GENTLE EXPLORERS

Eager Explorers is our nature-inspired messy play class for older babies and toddlers, where children lead the way through open-ended exploration, creativity and play.

Using a thoughtful blend of natural resources and carefully chosen messy play materials (with minimal food waste), little ones are free to discover at their own pace while parents enjoy a calm, welcoming space to connect.

Created by a primary school teacher with over 15 years' experience and mum of four, every session is designed to nurture development through joyful, child-led play.

Messy play supports:

• Fine and gross motor skills
• Hand-eye coordination
• Language and communication
• Problem-solving and curiosity
• Confidence, independence and emotional regulation

Caring for the planet is at the heart of Gentle Explorers. We avoid single-use plastics wherever possible, source equipment second-hand or locally, forage natural materials mindfully, and use refill products for cleaning. Everything is responsibly recycled after each session.

Our classes are about more than play—they're about building a community. Arrive for a relaxed 10-minute settling-in period, enjoy a hot drink and homemade cake (available for a small extra charge), and stay afterwards for playground visits, picnics or walks. We also host WhatsApp groups to help families stay connected beyond the sessions.

We take care of all the preparation and all the clearing up, so you can simply enjoy uninterrupted time with your child, making memories without the mess at home.

What to bring

• A towel and a change of clothes (mess is part of the fun!)

• Your own lidded reusable cup if you'd like coffee or tea.

Good to know

• Sessions begin with a gentle 10-minute arrival window.

• Siblings are half price.

• Babies under 5 months attend free with a paying sibling and they can enjoy a selection of books and toys.

Follow us @gentleexplorers on Instagram and Facebook for booking information, or search Gentle Explorers – Bookwhen.