Welcome to
The Backyard
The Backyard is a playful, nature inspired space designed especially for kids. Drawing on years of experience in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and outdoor education (Outdoor Ed), everything here is created to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection with the natural world.
Explore thoughtfully crafted books, games, and coloring activities as well as shirts, hats, bags, and accessories, all designed to make everyday adventures a little more magical. Kids can also weigh in on what they want to see next through our interactive polls, join the fun by modeling for website photos and earning free merchandise, and enjoy a specially curated kids playlist inspired by nature.
The Backyard is not just a shop. It is a place for little explorers to learn, play, and grow while connecting with the beauty of the outdoors.
For Little Explorers
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For Little Explorers *
The Backyard Shop
This collection is made for kids who are curious about the world around them. The Backyard Shop features nature inspired apparel, books, and creative paper goods designed to spark imagination and encourage outdoor curiosity.
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Illustrated books created to inspire curiosity, imagination, and a love for the natural world. Stories focus on observation, small discoveries, and gentle exploration rather than fast-paced narratives.
Each book is designed to feel calm, engaging, and meaningful, offering space for kids to slow down, notice details, and connect with nature through storytelling. Our illustrated books are coming soon.
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Soft, comfortable T-shirts designed for everyday wear and outdoor play. Each design is inspired by nature, featuring simple illustrations and gentle colors that feel playful without being loud.
These shirts are made to be worn often, explored in, and passed along. The designs are thoughtful and timeless, encouraging curiosity about the world while remaining comfortable and durable for kids.
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Interactive and creative fun inspired by the natural world. This collection includes coloring pages, activity books, and simple games that encourage curiosity, observation, and imaginative play.
Each item is designed to spark exploration, storytelling, and hands-on creativity while keeping things approachable and playful for kids.
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Everyday items made for outdoor adventures and imaginative play. This collection includes hats, headwear, and lightweight bags designed for comfort, practicality, and fun.
Each piece features simple, nature-inspired designs and is crafted to be durable and easy for curious kids to use. Perfect for carrying small treasures, exploring outside, or adding a playful touch to daily outfits.
“Curiosity grows when kids are free to wander, wonder, and imagine. We make these pieces to spark little moments of discovery, creativity, and joy, so every child can explore the world around them with open eyes and playful hearts.”
— Cyrus LaRosche, Founder
Become A Backyard Model
Share your family’s spirit of outdoor exploration! Families can submit their children along with parents or adult family members to model together for our website photos. This helps us capture authentic moments of connection, play, and discovery in nature. Little explorers and their grown-ups alike get to enjoy special perks, including free merchandise when selected and a lifelong discount for ongoing participation. After submitting the form, we’ll send a simple legal agreement for parents or guardians to sign before scheduling photos or sending merchandise. This is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories while celebrating your family’s love of nature. Families will also have the chance to see their photos featured on our social media, inspiring other children and parents to explore the outdoors. Modeling together is a fun and meaningful way to be part of The Backyard community, and it helps us continue building experiences that children and families truly enjoy.
Turn Up the Radio!
Music plays a powerful role in a child’s development, supporting language skills, memory, emotional regulation, and creativity. When paired with time outdoors, music can enhance sensory experiences, encourage movement, and deepen children’s connection with nature. Our Backyard Radio is carefully curated to bring the joy of music into everyday exploration, play, and learning.
Suggest A Song For Backyard Radio
Have a favorite kid friendly nature song your family loves? Share it below and help shape The Backyard Radio. All submissions must be age appropriate, positive, and free of explicit language.
