What to Wear for Forest School: Tick-Safe Kids Clothing
Forest school is all about giving kids the chance to explore, play, and learn in nature. From climbing trees and digging in the dirt to discovering bugs and plants, the outdoor classroom is a wonderful way to nurture curiosity and confidence.
But with all the benefits of outdoor learning, one of the most common questions parents have is: “What should my child wear to forest school?”
Clothing matters — not only for comfort and weather protection, but also for safety. Here’s a guide to help you prepare your child for forest school adventures while keeping them comfortable, dry, and tick-free.
Why Clothing Matters at Forest School
Kids are happiest when they can move freely without worrying about being cold, wet, or itchy. The right clothing helps them focus on learning and play, while also keeping them safe from weather changes, scrapes, and insect bites.
But there’s another reason clothing matters: ticks are most active in the spring and fall, when they’re actively seeking a blood meal. That makes protective clothing one of the most important parts of your child’s forest school gear.
Layering for All Seasons
Think of dressing for forest school in three layers:
Base Layer (next to skin)
Lightweight, breathable cotton or merino wool.
Avoid synthetics that trap sweat.
Mid Layer (insulation)
Fleece or wool to keep your child warm.
Easy to add/remove depending on the weather.
Outer Layer (protection)
For wet, rainy days: a waterproof all-in-one rain suit that keeps kids dry while they splash, climb, and explore.
For dry days in spring and fall: a Tick Off Ticks chemical-free suit, designed to reduce tick exposure when these pests are most active. The secure wrist and ankle closures help keep ticks from crawling inside, giving kids the freedom to play without worry.
Footwear & Accessories
Boots: Waterproof and sturdy for climbing, mud, and puddles.
Socks: Wool or moisture-wicking socks (bring an extra pair for wet days).
Tip: Have kids wear socks pulled up over their pant legs — this simple trick creates a barrier that makes it much harder for ticks to reach the skin.
Hats & Gloves: Warm in the winter, breathable sunhats in summer.
Neck Warmers/Scarves: Easy to pull on and off, no dangling strings.
Tick Awareness at Forest School
Forests and grassy areas are some of the highest-risk environments for ticks. These tiny parasites can carry serious illnesses like Lyme disease, and kids are particularly vulnerable because they spend more time playing close to the ground.
Many parents don’t realize that Health Canada has restricted permethrin-treated clothing for kids under 16 due to safety concerns. If it isn’t safe for children, is it really the best choice for adults?
That’s why our TickOffTicks suits are designed as a chemical-free solution. They’re breathable, comfortable for all-day wear, and provide full-body coverage with secure closures. For families who attend forest school in the spring and fall, when tick bites are most common, these suits add peace of mind without compromising safety.
Quick Forest School Clothing Checklist
✅ Long-sleeved shirt or base layer
✅ Insulating fleece or sweater
✅ Waterproof all-in-one suit (rainy days)
✅ TickOffTicks suit (dry spring & fall days, high tick season)
✅ Waterproof boots + extra socks
✅ Socks worn over pant legs
✅ Hat and gloves (seasonal)
✅ A full tick check at the end of the day