Our Vacation Programs
We offer seasonal nature education programs that coincide with the Darien Public School’s vacation schedule. These vacation programs are packed with nature discovery activities designed to peak a child’s innate curiosity for the world around them.
Snowbirds Camp
- Offered during the December break
- For children 2+
Groundhogs Camp
- Offered during the February break
- For children 2+
Crickets Camp
- Offered during the April break
- For children 2+
Chipmunks Camp
- Offered at the end of summer
- For children 3+
Snowbirds Camp - FULL
Winter Break Camp
Session Dates: December 15 - 18, 2025
Join us for this special vacation program. In our snow suits and boots we’ll be searching for signs of Winter and learning about what animals do to survive the cold weather. Natural crafting, baking, and science experiments will have a festive and wintery theme.
Twos Group: For children born between September 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023
| Age | Day | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twos | Monday & Tuesday | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $205 |
| Twos | Wednesday & Thursday | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $205 |
| Twos | Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $410 |
Three to Six Group: For children born between January 1, 2019 - August 31, 2022
| Age | Day | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three to Six | Monday & Tuesday | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | $300 |
| Three to Six | Wednesday & Thursday | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | $300 |
| Three to Six | Monday - Thursday | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | $600 |
Groundhogs Camp
February Break Camp
Session Dates: February 17-20, 2026
Get out of the long winter slump and spend the school recess outdoors! This nature education program will include seasonal activities like finding animal tracks, building snow forts, warming up around a campfire, and much more!
Twos Group: For children born between September 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023
| Age | Day | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twos | Tuesday & Wednesday | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $205 |
| Twos | Thursday & Friday | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $205 |
| Twos | Tuesday - Friday | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $410 |
Three to Six Group: For children born between January 1, 2019 - August 31, 2022
| Age | Day | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three to Six | Tuesday & Wednesday | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | $300 |
| Three to Six | Thursday & Friday | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | $300 |
| Three to Six | Tuesday - Friday | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | $600 |
Crickets Camp
April Break Camp
Session Dates: April 14 - 17, 2026
Celebrate the start of a new season! Crickets campers will search for signs of spring in the woods and pond of Cherry Lawn Park. Throughout the week we will learn about how the warmer weather affects local wildlife. Campers will also be creating nature crafts and enjoying our selection of animals
Twos Group: For children born between September 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023
| Age | Day | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twos | Tuesday & Wednesday | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $205 |
| Twos | Thursday & Friday | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $205 |
| Twos | Tuesday - Friday | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $410 |
Three to Six Group: For children born between January 1, 2019 - August 31, 2022
| Age | Day | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three to Six | Tuesday & Wednesday | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | $300 |
| Three to Six | Thursday & Friday | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | $300 |
| Three to Six | Tuesday - Friday | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | $600 |
Chipmunks Camp
End-of-Summer Camp
Session Dates: August 26 - 28, 2026
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
For children born between January 1, 2019 - August 31, 2022 only.
Chipmunks campers will soak up the sunshine while enjoying the changing seasons as summer begins to turn into fall. Led by Darien Nature Center educators, campers will explore the wonders of Cherry Lawn Park through hands-on, nature-filled adventures!
NEW THIS YEAR!
PAYMENT METHOD POLICY
New Payment Method Policy – Effective January 1, 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, the Darien Nature Center will transition to ACH transfer or check as our preferred payment methods for all programs, including Preschool (Babes in the Woods, Nature Time for Twos, and Nature's Playroom) and Summer Camp tuition, as well as after-school, early dismissal, vacation camps, and any other programs added throughout the year.
Accepted Payment Methods
- ACH (Automated Clearing House transfer)
- Personal Check
Card Payments
- Credit and debit card payments will continue to be accepted; however, please note that families will be responsible for any processing fees associated with tuition payments made by card.
Purpose of Policy
This change allows us to:
- Reduce administrative costs
- Ensure tuition funds are fully applied toward our educational programs
- Simplify payment processing for families and the Nature Center
Important Notes
- Tuition installment deadlines remain unchanged.
- Families are encouraged to set up ACH through their Playground account and designate it as their primary form of payment for the most seamless option.
- Checks should be made payable to Darien Nature Center and delivered to the main office.
If you have any questions, please review the FAQ section below, then email registration@dariennaturecenter.org or call us at 203-655-7459.
