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.

Crickets Camp

  • Offered during the April break
  • For children 2+

Chipmunks Camp

  • Offered at the end of summer
  • For children 3+

Snowbirds Camp

  • Offered during the December break
  • For children 2+

Groundhogs Camp

  • Offered during the February break
  • For children 2+

Snowbirds Camp - Registration opens Nov. 3 at 1 PM

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. 

Age Day Time Price
Twos Monday & Tuesday 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $205
Twos Wednesday & Thursday 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $205
Age Day Time Price
Three to Six Monday & Tuesday 9:45 AM - 1:45 PM $300
Three to Six Wednesday & Thursday 9:45 AM - 1:45 PM $300
Three to Six Monday - Thursday 9:45 AM - 1:45 PM $600

Groundhogs Camp

February Break Camp
Session Dates: February 18-21, 2025

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!

Age Day Time Price
Twos Tuesday & Wednesday 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $205
Twos Thursday & Friday 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $205
Twos Tuesday - Friday 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $410
Age Day Time Price
Three to Six Tuesday & Wednesday 9:45 AM - 1:45 PM $300
Three to Six Thursday & Friday 9:45 AM - 1:45 PM $300
Three to Six Tuesday - Friday 9:45 AM - 1:45 PM $600

Crickets Camp

April Break Camp
Session Dates: April 14 - 17, 2025

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

Age Day Time Price
Twos Tuesday & Wednesday 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $205
Twos Thursday & Friday 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $205
Twos Tuesday - Friday 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $410
Age Day Time Price
Three to Six Tuesday & Wednesday 9:45 AM - 1:45 PM $300
Three to Six Thursday & Friday 9:45 AM - 1:45 PM $300
Three to Six Tuesday - Friday 9:45 AM - 1:45 PM $600

Chipmunks Camp

End-of-Summer Camp
Session Dates: August 25-27, 2025
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
For children 3 to 6 years old.

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!

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

Vacation Program FAQs

  • When does registration start for vacation camps?

    Regristration will start leading up to each camp session. Please look out for emails related to camp registration. You can sign up for our emailing list at the bottom of this page.

  • How can I be added to the waitlist?

    If your first choice(s) are not available, you can be added to the waitlist by emailing registration@dariennaturecenter.org with your request.

  • What forms are required for vacation camp programs?

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

  • What is our vacation camp refund policy?

    Vacation Camp Refund Policy: If you choose to withdraw your child for any reason, the Darien Nature Center must be notified of a cancellation two (2) weeks prior to the start of a program to receive a refund. If and when your child’s space can be filled, then 75% of the program fee will be refunded. If the space cannot be filled, then 50% of the program fee will be refunded. There are no refunds for withdrawals made within two (2) weeks of a program start date.


  • Is a membership required to enroll in vacation camps?

    Yes. A membership is required to register for all vacation camps.