Children’s Programs
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.
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
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: $10/non-member. Family level memberships or higher get a 15% off discount. Pre-registration is required.
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.
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.
Looking for a fun way to get outside with your baby? Bring your 3 – 12 month old out for a little outdoor adventure. Start your morning with a Germania Brew Haus coffee while you have some bonding time during a mini baby yoga session. Then, we’ll provide play opportunities to explore with your little one. Finally, we’ll end with a short group nature walk. 20 minutes of baby yoga, 20 minutes of play, and a 20 minute stroll!
Date: Saturday, May 10th, 9 – 10 am.
Program Fees: $15 per family (parents included). Family level memberships or higher get a 15% off discount. Pre-registration is required.
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 a self led scavenger hunt, mud kitchen ‘cooking’, and water play.
This open house style program takes place on August 23rd and has 2 session options. Our morning session for ages 18 mos – 5 years is 9 – 10:30 am. The afternoon session for ages 6 – 11 is 12:30 – 2 pm. 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: $12/child. Adults are free.
Time Slots:
- 9 – 10:30 am: 18 mos – 5 years old
- 12:30 – 2 pm: 6 – 11 years old
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 11th, 11 am – 12 pm. 5 child minimum, 15 child max.
Program Fees: $15/child. Family Level members or higher receive 15% off!
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. The upcoming 2025/2026 school year also includes 2 Homeschool Field Days from 10 am – 2 pm.
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 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 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.
Program Fees: $55/non-members, morning snack is included. Family level memberships or higher get a 15% off discount. Pre-registration is required.
After School Explorers is an after school drop-off program for 1st – 5th grade students from 3:30 – 5 pm. Students will meet weekly on Tuesdays to explore the preserve and learn more about nature.
Activities will coordinate with monthly themes and may include use of scientific tools, hikes, outdoor games, experiments, and art projects. The entire session is spent outdoors. After School Explorers meet in the fall (Sept – Dec) and the spring (March – May).
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.
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 a self led scavenger hunt, mud kitchen ‘cooking’, and water play.
This open house style program takes place on August 23rd and has 2 session options. Our morning session for ages 18 mos – 5 years is 9 – 10:30 am. The afternoon session for ages 6 – 11 is 12:30 – 2 pm. 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: $12/child. Adults are free.
Time Slots:
- 9 – 10:30 am: 18 mos – 5 years old
- 12:30 – 2 pm: 6 – 11 years old