Walking Ferns

Nurturing human intelligence for the AI age through experiential, outdoor, nature-based learning for children.

When the whole world becomes the classroom

At Walking Ferns, we turn the world into a classroom. Through camps, study trips, expert sessions, and weekend huddles, children step beyond books and screens to experience nature, culture, science, and history firsthand. They connect with nature, visit museums, explore historical sites, and interact with public institutions, learning directly from people and places rather than only reading about them.

We offer theme-based workshops, study tour series, and one-off experiences, giving families the freedom to choose what resonates with their interests and availability. These programs are also designed and offered in collaboration with schools and other learning groups, as customised workshops or study tours that respond to their specific learning contexts.

Inspired by Sarang, a pioneering alternative education initiative with over 40 years of lived practice, Walking Ferns blends experiential learning with everyday life, complementing both schooling and homeschooling. In a world shaped by AI and rapid change, we help children build curiosity, adaptability, social skills, and creativity, skills that support them not just to be future-ready, but to grow as lifelong learners and solution-seekers.

Upcoming Activities

Kuttinadu at Ka Festival

  • January 31, 2026 To February 1, 2026
  • Thiruvananthapuram

Archaeology Camp – Wayanad (Edakkal)

  • February 14, 2026 To February 15, 2026

What Do We Do?

At Walking Ferns, we organise a variety of activities, including educational trips that combine fun, culture, nature, and deep learning. Our programs are designed to:

Foster Curiosity

We take children to historical sites, museums, performances, art exhibitions, architectural spaces, and engage them in interactions with diverse people, as well as nature excursions. These experiences spark curiosity and encourage children to ask questions. From the microscopic world observed through a microscope to the faraway galaxies seen through a telescope, every part of the universe presents a learning opportunity to children.

Promote Hands-On Learning

Through interactive experiences such as crafts, carpentry, building simple structures, open play in nature, and storytelling, learning becomes tangible, engaging, and joyful. When children use their hands, senses, and bodies to learn, multiple parts of the brain are activated, helping strengthen neural connections related to thinking, coordination, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. This kind of learning stays with them far longer than information received passively.

Build Connections

Our activities are built around community and collaboration. Children learn best when they grow within a peer group, where they can observe, question, disagree, cooperate, and belong. By creating safe and consistent learning spaces over time, we support not only learning, but the long-term relationships that help children feel supported as they grow.

Activities

Walking Ferns works best with small groups, shared responsibility, and flexibility. Some experiences are open and one-off, others grow over time. Parents often walk alongside us in different ways, depending on the program.

Camps

Multi-day immersive experiences where children live, learn, and explore together in natural and cultural settings.

Study Trips

Travel-based learning journeys that connect history, geography, culture, and everyday life.

Expert Sessions and Workshops

Theme-based, hands-on learning experiences that explore ideas through making, observing, discussing, and doing. Many workshops are guided by practitioners, researchers, artists, educators, and people deeply connected to their fields.

If you are interested in collaborating with us or offering a workshop, we’d love to hear from you.
Reach out through this form and let’s start a conversation.

Weekend Huddles

Small, local gatherings where children and families come together for conversations, play, exploration, and shared learning.

In some places, weekend huddles become a starting point for families who wish to learn together more regularly. If this interests you, let’s talk.

What's next?

See upcoming and ongoing learning experiences and choose what works for your family.

Walk with us

Walking Ferns grows through people who care about learning, community, and long-term thinking.

If you would like to:

  • join us as a volunteer
  • collaborate as a parent, educator, artist, researcher, or practitioner,
  • offer or co-create a workshop or learning session

We’d love to hear from you.

How Can You Join Us?

Joining Walking Fern is easy! We welcome all enthusiastic young learners and their families to be part of our adventures.  Join our WhatsApp community by visiting the link below. Stay updated on our upcoming trips and activities, and be ready to embark on a journey of discovery and fun!

Sign Up Here