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Exploration and Discovery

Encourage exploration and discovery with Kaplan's selection of outdoor products. Kaplan offers sand and water tables, easels, chalk and chalk tools, jumbo magnifiers, bug watch kits, explorer costumes, bug sets, compasses, telescopes, and more.

1 - 24 of 57
Image of Nature to Play™ Mud Kitchen
Nature to Play™ Mud Kitchen
Item: 32986
Status: In Stock
$924.95
3 years & up. Bake a mud pie, mix up some leaf soup, and inspire growing imaginations with this sturdy Mud Kitchen. Use the Mud Kitchen's large work surface and sink with removable plug to incorporate messy materials such as mud, sand, and water into collaborative outdoor play. Store mud tools, buckets, and Nature to Play™ Crates on the convenient accessory shelf and spacious bottom shelf. Complete with a weather-resistant finish and made from weather-resistant, thermally modified wood… More »
Image of Nature to Play™ Workbench
Nature to Play™ Workbench
Item: 32987
Status: In Stock
$999.95
3 years & up. Get messy, hammer a board, and create lasting friendships at this durable Workbench. Use the Workbench's large, sturdy surface for collaborative mud, sand, and outdoor play. Store mud tools, buckets, Loose Parts, and a Nature to Play™ Crate on the convenient accessory shelf and bottom shelf. Made from thermally modified wood by Thermory®, and featuring a weather-resistant finish, this Workbench is the optimal spot for a group of rough-and-tumble kids and perfect for rugged,… More »
Image of Nature to Play™ Water Table
Nature to Play™ Water Table
Item: 32998
Status: In Stock
$990.95
3 years & up. Fill the two large basins of this sturdy Water Table and unlock endless outdoor sensory explorations. From water and sand, to shaving cream and slime, this table's large work surface encourages messy, collaborative play and social interactions. For more fun, store mud tools, buckets, and Nature to Play™ Crates on the convenient bottom shelf. Made from thermally modified wood by Thermory®, and coated with a weather-resistant finish, the Water Table is meant to withstand… More »
Image of Nature to Play™ Water Trough System
Nature to Play™ Water Trough System
Item: 32999
Status: In Stock
$559.95
3 years & up. Explore physics and the principles of cause and effect by pouring buckets of water down the Water Trough System. Watch waterfalls flow or block trickling streams with muddy barricades for open-ended exploration. The Water Trough System is designed to work with the Water Tower to provide unlimited opportunities for kid-lead, water-based activities. Made from thermally modified wood by Thermory®, and coated with a weather-resistant finish, the Water Trough System is optimal for… More »
Image of Nature to Play™ Water Tower
Nature to Play™ Water Tower
Item: 33296
Status: In Stock
$559.95
3 years & up. This durable, kid-activated Water Tower gives children the means to control and understand water flow. Let children fill their own buckets during water-based activities or send water trickling down the Water Trough System. The Water Tower easily attaches to a standard garden hose, making it a simple, easy-to-use water source. Solid construction of thermally modified wood by Thermory® and a weather-resistant finish make the Water Tower optimal for rugged, outdoor use. Measures… More »
Image of Discovery Weaving Frames
Discovery Weaving Frames
Item: 35523
Status: In Stock
$44.95
3 years & up. Children can experiment with layering, patterning, and abstract expression using Discovery Frames. Large, translucent frames in square, triangle and circular shapes feature notches and holes for weaving and lacing using the twine strings included in the set. Layer found loose parts and natural materials (not included), furthering a child's organic connections. Enhance creative play with 6 double-sided concept cards providing creative inspiration. Square frame: 8.6"W x 8.6"H,… More »
Image of Sensory Play Stones: Threading Kebabs - 12 Pieces
Sensory Play Stones: Threading Kebabs - 12 Pieces
Item: 35478
Status: In Stock
$36.95
2 years & up. Children will enjoy cooking up some tasty kebabs with this unique selection of fruit and vegetables. Just find a stick and thread chosen stones onto it, exploring food and patterns while strengthening fine motor skills. The pieces are made from a stone resin and are easily cleaned making them perfect for a mud kitchen. Set includes 12 pieces, 2 each of the following: watermelon, sweetcorn, pineapple, mushroom, zucchini, and banana. Pieces measure approximately 2".
