Jamaica Plain | Roslindale
The Arnold Arboretum
BOPN's flagship program is held at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University—offering children 281 acres to explore.
*Please note that the Arnold Arboretum and Harvard University do not organize BOPN’s programs.
To learn more about the Arnold Arboretum, please visit their website.
BOPN Programs Held at the Arnold Arboretum
Children learn through play with mixed age peers, guided by trained educators. This transformative setting—rarely found in today’s world—provides a broad range of emotional and developmental benefits. BOPN programs focus on sensory exploration, honing fine and gross motor skills, and building community. Our nature-immersive classes spark curiosity and concentration, while fostering independence in young children.
Read about the benefits of play-based learning, and child development in mixed age classes.
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Ages: 2.9 - 6 years
Hours: 9AM - 12PM
Schedule: 2, 3, or 5 days/week
Tuition: based on schedule—details available here -
Ages: 2.3 - 2.8 years
Hours: 9AM - 12PM
Schedule: 2, 3, or 5 days/week
Tuition: based on schedule—details available here. -
Ages 15 mos - 2.9 yearsSeasonal weekly playgroups for toddlers and caregivers, with curated activities to inspire outdoor fun with peers.
Learn more about Toddler Connections and find session schedules here.
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Ages 2.9 - 8 years
Monday - Friday | 9AM - 12PM
Schedules for Summer 2025 are available here.Our summer programs offer children time to explore and play outdoors. We encourage imagination and FUN, while embarking on daily adventures with new and returning friends!
Looking for Full Day?
In addition to the many Half Day options in JP/Roslindale, we offer a small Full Day program during the school year and summer.
Please submit an Interest Form, and a member of the Admissions Team will reach out to discuss options and joining our Waitlist.
"It's impossible to convey to you how grateful I am to have knowledgeable and compassionate guides like you in this [parenting] journey.
Thank you for all that you do, the wonderful program you are creating, and for doing your best to make it accessible to families from all socio-economic backgrounds. We're so grateful to be part of the BOPN community."
Our Outdoor Educators
What’s Next?
Inquire:
Submitting an inquiry form tells us you’d like to learn more about BOPN. We will provide brief introductory information, and help you arrange a tour.
Visit:
Touring allows you to see our philosophy in practice, chat with our experienced nature educators, and enjoy the forests, gardens, and landscapes that BOPN children explore each day. Dress for the weather, and bring the kids!
Apply:
Submit your Admissions Application and fee. Financial assistance is available, and we encourage anyone with need to request aid during the application process. Learn more about our admissions process, tuition and fees, and financial aid here.
Enroll:
Pending availability and admission, you will receive an invitation to enroll your child at BOPN. We will provide everything needed to complete the enrollment process online.
Take the first step.
Meet the Arnold Arboretum
Located in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, the Arnold Arboretum is a tree museum, home to rare and unique species from around the world. Botanists come to the Arnold Arboretum to research the “living collections.” The diversity of landscapes, habitats, plant species, and varied topography offer unique opportunities for nature-connection and environmental education.
An important part of our mission is to instill in children respect for all living beings and to teach them how to preserve and protect the environment for generations to come.
Follow the FUN on Instagram!
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