Our After-School Programs

Beyond our preschool programs, we offer a variety of after-school programs during the year for children in Pre-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 and primarily outside. Please plan on dressing warmly for winter weather.

Animal Encounters

  • For Grades K - 1
  • Offered on Tuesdays and Fridays

Animal Caretakers

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

Garden Club

  • For Grades 2 - 5
  • Offered on Mondays


Outdoor Explorers

  • For Grades Pre-K - 1 (must be 5 years old to participate)
  • Offered on Mondays and Wednesdays

Out in the Wild

  • For Grades 2 - 6
  • Offered on Thursdays
  • Not offered Fall 2024

Nature Art Class

  • For Grades 3 - 6
  • Offered on Tuesdays


**NEW**: The Garden Club

Fall Session: October 21, 28, November 4
Grades 2 - 5

Join the Nature Center's new Garden Club as we prepare our new sensory garden to grow food for our animals next spring. Come get your hands dirty as we learn about gardening, seed saving, how plants get ready for winter, and gain an appreciation for how nature provides the food that sustains all.

Day Time Price
Mondays 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM $115

Animal Encounters

Fall Session: September 16 - December 13, 2024
Grades K -1

Similar to our Animal Caretakers Club program, but tailored to a younger audience! Children will spend the hour mostly outdoors, with each class focusing on one animal. This is a real “hands-on” opportunity for kids who are particularly interested in animal life.

Day Time Price
Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $458
Friday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $458

Animal Caretakers Club

Fall Session: September 16 - December 13, 2024
Grades 2 - 6

Chopping salads, cleaning habitats and exercising animals are all among the duties of the members of the Animal Caretakers Club. Students will learn about the 20 resident species of the Nature Center, and what is required to keep each happy and healthy.

Day Time Price
Mondays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $496
Wednesdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $420
Thursdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $420

Outdoor Explorers

Fall Session: September 16 - December 11, 2024
Four-part sessions available, see registration for details
Grades Pre-K - 1 (must be 5 years old to participate)

Are you ready to suit up, grab your gear, and head to the Darien Nature Center for an afternoon exploring the great outdoors? Each week gives your child an opportunity to unwind from the school day by spending time in the fascinating natural world. Following the interest and curiosity of the group, your child will explore every corner of Cherry Lawn park including the woods, stream, pond, garden, and fields. Sessions will include hikes, games, exploration, critter hunts, campfires and the exhilaration that comes with time spent in nature!

Day Time Price
Mondays 3:30 - 5:00 PM $229
Wednesdays 3:30 - 5:00 PM $229

Nature Art Class

Fall Session: October 22, 29, November 12, 19, 26
Grades 3 - 6

Calling all artists! Bring your creativity and join our 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 five 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 artist.

Day Time Price
Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $191

Geology Rocks

Session Dates: TBD

The Darien Nature Center is offering a four-part STEM program to Middle School students to investigate the Earth through the lens of Geology.


If the history of the earth happened in 24 hours, humans have only been around in the last second! How do we know this? Learn how rocks and fossils give clues to the history of our planet. Join Geologist Caroline Cone at the Darien Nature Center to explore rocks, fossils, deep time, and natural hazards.

Out in the Wild

We will not be offering Out in the Wild this fall.
Grades 2 - 6 (Now offered to 6th graders!)

After another successful year, Will Heyne is back to lead our popular Out in the Wild program focusing on survival skills! This five-week course is for young adventurers in grades 2-6, where they will learn outdoor cooking, building shelters, fire safety, knot tying, orienteering, cooperative games, and explore the stream, woods, and pond of Cherry Lawn Park. Get ready for a great adventure!

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

  • 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 Outdoor Explorers, Out in the Wild, or Geology Rocks.

  • How can I be added to the waitlist?

    If your preferred program is not available, you can be added to the waitlist by emailing registration@dariennaturecenter.org with your request.

  • 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.

  • What is our after school program refund policy?

    After School 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 refund. If and when your child’s space can be filled, then 75% of the program fee will be refunded. If the space cannot be filled, then 50% of the program fee will be refunded. There are no refunds for withdrawals made within two (2) weeks of a program start date.