Youth and Family Programs

Join us for programs that explore the best features of the New Canaan Nature Center! From dipping in our pond to trekking through the forest to meeting one of our live animals, NCNC offers a variety of fun, interactive and unique of programs for children and family throughout the year. Click here for more information about youth and family programming.

Upcoming Programs


Year Around Family Fun!

Saturday Explorers Club is offered two times per month for ages 6 and up and introduces children and families to hands-on field study and craft programs. Programs are held on Saturdays from 1:30-2:45 p.m. and feature our live animal collection, trail walks on our grounds and take-home craft projects. Past programs have covered topics such as dragons, chocolate, birds, skull and bones, and insects. A parent is invited free with each paying child to encourage family exploration, but age-appropriate drop-offs are allowed for some programs.

The Vacation Nature Program is a half day program for 4-8 year olds during school vacation week. The programs create a fun, interactive way for your child to explore the Nature Center with children his or her own age. Programs run 9 a.m.- noon during most school vacation holidays. Classes are taught by two of our professional educators who are trained in CPR, first-aid and medication administration.

Classes are for Falcons, ages 4-5 and Hawks, ages 6-8. Children can sign up for one session, all sessions or anything in between. Programs are designed around daily themes and always include free choice play, gathering activities, stories, live animal visits and explorations on our grounds (weather permitting). Classes are limited to 16 children.

Annual/Biannual Events include:

  • Syrup Saturday: a Festival celebrating maple syrupping season! Late February/early March
  • Earth Day: field studies, live animals and our annual Spring Fever Concert! April
  • Ick Festival: a tribute to all things icky, yucky and gross! Live animals, crafts, workshops. July in even years
  • Reptile and Amphibian Day: a great chance to discover scaly and slimy critters. July in odd years
  • Birds of Prey Day: an in-depth look at the world of hawks, owls and other raptors. September
  • Cider Saturday: a celebration of cider season, press your own cider and NCNC history tours. October
  • Naturally Crafty: pumpkin carving and other natural crafts. October
  • Holiday Candlemaking: our annual candle dipping program. December


 

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Upcoming Adult Programs

NYBG: The Deer-Resistant Landscape
Saturday, July 12
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
> Learn more
NYBG: Border Basics for Beginners
Saturday, July 26
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
> Learn more
NYBG: A Perennial Border for all Seasons
Saturday, August 9
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
> Learn more
NYBG: Landscaping with Perennials
Saturday, September 6
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
> Learn more

> View More Adult Programs