Malden | Melrose

Pine Banks Park

Here, we spend our days exploring the hills and forests, spotting animals in the wetlands and ponds, and finding joy in a delightfully muddy childhood.

Our Pine Banks Park location offers school year toddler and preschool programs, summer sessions for kids 2.9 - 8, and seasonal playgroups for the littlest learners!

Programs Available at
Pine Banks Park

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.


  • Ages: 3 - 6 years
    Hours: 9AM - 12PM
    Schedule: 2, 3, or 5 days/week
    Tuition: based on schedule—details available here


  • Ages: 2.0 - 2.11 years
    Hours: 9AM - 12PM
    Schedule: 2, 3, or 5 days/week
    Tuition: based on schedule—details available here


  • Ages 15 mos - 2.9 years

    Seasonal 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.


  • Ages 2.9 - 8 years
    Monday - Friday | 9AM - 12PM
    Summer 2025 schedules 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!

    Enroll online now!

“The teachers are truly phenomenal, so thoughtful and [our son] has grown so much since they started. We are so thrilled with the program. The research that has come out about the benefits of kids being in nature is so huge and we are so lucky to be in BOPN.”

Kate A., BOPN Parent

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 Pine Banks Park

Pine Banks Park is a natural oasis on the border of Malden and Melrose, located on Wampanoag land. Here, you’ll find hundreds of large evergreens like white pines and cedars, lookouts, Mount Ephraim, a pond, wildlife, pavilions, a playground, and athletic fields. We enjoy searching for birds, bugs, and more in the beautiful forest, ponds, and wetlands. Learn more and support the Pine Banks Park Foundation at www.pinebanks.org.

 

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