Founded in 1904, Whitney Brothers® has produced early learning and institutional childcare furniture for over a century. The company's products are GREENGUARD® Gold Certified, qualify for LEED credits, and comply with CPSIA, ASTM, and BIFMA standards.
They have also now introduced their outdoorED™ collection, a 10-piece range of outdoor furniture designed for preschool and kindergarten learning environments.
© Whitney Brothers
The company describes the collection as positioned "at the intersection of Science and Outdoor Learning," combining furniture intended to support sensory play, literacy development, imaginative interaction, social seating, and quiet retreat. The range includes sensory stations, a mud kitchen, a market stand, bench seating, open shelving, and an activity table.
According to Whitney Brothers®, the launch "extends the classroom outdoors and connects young children with the natural environment every day."
Materials and sustainability focus
Each outdoorED™ piece is constructed using ¾-inch textured wood grain maple and white High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) panels. The HDPE is UV-stabilised to resist fading, mould, and mildew, and is designed to avoid common material issues such as chipping, swelling, or moisture absorption.
The white panels are described as heat-neutral and easily cleaned with non-abrasive household products. The company also highlights recyclability: "UV stabilised HDPE is more recyclable than other plastics and therefore contributes to a circular economy by reducing waste," the statement reads.
All products are designed, sourced, and manufactured in the United States and carry a 15-year limited warranty.
Research and pedagogy links
Whitney Brothers® cites multiple studies linking outdoor activity with cognitive and emotional development in children. These include research by Taylor & Kuo (2009), Fjørtoft (2001), and Chawla (2015), which connect exposure to natural environments with improved concentration, reduced mental fatigue, and enhanced problem-solving skills.
The company notes that the collection aims to support "STEM/sensory learning and inquiry-based exploration" by integrating functional design with early education theory.
"Freedom in natural environments fosters open-ended play, which enhances creativity and problem-solving skills by providing unstructured opportunities for exploration and imaginative thinking," the company's release states.
Industry positioning and upcoming exhibitions
Whitney Brothers® president Scott Kroeger said: "At Whitney Brothers, we are dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality learning experiences for young minds to grow. We are thrilled to launch the outdoorED™ collection as a continuation of this 121+ year tradition."
The company describes the range as a "well-executed assortment of educational furniture thoughtfully designed to create an outdoor learning environment that engages and inspires our youngest learners."
The outdoorED™ collection will be available immediately through the brand's dealer network and will be presented at the EDspaces Conference in Columbus, Ohio (November 5–7, 2025) and the NAEYC Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida (November 19–21, 2025).
More information:
Whitney Brothers
93 Railroad Street
Keene, NH 03431
1-800-225-5381
[email protected]
www.whitneybros.com
USA
