The Nature Explore Classroom at
Kidz Academy – Murray
Our Nature Explore Journey: Kidz Academy-Murray
The Vision: A “Cozy” Minimalist Sanctuary
At Kidz Academy, we believe a child’s environment is their “natural teacher.” Our goal for the Murray location was to transform our outdoor space into a modern, minimalist, and “cozy” sanctuary. We moved away from primary-colored plastics to create a 1,000-square-foot landscape that feels like a natural extension of Utah – vibrant, intentional, and deeply connected to the spirit of our state.
What Makes Us Special: A Piece of the High Desert
Our classroom is a love letter to the Utah landscape. One of our most cherished features is the Sand Box and Mud Kitchen, which houses authentic red sand sourced directly from Moab! This vibrant, earthy element allows our children to touch a piece of their state’s iconic geography every day.
Woven throughout are regional materials like Wasatch river rocks for our dry creek bed and hardy Entry Vines that create a living threshold into a world of discovery. From the dedicated Soccer Net in our high-energy Open Area to the tranquil Music & Movement zone, every inch was designed to balance active play with nature-focused exploration.
Success in Stewardship
Our greatest success hasn’t just been the construction—it’s been the stewardship. Throughout this transformation, our children haven’t been mere observers; they’ve been the primary caretakers. They assisted in the initial planting and watering of our bushes and shrubs, and they continue to lead the daily care of our Garden and Planter Boxes. Seeing a child’s pride as they harvest a veggie they helped grow is the ultimate validation of this journey.
Exceptional Features
Visitors will find a space built for “little engineers.” Our Building Area is stocked with treated wood planks of all sizes, encouraging collaborative architectural play. Whether children are crossing our Central Bridge, creating transient art at the Art Aisle, or gathering for stories in our Gathering Area, there is a sense of calm and purpose that has transformed the energy of our entire school.
Heartfelt Acknowledgments
This journey was a true community effort. A super special thank you to:
Isabel: For your immense heart and sacrifice. This classroom would not exist without your physical labor, your significant financial investment, and for going the extra mile to bring the spirit of Moab to our sandbox.
Tezzy: For the countless hours spent on the applications, meticulous planning, and the mountain of paperwork required to achieve this certification.
Park City Landscaping: For your expert partnership in bringing this vision to life.
Our Staff & Families: For your patience and enthusiasm as we turned this dream into a reality.
Our “Little Gardeners”: For your muddy hands and dedicated watering, which keep our classroom alive.
Looking Forward
As we host our Open House, we are looking toward a future where every child at Kidz Academy grows up with a deep respect for the world around them. Our Nature Explore Classroom isn’t just an outdoor space—it’s a commitment to fostering the next generation of explorers right here in Murray.
