Meninos da Floresta is a community-based children’s programme centered on free play, outdoor learning and connection with nature. The organisation believes children learn and grow through exploration, creativity, experimentation and time spent with others in natural surroundings. Its team of women works with care, creativity and attentive presence, aiming to make childhood more active, independent and meaningful.

The programme offers afterschool sessions featuring open-ended exploration, creative workshops, individual time and the use of local resources. During school holidays, children can take part in daily adventures in forests, by rivers and at beaches, as well as in parks. Meninos da Floresta also organises parties and events tailored to each occasion.

Across its activities, the organisation encourages children to discover their interests, develop their abilities and build relationships through play. Its approach offers families an alternative to highly structured routines, with experiences shaped by freedom, nature and collaboration. Parents’ testimonials describe happy holiday periods, new friendships and memorable discoveries, reflecting the value they place on the team’s dedication and the children’s experiences.