After-School Programs
Beyond our preschool programs, we offer a variety of after-school programs during the year for children in K through Middle School. These programs allow children of different ages to explore nature and interact with our animals. Each program has a unique structure that is tailored to the age of children participating. Please plan on dressing warmly for winter weather.
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
The Garden Club
- For Grades 3 - 6
- Offered on Wednesdays
Animal Encounters
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
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 |
The Garden Club
Fall Session: September 24 - November 5, 2025
Seven
classes per session
Grades 3 - 6
We are excited for the return of our newest after-school program—the Garden Club—happening over seven classes this fall! Led by Nature Educator and passionate plant lover Victoria Heyne, Garden Club members will explore all the components of a thriving garden ecosystem while growing fresh food for our DNC animals. Each hands-on session will focus on a different aspect of gardening, including: seed sprouting, soil science, composting, garden design, garden ecology, and pollinators.
🌱 Join us for this fun, educational journey from soil to sprout!
| Day | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | $275 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | $216 |
Nature Art Class
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.
