Our story
Little hands, big hearts, since 2014.
Founded by two sisters with a simple belief: children flourish when they're safe, seen, and free to wonder in a garden full of real things.
A place built around childhood, not around convenience.
Co-founders Claire and Hannah set out to create the kind of preschool they wished existed: unhurried, warm, and full of real learning disguised as mud, water, and stories.
Today, that vision lives in every room — from the sand garden where children dig and discover, to the small groups where every child is truly known by name. Austin families have trusted Austin Play Garden since 2014.
The values behind every day.
Belonging first
Every child and family is welcomed exactly as they are, from the very first day.
Wonder over worksheets
Curiosity leads; learning follows naturally through play, questions, and discovery.
Slow, steady growth
We meet children where they are and grow at their own beautiful pace.
Nature as teacher
Outdoor time, garden play, and natural materials anchor every week.
Partnership with parents
We're an extension of home, in constant open conversation with families.
Safe, always
Rigorous safety standards so you can feel at ease from drop-off to pickup.
How we grew.
Two sisters, one big idea
Claire Smith and Hannah Harper open Austin Play Garden with a simple belief: children flourish when they're free to explore.
Garden by garden
We deepened our outdoor learning spaces, putting nature and hands-on discovery at the heart of every day.
Still growing together
Austin families continue to choose Austin Play Garden for its small-group warmth and play-based philosophy.
Educators who feel like family.
Our teachers are experienced early-childhood specialists — warm, curious, and endlessly patient.
Claire Smith
Loved by Austin families.
Rated 4.6★ by 22 Austin families on Google.
Our daughter runs to the door every morning. She's blossomed here — more curious, more confident, and always full of stories about the garden.
Parent of a Preschooler
We toured several programs. Austin Play Garden was the only one that felt genuinely calm, warm, and joyful — like a place built for children, not convenience.
Parent of a Toddler
The teachers really see our son. He's building friendships, asking bigger questions, and coming home happy every single day.
Parent of an Infant
Want to feel the difference yourself?
The best way to know Austin Play Garden is to visit. We'd love to show you around.
Book a tour →