Baumhaus

Whispers of adventure fill the air. This is the Baumhaus in Potsdam. More than just a building it’s a place where childhood dreams take flight. Located in Drewitz this unique structure isn’t your average tree house. It’s a vibrant kindergarten and after-school program. Imagine a place where children spend their days exploring the nearby Parforceheide. They ride bikes and scooters. Two cargo bikes transport the littlest ones. They discover animal tracks and watch birds and insects. The children learn about plants. They identify them learning where they grow and what they offer. Trees become climbing frames. Branches transform into swings. The wind becomes a playful push. Inside the Baumhaus itself is just as captivating. There are cozy group rooms. A pottery studio a wood workshop and a theater room offer endless possibilities for creativity and imagination. Musicians from the Kammerakademie Potsdam visit regularly. They introduce the children to classical music and invite them to concerts. The Baumhaus is much more than a simple daycare. It’s a place where children learn to know themselves. They learn to assess their own strengths. They understand how to be both loud and quiet. They learn observation and sensation. They develop friendships. They share ideas and look out for each other. They even learn traffic rules becoming confident in navigating public spaces. In 2013 this innovative approach to childcare won the “Education Idea” award from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. That’s because the Baumhaus’s unique design fosters a deep connection with nature. This connection promotes emotional balance and a lifelong love of the outdoors. Afternoons are spent on the playground. There’s a large slide a climbing tower and a building area. Inside children enjoy lunch rest and more creative play. The Baumhaus boasts a kitchen. There are also spaces for art work wood crafts pottery and dramatic play. The Baumhaus even houses rabbits guinea pigs fish and giant snails. The children learn about caring for animals. The Baumhaus is a place where children’s self-determination flourishes. They choose their own activities or participate in structured programs. This kindergarten and after-school program runs from 6:15 am to 5:15 pm. It offers early and late care and healthy meals. The Baumhaus team goes above and beyond. They escort younger schoolchildren to and from the center. They ensure a supportive environment for completing homework. The Baumhaus embraces inclusion. It’s a barrier-free facility designed for children of all abilities. The Baumhaus isn’t just a building it’s an experience a journey into a world where learning and nature are intertwined. A world where children can grow. A world where they can dream. This is the Baumhaus. And this is its story.