Image of Plastic Binoculars
Plastic Binoculars
Item: 46931
Status: In Stock
$17.95
3 years & up. Take your observations outside with these durable Outdoor Discovery and Exploration Adventure Plastic Binoculars. These portable 6X binoculars feature an adjustable focus dial and clip on strap. Children will love bird watching and discovering cool little critters outside. These binoculars encourage exploration, imagination, and outdoor activity. Color may vary. 1.38"D lenses.
Image of Outdoor Clipboards - Set of 3
Outdoor Clipboards - Set of 3
Item: 62160
Status: In Stock
$29.95
Flexible, weather-resistant clipboards with a handy paper storage pocket on the back -- perfect for outdoor journaling, map drawing, or creative expression. Set of 3.
Image of Fubbles Bubble Machine
Fubbles Bubble Machine
Item: 300338
Status: In Stock
$22.95
3 years &up. Enjoy over 1 hour of bubbles with the Fun-Finiti Bubble Machine.  Includes 2 ounces of bubble concentrate which makes 20 ounces of bubble solution to enjoy as soon as you open the box!  The No-Spill design means more time to play with less mess. Requires 4 AA batteries not included.
Image of Sorting Shells
Sorting Shells
Item: 61081P
Status: In Stock
$7.50 - $27.95
3 years & up. Look under the magnifying glass to see the different details of the shells or use for counting, sorting, and up-close viewing. These genuine, assorted sea shells come in different sizes. Available in a set of 12 or a set of 48.
Image of Tenor Tree
Tenor Tree
Item: PL1052P
Status: Ships From Manufacturer
$6,842.00 - $7,099.00
Size: 15"W x 62"L. Height: Finished height 23" to 37". Weight In-Ground Mount: 85 lbs. Weight Portable : 125 lbs. Weight In-Ground Mount (Toddler) : 75 lbs. Weight Portable (Toddler) : 115 lbs. Drums create a tom-tom like sound. Each drum varies in sound and size. Durable and perfectly tuned. Research has shown that drumming can provide therapeutic benefits. Also available in primary colors. Assembly Required.
Image of Musical Flowers
Musical Flowers
Item: PL576P
Status: Ships From Manufacturer
$1,736.00 - $6,842.00
Size: Between 19" - 26"W, 11" - 15"D, 37" - 48"H. Weight: Between 28 lbs. - 37 lbs. Available individually in four colors (indigo, orange, turquoise, and yellow) or in an ensemble of all 4 colors. Choose between In-Ground Mount or Portable. Assembly Required.
Image of Musical Butterflies - Each
Musical Butterflies - Each
Item: PL1073P
Status: Ships From Manufacturer
$1,662.00
The Butterfly Collection features four different butterflies, each having a distinct musical chord, size, height, and color. When they are struck they emit a rich, long-sustaining gong. The Butterflies add both a sculptural and aesthetic design that invites users both young and old to create music in an outdoor environment. Each butterfly is sold separately. Features: all abilities, all ages, sculptural, interactive play, durable, and perfectly tuned. Butterflies measure 16"-21"W x 16"D… More »
Image of Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning
Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning
Item: 99353
Status: In Stock
$34.95
Children are spending less time being outside in nature, playing, imagining, and learning about their surroundings. Instead, they're spending more time with tablets, televisions, and overly structured routines. This book shows practical and strategic ways educators can create rich, explorative, and interdisciplinary learning through extensive outdoor experiences. Learn how to develop and implement a nature-based curriculum to support children's optimal learning, from start to finish. Age focus:… More »
Image of Adjustable Sand and Water Table and Accessories
Adjustable Sand and Water Table and Accessories
Item: 92752P
Status: In Stock
$32.95 - $559.95
18 months & up. The natural color base and clear tub will fit in any classroom decor. Features a deep clear tub and adjustable legs from 19" to 25". Use Indoors or outdoors. Table has a 5 year warranty. Fabric Cover and Replacement Lid are also available, sold separately.
