Children can never have too much contact with nature

Being outside, playing freely but also learning outside helps children develop their senses, motor skills, social skills, creativity and concentration.

That is why we give free access to our outdoor classroom and ice cellar forest to teachers and their students in Oosterzele

An outdoor classroom

Nestled in a protected corner of our forest, our outdoor classroom features 30 large wooden logs for seating, surrounded by stacked-wood fences. This unique learning space also offers access to our historic ice cellar, dating back to 1784, which can be explored both inside and from above.

A forest classroom cart

In cooperation with BOS+, the forest classroom cart and adapted training is also available to elementary school teachers. Through 9 thematic stories, with accompanying assignment sheets and materials, children playfully get to work with assignments in French, language, math, world orientation... All assignments are linked to attainment targets.

Free access for local schools

To protect the peaceful atmosphere and ensure an attentive, high-quality learning environment, we limit bookings to one school group per day.

• Admission
  100% Free for school groups, pupils, teachers, and accompanying adults.

• What is Included
  Full grounds access and outdoor class, use of nature study tools and equipment.

• Flexible Timings
  Typically 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• Free Teacher Pre-Visit
  Teachers are warmly invited for a complimentary advance walkthrough to plan logistics and risk assessments.

Guided Nature Experiences - Learn with Us

Bring learning outdoors. At Smissenbroek, children discover nature through tasting, making, exploring and getting their hands dirty.

Depending on the season, the programme can include a guided garden walk with wild tastings, seed workshop, flower pressing, basketry and many more hands-on activities inspired by the garden, farm and forest.

• Half day — €20 per child

• Full day — €40 per child

Every visit is different, following the seasons and what there is to discover at Smissenbroek