The Forest FunZone (formerly the Forest Playground)
Explore, Play, Discover
Take a step into the Forest FunZone and you will quickly discover that it is not a typical forest. It is much more. This is a place where all of our senses are invited to play. The elements and materials here provide inspiration for fun, connection, creativity, movement and discovery. Children experience imaginative play, artistic and musical creation, scientific discovery and observation of the natural world.
In its own small way, the Forest FunZone revolutionizes how we look at play in nature.
The Forest FunZone, formerly the Forest Playground, is designed to be open-ended, nature-based and engaging for young people of many interests and all ages. There are very few rules for how to use the space. It is free and open to the public. Designed as a portable pop-up, the Forest FunZone will rotate to different sites throughout its lifespan.
During the summer of 2026, the Forest FunZone can be found at the Skolfield Shores Preserve.
The Forest FunZone has previously spent time at Curtis Farm Preserve, Houghton Graves Park, the Hackett Trail, Harpswell Community School, and Bowdoin Central School.
- “It was wonderful to see the kids use their
imagination and play in the woods” – Bowdoin Central School teacher
Forest Playground at Skolfield Shores (Julia McLeod photo)
Comments from the Forest FunZone (formerly Forest Playground) sign in book:
- “This is one of the coolest playgrounds we’ve ever seen!”
- “Awesome play space!”
- “This was one of the only times I liked hiking” (age 12)
- “Thank you for this hidden treasure!”
- “My favorites were the tire swing, the hammock and the rope ladder.”
- “Enticing and interactive for all ages! Thanks”
- “I just discovered this place and I think every school should have one.”
Click here to read an article about the Forest FunZone (Formerly called the Forest Playground).
Tag your photos with #harpswellforestfunzone on social media or share them with us by emailing to: photos@hhltmaine.org.
Thank you to our volunteers and funders!
A big thank you is due to the volunteers who contributed many hours to making the Forest FunZone a reality. Thank you also to Casco Bay Estuary Partnership and Lowe’s for start-up funding support.
