Hi, I’m Jessica 👋
I’m the session curator behind The Garden Museum, a Bay Area–based outdoor play and nature learning program serving families across Livermore, the Tri-Valley, and the East Bay. As a mama of two, I’m inspired by our own backyard play, garden explorations, and the magic that unfolds when children are given time to learn through nature.
After 13 years as a classroom teacher, I’m stepping away from the traditional classroom to bring play-based learning, outdoor education, and sensory-rich experiences directly to local families and communities. With a background in human development and a Master’s in education, I’ve seen what children truly need to thrive: hands-on exploration, open-ended play, and meaningful time outdoors.
The Garden Museum creates intentional outdoor play sessions, mobile playscapes, and nature-based learning experiences hosted in parks, backyards, schools, and in both private and community spaces throughout the Bay Area. These sessions support creativity, curiosity, and connection—while offering families accessible, screen-free activities rooted in child-led discovery.
As parents, we’re often searching for unique family experiences in the Bay Area that fit into busy schedules while still feeling meaningful. I’m here to help create those moments through nature play, tinkering, and shared outdoor experiences that invite families to slow down and connect.
We bond with our littles by playing side by side and staying present. We bond with our big kids by creating, exploring curiosities, and growing together. My passion is building community-centered outdoor play opportunities that help East Bay families reconnect - with nature and with one another.
So far we have hosted pop-up play sessions in Livermore, Dublin, Brentwood, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. We are always looking to expand, connect with us on Instagram and let us know where we should go next!
See you soon for some outdoor play! 🌿
our story
Hello!No, we are not your standard large-scale museum. But we are still very much in line and value all that the classic children’s museums have to offer! Children’s museums encourage play-based learning through interactive exhibits that inspire creativity, curiosity, and discovery. We follow this model on a mobile, nature-based scale, drawing inspiration from Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, and forest-school philosophies to create and foster:
Child-led, hands-on experiential learning through nature exploration, outdoor play, art, and movement.
Connection to the natural world, valuing nature-based materials, outdoor environments, and sensory-rich experiences.
Multi-sensory, play-based learning that engages all the senses and supports holistic development.
Creativity and open-ended exploration, encouraging imaginative play, artistic expression, and discovery through open-ended materials.
Respect for the child as an active learner, recognizing children as capable individuals who construct their own understanding, with teachers and caregivers acting as guides rather than directors.
Just like in a physical children’s museum, caregivers are encouraged to participate! Strengthening bonds, guiding exploration, and sharing the joy of learning alongside their children. Our park pop-ups provide play opportunities for young families.
why “museum” ?
We also offer programs that can be designed to engage all ages, offering older children opportunities for curiosity-driven questioning, open-ended crafting, and independent exploration. Reach out to see how we can best fit your idea for some nature-driven fun!
