Booking a Program
Programs run approximately 60 minutes in length and work great around most school and scout schedules. Programs can be adjusted or extended into longer segments (e.g. 90 minutes, 120 minutes) to accommodate different ages, create space for ”Teachable moments” while on the trail, or simply better meet the needs and educational goals to explore topics of particular interest.
Please notify us at the time of registration if you know that you are planning to stay on property for lunch or snack so we can better accommodate your group and assist you in making the most of your time here with us. If you require an indoor space for lunch/snack, please reserve this space in advance at the time of registration as access to indoor space is limited. The New Canaan Nature Center is a peanut/tree nut aware campus.
We are happy to have chaperones join in the learning and the fun of your program. As we know the value of chaperones to the overall educational experience, we encourage their participation in accompanying your group at no additional charge. We recommend one chaperone for every 8-12 students.
If you choose to cancel your visit because of undesirable weather conditions, please call (203) 966-9577 x1020 as soon as possible to notify us of your change in plans. If you get voicemail, please leave a best contact phone number so we can follow up. If we have already received a deposit or full payment, we will be happy to work with you to reschedule your program as our calendar allows. Refunds are issued only if the Nature Center or your school/group’s location is closed or has a delayed opening because of inclement weather.
Your program isn’t the only exciting and educational part of your visit to the New Canaan Nature Center. Make sure to schedule extra time during your visit because there are so many exciting and engaging things to discover. Your group will want plenty of time to explore our outdoor and indoor wildlife exhibits plus our trails, ponds and more. Below is a sampling of the extras we have to offer your group when you are here with us.
- Experience life around Kiwanis or Marsh ponds
- Trek nearly two miles of trails
- Spy live animals in our Discovery Room
- Observe raptors in action at our outdoor Birds of Prey exhibit
- Get active while adventuring through our Children’s Play Garden
- Climb our Bird Tower to spy birds and other wildlife
- Relax and play on beautiful grass of the Green
Please see our rates on this page for standard programs and large group presentations. We require the presence of at least one teacher/group leader/adult from your school or group for all program bookings. For afterschool groups, the adult need not be present for the duration of the program, but must be easily reached if need be. There is no additional cost for teachers/group leaders or any chaperones that may attend the program.
Please have all of the following information ready:
- Name/address/phone/e-mail for person booking the program
- Contact info for teacher/leader who will be in charge the day of program
- Name of the program(s) you want
- Date/Time for program(s) – please have a 1st & 2nd choice
- Location of program – can be onsite at NCNC or at a school/other location of your choice
- The grade level and/or age of the group
- Size of audience (number of classes/students, teachers, chaperones, etc.)
- Expected arrival/departure times – Staying for lunch/snack or extra exploration?
- Billing contact, address and method of payment
In order to hold a reservation:
- A minimum of a 15% deposit to secure your program on our calendar.
- Deposit is due within two weeks of the date you make the reservation booking with our Registrar.
- The remaining balance must be received before the date of your scheduled program, unless other arrangements have been made for payment.
- Failure to remit final payment prior to program will result in a cancellation of that program.
- If you require other payment arrangements, please speak with our Program Administrator and Registrar, Debbie Jaeger at (203) 966-9577 x1020 at the time of booking, so that alternative arrangements can be made.
- We accept cash, check or credit card as payment for programs.
- For further questions contact or email Our Program Administrator and Registrar at (203) 966-9577 x1020 or djaeger@newcanaannature.org.
Standard Group
| SCHOOL/GROUPS Max 25 students |
ON-SITE at NCNC |
OFF-SITE within 10 miles |
| 1 HR | $165 | $185 |
| 1.5 HRS | $205 | $225 |
| 2 HRS | $245 | $265 |
| SCOUT GROUPS Max 20 scouts |
$165 | $185 |
Larger Group – 1 Hour
|
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS |
ON-SITE at NCNC |
OFF-SITE within 10 miles |
| 25 – 50 | $165 | $185 |
| 51 – 100 | $205 | $225 |
| 101 – 150 | $245 | $265 |
| More than 150 | Call for pricing |
Additional Charges
Booking after traditional program hours of 9:00am – 4:00pm Monday – Saturday
$100 per staff needed
More than 20 scouts
$7 per additional scout
Program travel outside 10 mile radius of NCNC
$25
Discounts & Transportation Assistance
| Title 1 School Groups | 35% off |
| Multiple Programs (5 or more) | 15% off |
| Local Community Groups or Orgs | 10% off |
|
Extra Afterschool Programs (2 or more Afterschool Series) |
15% off |
144 Oenoke Ridge New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-9577
