After-School Programs

We provide a variety of enriching after-school programs for children in Kindergarten through Middle School. These seasonal programs give kids the chance to connect with nature, care for our animals, and enjoy some outdoor adventures!


Animal Encounters

  • For Grades K - 1
  • Offered on Tuesdays
  • Membership required

Animal Caretakers

  • For Grades 2 - 6
  • Offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
  • Membership required

Outdoor Explorers

  • For Grades K - 1 (must be 5 years old to participate)
  • Offered on Tuesdays

Nature Art Class

  • For Grades K - 2
  • Offered on Tuesdays

Animal Encounters (full)

Fall Session: September 22 - December 12, 2025
Grades K -1
Membership required


Inspired by our popular Animal Caretakers Club, Animal Encounters is tailored to a younger audience, and offers a fun, age-appropriate introduction to animal care and wildlife appreciation. Children will engage in hands-on activities that bring them up close to the animals at DNC! Each one-hour session takes place partially outdoors and focuses on a different animal.


🐾 A great fit for young animal lovers who are especially curious about the natural world!


Day Time Price
Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $393

Animal Caretakers Club (full)

Fall Session: September 22 - December 12, 2025
Grades 2 - 6
Membership required


Join us for Animal Caretakers Club, where students get to know the 20+ resident animal species of the Nature Center! Through engaging, hands-on activities like preparing meals, cleaning habitats, and helping with enrichment, participants will discover what animals need to stay healthy and happy. It is the perfect program for young animal lovers who want to spend time with creatures of all kinds—furry, scaly, feathered, and everything in between!


🐾 From feeding to enrichment, members will learn what it takes to care for our animals!


Day Time Price
Mondays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $472
Wednesdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $393
Thursdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $393

Outdoor Explorers

Fall Session Dates: September 30 - November 11, 2025 (no class 11/4 for Election Day)
Six classes per session
Grades K - 1 (must be 5 years old to participate)


Outdoor Explorers is back! This weekly after-school program helps kids unwind from the school day and reconnect with the natural world. Following the curiosity and interests of the group, each session takes children across the many habitats of Cherry Lawn Park—from the woods and stream to the pond, garden, and open fields. Activities may include hikes, nature games, critter hunts, campfires, and plenty of open-ended exploration—all designed to spark wonder and celebrate the joy of time spent outdoors!


🔍 Get ready to explore the great outdoors!


Day Time Price
Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $216

Nature Art Class (full)

Fall Session: October 14 - November 25, 2025 (no class 11/4 for Election Day)
Six classes per session
Grades K - 2

Calling all artists! Bring your creativity and join our Nature Art class, which will merge natural materials, care for the planet, and your artistry to benefit nature! Taking inspiration from nature and all things whimsical, we will be focusing on building fairy houses for all six weeks, a perfect accent to any garden or woodland area. Nature Educator and art enthusiast Caroline Cone and the great outdoors will inspire your budding young artist.


🎨 Come and create some magic from the forest floor!


Day Time Price
Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $236

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

After School FAQs

  • What is our after-school program refund policy?

    After-School Programs 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 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 within two (2) weeks of a program start date. The Darien Nature Center does not offer credits for program withdrawals.

  • Is a membership required to enroll in after school programs?

    A membership is required for Animal Encounters and Animal Caretakers Club. 


    We do not require a membership for the Garden Club, Nature Art Class or Outdoor Explorers.

  • How can I be added to the waitlist?

    If the program you applied for is no longer available, you will  automatically be added to the waitlist for your preferred day and time.

  • What forms are required for after school programs?

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

  • What should my child bring to their program?

    Most of our after school programs include an outdoor portion. Please bring appropriate clothing for the weather. 

    Children are welcome to bring labelled water bottles. However, no food or snacks please, some of our students have allergies.

  • Where should I drop off and pick up my child?

    All after school programs drop off and pick up at the front door of the main building. If you choose to walk your child inside, please do not leave your car unattended in the fire circle. Thank you.