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.
We would love to hear your input on how we can improve our program offerings for you. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey. Your responses will help us plan and schedule programs that work best for you and your family.
Young Children
Put on some boots and bring your sense of adventure! Put on some boots and bring your sense of exploration! This program is designed for children ages 2.5 – 5 accompanied by an adult. Come and learn about nature through story time, art activities, and outdoor exploration. This program takes place on the 1st Wednesday and the 1st Saturday of the month from 10 – 11 am. 4 child minimum, 15 child max.
Program Fees: $8/member, $10/non-member. Pre-registration is required.
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 a self led scavenger hunt, mud kitchen ‘cooking’, and water play. Messy Play Day has an Early Childhood focus, for ages 18 mos – 5 years.
This open house style program takes place on August 17th 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 and you may only register for 1 session. This program is typically very popular each year — Spots fill up fast.
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 has 2 session options — an AM session from 9 – 11 am and a PM session from 1 – 3 pm. Both sessions are offered on Tuesdays.
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 for each session.
Registration is now open for the 2024/2025 school year!
Join Lauren for some time relaxing out in nature with your little one! These special nature-based yoga classes take place at The Nature Institute in Fall 2024.
Baby Birds Yoga is for ages 6 weeks to pre-crawlers accompanied by an adult. The session lasts 4 weeks and takes place entirely outdoors in a shady space. Parents will need a mat or towel to practice on and a baby blanket for their little one. Bring whatever you need to help your baby feel comfortable in an outdoor space, including a sun hat or comfort items.
Baby Birds sessions are all about giving caregivers a chance to stretch, relax, and bond with their baby in a group environment. Feeding, diaper changing, and meltdowns expected!
Join Lauren for some time relaxing out in nature with your little one! These special nature-based yoga classes take place at The Nature Institute in Fall 2024. Sessions lasts 4 weeks and takes place entirely outdoors.
Little Birds yoga class is for ages 2 – 4 years accompanied by an adult. Be sure to bring mats or towels to practice on. Children’s yoga looks a little different than your usual yoga class! Expect fun movements, music, yoga games, and materials exploration in class. 3 child minimum, 10 child max. Please, no younger or older siblings.
We’re going on a bear hunt! 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. 5 child minimum, 15 child max.
Program Fees: $10/members, $15/non-members. Be sure to wear clothes and shoes that can get messy!
Program Date: Saturday, October 12th, 11 am – 12 pm.
Students
After School Explorers (previously Discovery Nature Club) is an after school drop-off program for elementary students (1st – 5th grade). This fall, students will meet bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 3 – 5 pm to explore the preserve and learn more about nature. Registration is by the month. See below for the monthly themes. 5 child minimum, 14 child max.
Program Fees: $25/member, $30/non-member. Pre-registration is required.
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. $10/person for members, $12/person for non-members.
Discovery Nature Club is an after school drop-off program for elementary students (1st – 5th grade). This fall, students will meet bi-weekly from 3 – 5 pm to explore the preserve and learn more about nature. Registration is by the month. See below for the monthly themes. $18/month session for members, $20/month session for non-members. Pre-registration is required.
- Creatures & Cryptids: March 5th & 19th
- Earth Day Celebration: April 2nd & 16th
- Microscopic Marvels: May 7th & 21st
Calling all homeschool families! This program takes place on select Wednesdays and occasional Tuesdays. 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. Participants in our younger sessions will also receive extension activities that can be completed at home with their whole family. Topics rotate each month and sessions are offered August through May.
Join Lauren for some time relaxing out in nature with your little one! These special nature-based yoga classes take place at The Nature Institute in Fall 2024.
Fledglings class is for ages 5 – 8. The session lasts 4 weeks and takes place entirely outdoors. Be sure to bring mats or towels to practice on! Parents can choose to join the class or stay on site. Children’s yoga looks a little different than your usual yoga class! Expect fun movements, music, yoga games, and materials exploration in class. 3 child minimum, 10 child max.
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 (with an occasional night offered for ages 9 – 13). This program is offered once a month on a Friday evening during the school year. Spaces are limited. See below for a description of our upcoming Kids Night Out. $30/member, $35/non-member. Pre-registration is required. Spots fill up fast!
This drop off program provides a single camp day for students when schools are closed. Morning snack is included in the program pricing. Spaces are limited. This program runs from 9 am – 3 pm and is available to ages 6 – 12. See below for a description of our upcoming Outdoor EDventure Days. $50/members, $55/members, morning snack is included. Pre-registration is required.
Explore nature after dark on the preserve! Join TNI naturalists for some late night experiments, hiking, and exploration for children & teens accompanied by an adult. All ages are welcome, but this program is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Program Fees: FREE for members, $7/non-members. Adults are free for both members and non-members.
Program Date: Friday, August 23rd, 8 – 9 pm.