2025-2026 Nature Preschool

Session Dates: September 8, 2025 - June 5, 2026

Our preschool programs continue with Nature’s Playroom, which allows children ages 3 to 5 to experience nature in a safe and supportive environment. Being outdoors provides opportunities to discover, create, reduce stress, and build self-efficacy. Our students learn to ask questions, engage their senses, and manage risks as they climb, explore, and spend time outside. We hope our Nature’s Playroom class will spark a love of the natural world that will continue throughout a lifetime. These classes include animal encounters, nature-based art and activities, and science experiments.

Apply for Nature's Playroom

Membership Required

Afternoon Classes Time Annual Tuition
Mondays 1:45 PM - 3:45 PM $1,893
Tuesdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,366
Wednesdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,366
Thursdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,366
Fridays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM $2,366

Nature's Playroom

For children born between January 1, 2021- August 31, 2023

With the pond, field and forest to explore, Nature’s Playroom students will have many opportunities to build an awareness and appreciation of the world around them. Outdoor exploration, stories, songs, live animal encounters and craft projects will all be part of this engaging, hands-on program.

Regular Day Time Annual Tuition
Mondays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,366
Wednesdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,366
Fridays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $2,366
Extended Day Time Annual Tuition
Thursdays 9:15 AM - 1:00 PM $3,549
Fridays 9:15 AM - 1:00 PM $3,549
Extended Three-Day Time Annual Tuition
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:15 AM - 1:00 PM $10,647

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

Preschool Program FAQs

  • When does registration start for 2026-2027 preschool programs?

    Current Families

    November 7 - November 21, 2025


    Members

    December 1 - December 15, 2025


    Public

    January 26, 2026

  • How can I be added to the waitlist?

    If your first choice(s) are not available, you can be added to the waitlist by completing a registration form and indicating which session you would like to be added to the waitlist for. 

  • What forms are required for preschool programs?

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

  • What is our preschool program refund policy?

    2026-2027 Preschool Refund Policy: If you choose to withdraw your child for any reason, the Darien Nature Center must be notified of a cancellation by July 24, 2026, to receive a 50% refund. If and when your child’s space can be filled, then an additional 25% of the program fee will be refunded. There are no refunds for withdrawals made after July 24, 2026. The Darien Nature Center does not offer credits for program withdrawals.




  • Is a membership required to enroll in preschool programs?

    Yes. Our Drop-Off Preschool programs require a membership to participate. Please see our Membership page for more information about the benefits of being a Darien Nature Center member.