, no matter where they are in the world, deserves a great start in life. That’s why we’re launching a new non-profit initiative aimed at improving early years education in communities that need it most. Our mission is to provide an education that facilitates learning and development as part of a safe, happy and healthy childhood.Through this project, we send passionate, experienced teachers to schools around the world. These educators work hand-in-hand with local individuals and institutions, sharing resources, developing learning strategies, and building creative ideas to help every child thrive.It’s all about planting seeds for a brighter future - through play, quality learning and creating enabling environments.How You Can Help?This project is powered by people like you. Parents, families, and communities who care deeply about giving all children a fair start. Whether it’s through a donation, fundraising, or simply spreading the word - you can make a difference.Together, we can create outdoor classrooms with laughter, curiosity, and opportunity - wherever they are in the world.Ready to get involved?Click below to learn more, donate, or get in contact with us. We welcome expertise and educators who wish to get involved, funding to propel this initiative globally, and schools that want to contribute to our mission.

Books

Coming soon...Books for children about nature and wildlife.

Launching Summer 2025