2025-2026 Nature Preschool

Session Dates: September 8, 2025 - June 12, 2026

Our drop-off programs begin with Nature Time for Twos, which introduces the natural world to our youngest learners. Two-year-olds will engage their senses as they confidently explore their surroundings under the guidance of experienced nature educators. Children will learn through stories, songs, animal encounters, and nature-based crafts and activities. Our classes are primarily held outdoors - in all kinds of weather.

Our preschool programs continue with Nature’s Playroom, which allows children to experience nature in a safe and supportive environment. Being outdoors provides opportunities to discover, create, reduce stress, and build self-efficacy. Our students learn to ask questions, engage their senses, and manage risks as they climb, explore, and spend time outside. We hope our Nature’s Playroom class will spark a love of the natural world that will continue throughout a lifetime. These classes include animal encounters, nature-based art and activities, and science experiments.

Nature Time for 2s

  • Offered Monday - Friday with 2-day options
  • For children born between Sept. 1, 2022 - Aug. 31, 2023

Nature's Playroom

  • Offered Monday - Friday with 3-day option
  • For children born between January 1, 2020 - Aug. 31, 2022

Nature Time for Twos

For children born between September 1, 2022- August 31, 2023

Exploration and discovery are the guiding principles of the Nature Time for 2s program. Children spend their morning engaged in both free play and guided activities that are hands-on and nature-based. On any given day you might catch students stacking stones, building with small logs, watching birds, searching for bugs, feeling tree bark, or jumping in puddles.

One-Day Time Annual Tuition
Mondays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $2,468
Tuesdays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $2,468
Wednesdays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $2,468
Two-Day Time Annual Tuition
Mondays & Tuesdays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $4,937
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $4,937
Thursdays & Fridays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $4,937

Nature's Playroom

For children born between January 1, 2020- August 31, 2022

With the pond, field and forest to explore, Nature’s Playroom students will have many opportunities to build an awareness and appreciation of the world around them. Outdoor exploration, stories, songs, live animal encounters and craft projects will all be part of this engaging, hands-on program.

Regular Day Time Annual Tuition
Mondays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,366
Wednesdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,366
Fridays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,366
Extended Day Time Annual Tuition
Thursdays 9:15 AM - 1:00 PM $3,549
Fridays 9:15 AM - 1:00 PM $3,549
Extended Three-Day Time Annual Tuition
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:15 AM - 1:00 PM $10,647
Afternoon Classes Time Annual Tuition
Mondays 1:45 PM - 3:45 PM $1,893
Tuesdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,366
Wednesdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,366
Thursdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,366
Fridays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,366

Lunch Bunch

Add-on to your Friday Nature's Playroom morning or afternoon class

This option extends the time your child spends at the Nature Center. Children will enjoy their lunch together, reading stories and having some extra fun!

Day Time Annual Tuition
Fridays 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM $1,183

If you have any questions, please review the FAQ section below, then email registration@dariennaturecenter.org or call us at 203-655-7459.

Preschool Program FAQs

  • When does registration start for 2025-2026 preschool programs?

     Current Families

    November 22, 2024 - December 6, 2024


    Members

    January 6, 2025 - January 17, 2025


    Public

    January 21, 2025 

  • How can I be added to the waitlist?

    If your first choice(s) are not available, you can be added to the waitlist by completing a registration form and indicating which session you would like to be added to the waitlist for. Submit your form by emailing registration@dariennaturecenter.org.

  • What forms are required for preschool programs?

    Please review our Mandatory Forms page for information regarding specific enrollment and medical forms required for each program. 

  • What is our preschool program refund policy?

    2025-2026 Preschool Refund Policy: If you choose to withdraw your child for any reason, the Darien Nature Center must be notified of a cancellation by July 24, 2025, to receive a partial refund. If your child's space can be filled, 75% of the program fee will be refunded. If the space cannot be filled, 50% of the program fee will be refunded. There are no refunds for withdrawals made after July 24, 2025.



  • Is a membership required to enroll in preschool programs?

    Yes. Our Drop-Off Preschool programs require a membership to participate. Please see our Membership page for more information about the benefits of being a Darien Nature Center member.

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