Trailroot Kids
Pediatric Nature-based Occupational Therapy Services
“Empowering Kids Through Nature and Play”
At its heart, Nature-Based Occupational Therapy (NBOT) blends the science of developmental therapy with the healing, calming, and energizing power of the outdoors. It’s not just about getting kids outside — it’s about engaging them in purposeful activities that help them build essential life skills, regulate their emotions, and connect more deeply with themselves, others, and the world around them.
What is Nature-Based OT?
Why choose NBOT for your child?
🌿 Natural Stress Relief & Emotional Regulation
Nature lowers stress hormones and boosts mood. In an outdoor setting, therapy becomes a joyful, calming experience. Children naturally let their guard down — opening the door to deeper engagement and emotional growth.
🧠 Boosts Focus, Memory, and Learning
Movement-rich, sensory experiences in nature have been shown to improve attention, especially in kids with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences. NBOT supports cognitive development in a setting that’s both stimulating and grounding.
👫 Social Skills in Real-World Contexts
Whether it’s sharing a magnifying glass to study a bug, working together to build a shelter, or navigating a hiking trail as a team, NBOT helps kids develop communication, empathy, and cooperation in meaningful ways.
🏃 Physical Development Without the Pressure
Climbing logs, balancing on rocks, digging in dirt — these are powerful ways to build strength, coordination, and body awareness. Kids develop motor skills naturally and joyfully, without the rigidity of indoor settings.
🌞 Real Engagement, Real Results
Children are more motivated and engaged when therapy doesn’t feel like therapy. In NBOT, they’re having fun — and the learning sticks because it’s connected to real experiences, not just worksheets or repetition.
💚 A Whole-Child Approach to Growth
NBOT supports the whole child — physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. It’s an ideal complement to traditional therapy, or a refreshing, effective alternative when clinic-based methods aren't clicking.
WHO Can Benefit from Nature-Based OT?
Children with sensory processing challenges
Nature provides a rich, calming, and stimulating sensory environment to support regulation and growth.Kids experiencing anxiety or emotional regulation difficulties
Time in nature paired with therapeutic activities promotes emotional balance, resilience, and confidence.Children with ADHD or attention challenges
Natural settings support focus, reduce overstimulation, and provide opportunities for meaningful movement.Kids struggling with motor coordination or physical development
Outdoor environments offer natural obstacles that build strength, balance, and coordination.Children who need support with social skills
Small group sessions in nature foster teamwork, communication, and relationship-building in a relaxed setting.Kids feeling disconnected, stressed, or overwhelmed by busy indoor environments
Nature provides a grounding, calming space to reset and build coping strategies.Children on the autism spectrum (ASD)
The sensory richness of outdoor spaces combined with therapeutic guidance can enhance engagement, communication, and sensory integration.Children who benefit from hands-on, movement-based learning
Outdoor OT uses exploration, play, and meaningful tasks to make therapy engaging, motivating, and effective.
Our Services
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Our Services -
Summer Enrichment Groups
$275 total
For all children- not occupational therapy services
4 days- 2.5 hours each day: Monday-Thursday
Small groups of 4-8 children
4:1 child:adult ratio
Child drop-off (caregivers welcome to hike the trails and enjoy the scenery)
Not occupational therapy services but led by a pediatric occupational therapist
Location: Parker Mill County Park 4650 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
*MUST be able to stay with a group
Group Occupational Therapy Services
$140/session
Evaluation fee is separate
10 sessions- 90 minutes- quarterly (over 3 months)
Mid-term progress report via 30-45 minute phone call and home strategy recommendations
End of quarter progress summary via 30-45 minute phone call and home strategy recommendations
Individualized goals and plan for each child
Total for the quarter is $1,400
$100 discount to pay in full
or 3 payments of $466.67
Location: Parker Mill County Park 4650 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
*MUST be able to stay with a group
Individual Occupational Therapy Services
$160/session
Evaluation fee is separate
10 sessions- 75 minutes- quarterly (over 3 months)
3 consultation calls (30 minutes each) to update on progress and discuss therapeutic strategies for home
Individualized goals and plan tailored to your child’s needs
Total for the quarter is $1,600
$100 discount to pay in full
or 3 payments of $533.33
Location: local park/nature area or outdoors at family’s home
*We are a private, cash-based practice, which allows us to provide personalized, high-quality care without the restrictions often imposed by insurance companies. This flexibility ensures that therapy is guided by your child’s unique needs, not by insurance limitations. While we do not bill insurance directly, we are happy to provide a detailed superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement, depending on your individual plan.
Evaluation for Occupational Therapy Services
$350 Initial Evaluation
*This is a requiremet to receive any Occupational Therapy (OT) services.
* If the child has a previous OT evaluation from a pediatric clinic within the past 6 months and you would like to continue working on the previously established goals- see separate pricing
Review of intake forms and other paperwork provided
20-30 minute phone call discussing needs *may be included if used as free screening call
1 hour in-person child evaluation using standardized and non-standardized assessment tools/strategies
Write-up of evaluation findings and recommendations
Individualized goals and treatment plan
$200 If using previous OT evaluation (within past 6 months)
Review of previous therapy paperwork and other documents
Review of Intake paperwork
45 minute phone discussion
No in-person observations or assessments
Continuation of previous goals unless discussed otherwise
Meet Meghan!
I have been a skilled occupational therapist for 12 years and am a mother to 3 children (currently ages 4, 7, and 9). I have worked in schools and pediatric clinic settings and LOVE helping children explore and interact with their environment in a way that allows them to feel confident, safe, and lets their true self SHINE. I have a passion for the outdoors and believe nature brings a natural sense of regulation when connected to it. What better place to bring children together to work on fundamental skills and have FUN! I hope I get to meet you and your child so we can play, learn, and grow TOGETHER :)