2015 Open Program Enrollment Begins November 17th

December Happenings... 
                                     
Children's Wreathmaking
Children will create holiday memories at the Darien Nature Center on Sunday, December 14th from 4:00-6:00 pm at our Children's Festival of Wreaths.

Children can choose a felt or live wreath to decorate.  We recommend children ages 4 and under choose a felt wreath, and children over 4 choose a live wreath. Parents and Santa's helpers will assist children in designing a festive holiday creation.  Families will also enjoy a sleigh ride, home baked goodies, refreshments and a visit from Mr. Claus himself...Cost:  $30 per child                                           
  
Children's Holiday
Ornament Creating!
Children age 3+

Children will  design and create beautiful holiday ornaments from a variety of materials.  Children will have the option to wrap their creation in homemade wrapping paper and use as a gift.  

Day:   Wednesday
Date:  December 17
Time:  1:30 to 2:30
Cost:   $15 per child

Register Here 
Sticks & Stones Winter Session
age 3-grade 1
Adventure awaits your children this winter in the woods, at the pond, and along the stream in Cherry Lawn Park.  

Join Emily outside as we spend each afternoon going wherever curiosity takes us. Muddy boots, cold red noses, and huge smiles - guaranteed!

Age 3-5
Wednesday
Jan. 14-Feb. 11, 2015
1:00-2:30 pm
Cost:  $150 member
$185 non-member

Grades K-1
Tuesday
Jan. 13-Feb. 10, 2015 
3:45-5:00 pm
Cost: $150 member
$185 non- member  
Early Dismissal? 
grades 1-6 

Oh no!  It's early dismissal week. Why not drop the kids at the Darien Nature Center for a unique program for children in grades 1 to 6.

Children will get up close and personal with a variety of animals from our in house collection.

Days:    Tuesday or Wednesday (children can               attend both days)
Grades: 1 - 6
Time:    2:00 to 4:00 pm
Date:    Tuesday, December 2 
           Wednesday, December 3
Cost:    $40 per day


Showbirds Alert!    
ages 2+
Finish your last minute shopping or holiday preparations while children enjoy this exciting vacation program with outdoor games, scavenger hunts, trail hikes, seasonal stories, songs and nature crafts.

Snowbirds is appropriate for children ages 2-6

Date:  December 15-19
Days:  Monday-Friday
Time:  9:30 am-1:30 pm (age 3+)
Time:  9:30 am- 11:30 am (age 2+)


Nature Time For Twos
(age 2 drop off)

Knee Hi to Nature
(mommy and me)
  

Our 2 year old drop off program, 
Nature Time for 2's is a discovery program 
designed to introduce young children to 
nature.  With experienced instructors, your 
child will explore our trails, gardens and 
park setting. 
 
Nature Time for 2's

Knee Hi to Nature is a very special program 
designed to introduce you and your 2 year old to 
the wonderful world of nature.
  
Spend an hour each week with your inquisitive 
2 year old and explore our beautiful trails, 
watch the seasons change from warm sunny 
days of early autumn to cool mornings with 
leaves falling from the trees and the first 
snowflakes of winter.
  
Knee Hi 

Nature's Playroom and

Critters & Kids  

age 3+ programs

  
Nature's Playroom uses the seasons as their guide as nature instructors  introduce your 3, 4 and 5 year old children to the remarkable changes that occur in nature throughout the year. Turning of colors in autumn, animal survival technique in winter, the rebirth of nature and sap running from the trees in spring.  Children's literature, art music and outdoor adventures on the park's trails, fields and pond are the primary mediums used to reveal the mysteries of nature to children. 

Nature's Playroom
  
Critters & Kids allows children to discover nature through animals.  Using the seasons and observing the natural changes, children will discover how birds, snakes, squirrels, chipmunks and bugs, to mention a few, build their homes, feed their young and survive through the ever changing weather.  Hurricanes, snow, sleet and extreme heat are a few of Mother Nature's offerings that our wild animals have to live through.  
 
Your 3, 4 and 5 year olds will also discover the menagerie of animals in our zoo room through hands on interaction.  Children will learn about the different reptiles, mammals and other creatures living at the Nature Center.  Who is nocturnal, who should never get wet and who walks right out of their skin?  Your children will discover a whole new world of animals in our Critters and Kids program.
 
Critters & Kids