WILD CHILD is a FREE, all-weather, year-round outdoor playgroup designed to reconnect children and parents with nature through unstructured, risky play in local forests. Held in three Environmentally Significant Areas in London, it promotes mental, physical, emotional, and social development while building lifelong environmental stewardship.
Parents join their children to explore, learn, and grow their confidence through nature-based play, supported by role modelling and intentional conversations. WILD CHILD removes barriers for underserved families, fosters community belonging, and inspires a shared passion for protecting the natural world.
WILD CHILD supports all adults caring for children and uses the term "parent" lightly when referring to this caregiver relationship. WILD CHILD serves many different types of caregivers, including: biological and non-biological parents, and grandparents (especially in underserved communities), as well as, early years professionals/educators.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, London, Ontario had a population of 422,000, a 10% increase since 2016, with approximately 65,000 children under age 12. In this rapidly growing city, 1 in 5 families live below the poverty line, and income inequality continues to rise—creating health inequities, as income is a key social determinant of health. While the City of London is addressing resilience through systemic initiatives, data shows ongoing challenges for vulnerable families struggling to access safe housing, mental health supports, and basic needs.
In 2015, ParticipACTION reported that “The Biggest Risk is KEEPING KIDS INDOORS.” This insight inspired the launch of WILD CHILD, which provides free, inclusive outdoor play programs that help families safely explore nature and access its many health and well-being benefits. WILD CHILD removes barriers such as cost, transportation, stigma, and limited program availability—factors that often prevent participation. When these are removed, children thrive: they meet developmental milestones, succeed in school, and form healthy relationships. Families report reduced stress, stronger bonds, and increased connection to community supports—protective factors that buffer against poverty’s long-term impacts (HEAL Lab 2022).
Families who attend WILD CHILD also build community with one another. These new friendships foster inclusion, connection, and belonging—key elements of resilience. Belonging provides emotional safety, purpose, and support, helping individuals and families navigate challenges and strengthen overall well-being.
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My children loved Wild Child. It was a chance for us to connect with outdoor families and nature in a supportive space.
I am so glad this program exists. It was one of our first and strongest connections to community since our family moved to London 18 months ago. All of us have attended, but the toddler & grandma duo in our household are the weekly participants. It is an amazing testament to the facilitators and the power of the outdoors that people of all ages look forward to Wild Child all week long. We have enjoyed seeing our loved ones gain confidence and knowledge through their time in the forest.
Wild Child is an amazing initiative for children & their caregivers. Now more than ever reconnecting with nature & outdoor playtime is essential.
We absolutely love wild child, this is the way I remember my childhood, this is our favorite activity. We go as often as possible with my 3 and 1 year old, even when my 1 year old was as young as 3 months old, the coordinators are fantastic too. Watching my boys explore in the forest makes my heart so warm.
A fabulous program that promotes independence, nature-based learning, social skills and so much more. A wonderful experience for children and caregivers alike!