Drop-Off Preschool Programs

2024-2025 Session: September 4 - June 11, 2025

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, Critters & Kids, and Our Living Planet, which allow 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 classes 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 available
  • For children born between Sept. 1, 2021 - Aug. 31, 2022
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Nature's Playroom

  • Offered Monday - Friday
  • Option to add Lunch Bunch
  • For children born between Sept. 1, 2019 - Aug. 31, 2021
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Critters & Kids

  • Full day program offered on Friday
  • For children born between Sept. 1, 2019 - Aug. 31, 2021 
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Our Living Planet

  • Offered Monday, Thursday, and Wednesday
  • For children born between Sept. 1, 2019 - Aug. 31, 2021 
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Nature Time for Twos

For children born between September 1, 2021- August 31, 2022

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.

Please call 203-655-7459 for availability.

Morning Time Annual Tuition*
Mondays 9:15 - 11:30 AM $2,643 (FULL)
Mondays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $2,643 (FULL)
Tuesdays 9:15 - 11:30 AM $2,538 (FULL)
Tuesdays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $2,538 (FULL)
Wednesdays 9:15 - 11:30 AM $2,612 (FULL)
Wednesdays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $2,612 (FULL)
Thursdays 9:15 - 11:30 AM $2,388 (FULL)
Thursdays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $2,388 (FULL)
Fridays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $2,612 (FULL)
Mondays & Tuesdays 9:45 - 12:00 PM $5,000 (FULL)
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9:15 - 11:30 AM $5,150 (FULL)
Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:15 - 11:30 AM $5,000 (FULL)
Afternoons Time Annual Tuition*
Wednesdays (NEW) 1:00 - 3:15 PM $2,612

*2024-2025 annual tuition will be split into two equal payments.

Nature's Playroom

For children born between September 1, 2019- August 31, 2021

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.

Please call 203-655-7459 for availability.

Mornings Time Annual Tuition*
Wednesdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,504 (FULL)
Thursdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,290 (FULL)
Fridays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,504 (FULL)
Afternoons Time Annual Tuition*
Mondays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,361 (FULL)
Tuesdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,433 (FULL)
Thursdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,290
Fridays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,504 (FULL)

*2024-2025 annual tuition will be split into two equal payments.

Lunch Bunch

Add-on to your 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! You may choose to add Lunch Bunch to either a morning class or an afternoon class.

Day Time Annual Tuition*
Mondays 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM $1,181
Wednesdays 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM $1,252
Thursdays 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM $1,145
Fridays 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM $1,252

*2024-2025 annual tuition will be split into two equal payments.

Critters & Kids - Registration Full

For children born September 1, 2019- August 31, 2021

Calling all animal lovers! This hands-on, animal-centered program is where kids will discover nature from an animal’s perspective. This is an extended day program! Children will pack a nut-free lunch and continue their adventures into the afternoon.

Please call 203-655-7459 to be added to the waitlist.

Day Time Annual Tuition*
Fridays 9:45 AM - 2:15 PM $4,508 (FULL)

*2024-2025 annual tuition will be split into two equal payments.

Our Living Planet - Registration Full

For children born between September 1, 2019- August 31, 2021 

Our Living Planet includes all the classic nature center fun while exploring how nature connects all living things and what we can do to protect this beautiful planet of ours. Exploring how all living things are connected and finding ways to take care of our planet can empower our youngest students and start them on a path of pro-environmental behaviors. Traditionally, our classes have put our students “in” nature, while learning “about” nature. Our living planet will add a focus of “for” nature, where we will take what we learn and use our problem solving skills to find ways to cherish this extraordinary planet.

Please call 203-655-7459 to be added to the waitlist.

Mornings Time Annual Tuition*
Mondays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,361 (FULL)
Thursdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,290 (FULL)
Afternoons Time Annual Tuition*
Wednesdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,504 (FULL)

*2024-2025 annual tuition will be split into two equal payments.

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 2024-2025 preschool programs?

    Current Family Lottery: February 26 - March 4, 2024

    Member Lottery: March 11 - 18, 2024

    Public Registration: March 27, 2024

  • 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?

    Fall 2024 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, 2024, 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, 2024.



  • Is a membership required to enroll in preschool programs?

    Yes. All of our Caregiver & Child and Drop-Off Preschool programs require a membership for participation. Please see our Membership page for more information about the benefits of being a Darien Nature Center member.