Fall II: 7-Week Little Explorers (Ages 2–6)

Little Explorers is a weekly parent-and-child nature education program for children who love bugs, animals, being outside and learning how the world around them works.

Each 75-minute class is planned around a nature topic we can connect to what is happening on the trail that season. In fall, we learn about changing leaves, seeds and acorns, spiders, insects, birds, squirrels and how plants and animals prepare for winter.

EACH CLASS INCLUDES

Woodland Play
We begin with a few minutes of play while everyone arrives. A variety of toys and activities are set up in the woods, including nature specimens with magnifying glasses, Feed the Bird, Catch & Pop, rocket launchers, sorting activities and other favorites.

Circle Time
We introduce the topic, learn a few interesting facts and talk about what we should look for on our hike.

Guided Nature Walk
Together we head onto the trail with binoculars or magnifying glasses to use during the program. We search for things connected to our lesson and stop whenever there is something interesting to investigating. We might turn over a log to find roly-polies and millipedes, compare different leaves, look closely at a plant, search a tree for woodpecker holes or watch a squirrel carrying acorns. The trail is different every week, so there is always something new to learn. It is a short walk for the little feet!

Hands-On Activity
Each class also includes a craft, experiment, game or activity connected to the day's topic, giving children another way to understand and remember what they learned.

And we finish with BUBBLES!

WHAT CHILDREN LEARN

Over the season, children begin recognizing the plants, insects, birds and animals they see regularly. They learn new vocabulary, practice looking closely and describing what they notice, ask questions and become more comfortable around bugs and other small creatures. They are also moving, balancing, taking turns and learning alongside other children.

Location: West Hills County Park (Melville, NY)

Fall Season (7 Weeks)- Program meets once a week from 10:15–11:30 AM (on Wednesdays or Saturdays)

Wednesdays

October: 28

November: 4, 11, 18 (No class Nov. 25)

December: 2, 9, 16

Saturdays

October: 31

November: 7, 14, 21 (No class Nov. 28)

December: 5, 12, 19

Program Details

• Parent or caregiver must stay for the entire class (registration includes one child with a caregiver)

• All materials are provided.

• Park entrance is free.

• Siblings under 2 who are not participating in crafts may attend for free.

Completed registration required: Registration

No refunds. Make-up sessions may be available if space allows.

If you would like to preorder a shirt and pick it up during class, shirts are $15 and available in sizes 2T–5T: White Bug Shirt, White Bird Shirt, or Yellow Forest Shirt.

Read our blogs for more information.