Children’s Programs
Check out the lists below to see our upcoming programs for children. Click on the name of the program to see more details and register.
Young Children
Registration is now open for the 2026 – 2027 school year!
Tiny Trekkers is a weekly drop off program for ages 3 – 5. Preschoolers will explore our nearly 500 acres of preserve through hands-on experiences out in nature. This program takes place every Tuesday from 9 – 11:30 am, September through May.
Tiny Trekkers is a great complement to part time preschool programs, as preparation for entering preschool or kindergarten, or even as an addition to a PreK/K homeschool program. Children must be able to use the restrooms independently. Limited spots are available.
Bring your little one for Reggio-inspired forest play. Various invitations will be offered to spark your child’s curiosity, creativity, and problem solving skills. Ages 18 months – 6 years are invited to this special play day. All activities take place around the Lodge and playground. This is an open-house style program – feel free to arrive and leave at any time between 9 – 11 am.
Program Fees: FREE for members and non-members. No pre-registration is required.
This summer, take your little explorer outdoors! Join us for a caregiver + child class for ages 2.5 – 5. Come and learn about nature through story time, snack, art activities, and outdoor exploration.
Dates:
- Beaks & Binoculars: Thursday, June 25th, 10 – 11 am – Register Here
- Sensory Summer: Thursday, July 30th, 10 – 11 am – Register Here
- Turtle-ly Awesome Reptiles: Thursday, August 13th, 10 – 11 am – Register Here
Program Fees: $12/child. Family level memberships or higher get a 15% off discount. Pre-registration is required. 3 child minimum, 12 child max.
Registration now open.
It’s time to get MESSY! Join our education team for a slew of messy activities to take part in. Paint, splash, squish and stomp through a variety of sensory – based activities. This open house style program includes a variety of messy, hands-on activities, as well as water play. Messy Play Day has an Early Childhood focus, for ages 18 mos – 6 years.
This open house style program takes place on August 22nd and has 2 session options. You are welcome to arrive at any time between those hours. Be sure to bring a change of clothes! Pre-registration is required. Spots fill up fast.
Program Fees: $15/child. Adults are free.
Time Slots:
- Session 1: 8:30 – 10 am – Register Here
- Session 2: 11:30 am – 1 pm – Register Here
We’re going on a bear hunt at TNI! Ages 3 – 7 are invited to explore fun materials, complete silly activities, and go on a short hike to find a bear. Kids will take home their very own teddy bear at the end of the program. Saturday, October 3rd, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. 5 child minimum, 15 child max.
Program Fees: $15/child. Registration opens on July 1st.
Students
Calling all homeschool families! This program takes place on select Wednesdays. Our Elementary sessions meet from 10 – 11:30 am, and our Middle & High School session meets from 1 – 3 pm. Sessions fill up quickly, so register early for your preferred dates.
Our sessions may include hikes, nature exploration, games, experiments, art projects, or scientific surveys. Topics rotate each month and sessions are offered August through May.
Need an evening off? Join us for a Kids Night Out! This 3 hour drop off program includes dinner and an evening of fun for ages 6 – 10. This program is offered on select Friday evenings during the school year. Spaces are limited. See below for a description of our upcoming Kids Night Out.
Program Fees: $35/non-member. Family level memberships or higher get a 15% off discount. Pre-registration is required. Spots fill up fast!
This new program is offered exclusively to 6th – 9th grade students! Critters & Crypts is our weekly Dungeons & Dragons group. Journey on quests with a nature-based flair, using characters and dice.
No experience is required. Dice and characters are provided. This is a primarily indoor program.
Limited to 8 students.
Fall Session 2026: August 18th – November 17th – Register Here
Spring Session 2027: January 5th – April 27th – Registration opens July 1st.
Time to suit up and discover your creature powers! Learn which creature facts are myth and fact, where to find animals, and what we can do to help them. Ages 5 – 9. Saturday, October 17th, 10 – 11:30 am.
Program Fees: $15/child. Pre-registration required. This is not a drop off program – please make sure an adult accompanies your child.
Test out our Children’s Outdoor Escape Room! Ages 9 and up can join us for a variety of nature-based missions. Each mission provides a variety of puzzles to help you escape. Our Children’s Outdoor Escape Rooms are suitable for ages 9 and up and take place entirely outdoors. This program runs for 1 hour and is only booked for one group at a time. Group size must be 2 – 8 people and children must be accompanied by an adult.
New Registration System, Better Experience for You
The Nature Institute has switched all registration to Amilia SmartRec. Please check out this information page to learn more about setting up your account and registering for programs.