Image of Classroom Thermometer
Classroom Thermometer
Item: 46332
Status: In Stock
$9.95
6 years & up. This large wall-mount thermometer clearly gives temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. Recessed tube prevents accidents. Temperature ranges: -40 to 50 degrees Celsius and -40 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Use indoors or out. Measures 15"H x 3"W.
Image of Student Magnifiers - Set of 12
Student Magnifiers - Set of 12
Item: 90565
Status: In Stock
$17.95
3 years & up. Student Magnifiers feature dual lenses with 3X and 6X magnification. Each measures 2"W x 0.25"H x 4.5"L. Set includes 12 student magnifiers
Image of Plastic Bug and Insect Figures
Plastic Bug and Insect Figures
Item: 91170
Status: In Stock
$25.95
4 years & up. Little insect lovers will be overwhelmed with this stampede of 45 to 60 giant-sized beetles, caterpillars, spiders, ants, flies, praying mantises, and more! Perfect for counting, sorting and arranging by size or color. Made of sturdy, flexible plastic and colorfully detailed. The resealable tube keeps all the bugs in one tidy place, and the tote strap is great for kids on the go.
Image of Color Mixing Lenses
Color Mixing Lenses
Item: 31858
Status: In Stock
$9.95
2 years & up. See the world thorough a different light. Does it change the way you see things? Place up to 3 interchangeable, primary-color lenses into the frame to create secondary colors and hours of sensory fun! Includes 1 one sturdy lens frame (with 3 slots) and 3 colored lenses (red, yellow, blue).
Image of Color Lenses - Set of 5
Color Lenses - Set of 5
Item: 61034
Status: In Stock
$38.95
2 years & up. Children can experience many fascinating optical discoveries about color, light, reflections, and more with these 5 easy to hold framed panels. Each durable plastic frame measures 7.75" x .625" and contains either an unbreakable mirror, see-thru acrylic colored panel in red, yellow and blue, or a multi-faceted panel for visual explorers. Includes activity guide.
Image of GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme
GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme
Item: 147579
Status: In Stock
$34.95
$29.95
5 years & up. Look, listen, and explore! The GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme is focus-free binoculars featuring 3x magnification and built-in headset-free audio amplification to observe the world up close in a fun and exciting way. Bring these binoculars on your adventures encouraging scientific exploration and discovery through STEM-based play. Includes squint-free, extra-large eyepieces for easy viewing and a breakaway strap for safety. Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included).
Image of Kaplan Gross Motor Skills Kit
Kaplan Gross Motor Skills Kit
Item: 12395
Status: In Stock
$219.95
3 years & up. Take the fun outside with this exciting gross motor kit. This kit includes 12 sturdy 24 inch hoops, 6 rubber playground balls, 6 rhythm ribbons, 6 super 8' speed ropes,10 numbered bean bags, 4 sidewalk chalks, 8 juggling balls and 5 foam sport balls. Children can play soccer, kickball, football, beanbag toss, and more! This kit promotes gross motor skills, fine motor skills, balance, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, math skills, creativity, and collaborative play. Activity… More »
Image of Color Mixing Glasses
Color Mixing Glasses
Item: 91172
Status: In Stock
$13.95
4 years & up. Unique child-size glasses feature easy-to-change lenses -- 2 each of red, yellow, blue and distortion lenses. Combine up to 2 lenses per side to teach color mixing (secondary colors). Overlap lenses without their durable plastic frames for kaleidoscope fun! Single lenses teach primary color identification or serve as great early science tools for observation. Color mixing guide included.