The Magical Family

Enjoy the magic of Esalen with your family! Get ready for a unique experience for you and your child, including mindfulness practices through visual, expressive, and sensory awareness games. Other activity choices include making projects in the Art Barn, playing in Esalen’s natural spaces, lighthearted dharma games, hiking and “nature bathing,” music making, and creating works of art in and from the garden.

This program aims to support children in feeling truly at home within themselves, and also to have their unique gifts appreciated by the group. We invite all participants to explore their inner impulse for discovery and growth by providing an atmosphere of inspiration, joy, and attunement. Parents will be invited to mindfully journey along with their child, through brief guided meditations, simple sharing practices, and nature-based rituals with their children. An optional parent breakout session will focus on self-attunement and body awareness. After our closing ritual, you will ride the waves of connection home with new practices you can enjoy together.

This workshop is open to children ages 4-13 (although children on the younger end need to be comfortable being on their own, or have a caregiver who can be with them during all sessions). Children of other ages may be admitted with permission from the leader.

Note: Fees for children 10 and under enrolled in Esalen family workshops are $150 for weekend workshops and $300 for five-day workshops. Fees for youth 11-15 enrolled in family workshops are $420 for weekend workshops and $675 for five-day workshops. Parents/guardians pay regular accommodations fees.

($5 materials fee will be added to the workshop cost)

Recommended reading: Louv, Last Child in the Woods.