Music Lessons Under the Trees
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Music Lessons Under the Trees 🎵🌳
A Nature‑Based Learning Experience
I teach music outdoors in a calm park setting where children can explore sound and creativity in a relaxed, nature‑based environment. Lessons are fully inclusive, and I have experience working one on one with special needs students of all ages. Students are encouraged to bring their own instruments or materials, and if a child does not yet have one, we can make adjustments together until we find the right fit. I hold all certifications needed to teach safely in outdoor and educational settings, and families are welcome to stay during the lesson, relax nearby, wait in the car, or run errands. While I do offer online/video lessons, it is highly encouraged to have students show up in person, as in‑person sessions allow for more accurate technique support, real‑time feedback, clearer communication, and a more engaging learning experience overall. You can also find my performance videos and musical background on our music page called The Sound Garden.
Teaching Credentials and Certifications
I have earned more than fifty credentials across teaching, music theory, leadership, and youth development. Only a portion is displayed on the site right now, but every certificate shown reflects real training and the same level of care and professionalism I bring to my lessons. I’ll continue adding more over time so families can see the full range of my background.
Lesson Options
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(Piano, Ukulele, Clarinet, Recorder, Percussion)
Students build solid musical foundations through technique, rhythm, tone, reading skills, and confidence. Lessons include learning songs, exploring creative play, developing good practice habits, and building the skills needed for both personal enjoyment and school music programs. Each instrument is taught at a pace that supports the child’s comfort, curiosity, and growth.
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These lessons support healthy vocal habits, expressive performance, stage presence, and confidence. Students explore songs, characters, and storytelling in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
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(Group playing, concert preparation, small‑group pieces)
These lessons help students learn how to play or sing with others, listen as a group, and enjoy performing. Skills support both school ensembles and our relaxed, interest‑based Concerts in the Park, where students can explore fun music chosen by the group.
Lesson Lengths and Pricing
30 minute lesson: 25 dollars
45 minute lesson: 35 dollars
60 minute lesson: 45 dollars
All instruments are included at the same rate. Multiple weekly sessions are available.
Concerts in the Park
Students who continue lessons on a regular basis will have the opportunity to participate in small community concerts at the park. These performances are relaxed and student‑driven, with music chosen based on the interests of the group rather than formal school band pieces. It’s a space to explore, have fun, and enjoy making music together. We will meet for a few short group practices before performing.
Students who demonstrate a higher level of skill may also have the chance to perform solos, duos, trios, quartets, or other small‑group pieces. Because these concerts take place in a public setting and are often recorded by families and community members, a media release will be required for participation. Concerts are free and open to the public, and donations toward music lessons are always welcome.
FAQs
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Yes. Because lessons take place outdoors, I monitor weather closely and adjust as needed. On very cold, hot, or stormy days, I will communicate changes ahead of time so families always know what to expect.
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Beginners are absolutely welcome. We start with simple skills, build confidence step by step, and choose music that feels approachable and fun. My goal is to help each child feel successful from the very first lesson.
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Not right away. If your child is still deciding, we can begin with rhythm work, basic technique, or introductory exercises until you’re ready to choose an instrument. I’m happy to help guide families toward the right fit.
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Yes. I have experience working one on one with special needs learners of all ages, and lessons are adapted to each child’s comfort level, communication style, and sensory needs. All students are welcome because music is for everybody.
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Students who take lessons regularly are invited to participate. These concerts are relaxed, interest‑based, and focused on enjoyment rather than pressure. We choose music together, practice briefly as a group, and create a fun, supportive performance experience.
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Concerts are scheduled based on student interest and the number of learners participating. They take place throughout the year around holidays, seasons, and special events. Once a concert date is set, it will be posted on the website and shared with families through a newsletter so everyone has plenty of notice.
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I can play many instruments, but only a handful have remained a steady part of my practice and performance life as an adult. These are the instruments I continue to study, refine, and play regularly. Teaching only the instruments I actively maintain allows me to offer instruction with confidence, accuracy, and a strong musical foundation for every student.
If you’re interested in joining us for music lessons, please use the button below to complete the form.
Your Backyard,
Your Say
Make a Donation
Every donation helps create more opportunities for kids. It supports new shop items, lesson materials, equipment, and resources—all of which go right back into making this space more creative, fun, and enriching for the children who visit.
