As one of the first nature-based preschools in the region, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s programming is designed to build on children’s inherent curiosity.
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s renowned preschool programs serve children ages one to six each year through classes in four specially designed classrooms, where children participate in hands-on, age-appropriate activities to support social, physical and academic development. The surrounding 100-acre parkland and access to Lake Erie serve as an extended outdoor classroom, making the Center uniquely positioned to influence the next generation’s understanding of local wildlife and conservation efforts.
In all of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s preschool programs, highly skilled instructors integrate Ohio Early Learning Standards such as science, math, literacy and the arts into fun learning experiences while fostering cooperative learning and social competence. The result is transformative: the Center fosters a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
Preschool Programs
2024-2025 Session Classes
Registration is open and ongoing for 2024-2025 preschool sessions. Please email info@lensc.org or call 440-871-2900 to be added to a waitlist.
Forest Friends
For children ages 1 – 2 with one adult
Little ones love nature! Join us for fun and adventure in this 1-hour program which will feature a different nature theme each week. Meet an animal, create a simple craft, enjoy playtime, and experience nature indoors and outdoors. Forest Friends is a great introduction to the Center’s preschool programs.
Fall 2024:
Mondays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
15-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $330/child
Frogs & Polliwogs
For children ages 2 – 3 with one adult
Hands-on activities, music, games and simple crafts are just the beginning of a new nature or science-based theme each week. Get ready for live animal encounters and come dressed for the weather as we head out on mini-explorations!
Fall 2024:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
15-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $330/child
Nature Nuts
For children ages 3 – 5
This 2-hour program introduces children to the wonders of science and nature! Our play-based nature and science themed curriculum includes social skill development, hands-on activities, math and literacy skill building, animal encounters, hikes, story time, crafts and planetarium visits. New curriculum offered each year. Children must be fully bathroom independent.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays or Thursdays
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
30-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $1,260/child
Earthlings
For children ages 4 – 6
This 2 ½-hour class is full of hands-on adventures in our classroom, planetarium and the great outdoors! We will investigate the wonders of Earth and the sky above by exploring science, literacy, math, technology, engineering, art and nature, creating the foundation for a love of learning in a fun and natural environment. New curriculum offered each year.
Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
30-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $1,575/child
2024-2025 Preschool Session Dates
15-week Sessions: Classes take place weekly September 9, 2024 – January 18, 2025
30-week Sessions: Classes take place weekly September 9, 2024 – May 9, 2025
No classes: November 24 – 30, 2024; December 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025; or April 20 – 26, 2025
2023-2024 Session Classes
Registration for 2023-2024 preschool sessions is ongoing with prorated fees.
Forest Friends
For children ages 1 – 2 with one adult
Little ones love nature! Join us for fun and adventure in this 1-hour program which will feature a different nature theme each week. Meet an animal, create a simple craft, enjoy playtime, and experience nature indoors and outdoors. Forest Friends is a great introduction to the Center’s preschool programs.
Spring 2024:
Fridays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
15-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $330/child
Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.
Frogs & Polliwogs
For children ages 2 – 3 with one adult
Hands-on activities, music, games and simple crafts are just the beginning of a new nature or science-based theme each week. Get ready for live animal encounters and come dressed for the weather as we head out on mini-explorations!
Spring 2024:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
15-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $330/child
Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.
Saturday
May 11
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Wild Things
For children ages 1 – 6 with one adult
Explore the wild things of your backyard and beyond with your little one! Each class you will meet an animal, make a craft and get wild with nature. Topics change weekly, so choose one or more dates!
Saturdays
March 30 and April 27
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Fee: $30/child per class
Nature Nuts
For children ages 3 – 5
This 2-hour program introduces children to the wonders of science and nature! Our play-based nature and science themed curriculum includes social skill development, hands-on activities, animal encounters, hikes, story time, crafts and planetarium visits. New curriculum offered each year. Children must be fully bathroom independent.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays or Thursdays
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
30-week session: Classes take place weekly
Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.
Earthlings
For children ages 4 – 6
This 2 ½-hour adventure is full of hands-on fun in our classroom, planetarium and the great outdoors! Whether preparing for Kindergarten or already attending, your little earthling will love this program where we investigate the wonders of Earth and the sky above. Children will explore science, technology, engineering, the arts, math and nature! New curriculum offered each year. Please dress for outdoor adventures!
2023-2024 Academic Year:
Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
30-week session: Classes take place weekly
Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.
Individual Classes:
Saturday
April 20
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $40/child per class
Stepping Stones to Kindergarten
For children ages 4 – 6
Nature is full of hands-on interactive ways to introduce and practice literacy and math skills! Exploring the world around us provides many opportunities to develop interest in letters and sounds, numbers and counting and writing. This program, led by a recent kindergarten teacher and reading specialist, will provide small group kindergarten skill enrichment creating the foundation for a love of learning in a fun and natural environment.
Fall 2023:
Mondays
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
15-week session: Classes take place weekly
Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.
Spring 2024:
Mondays
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
15-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $660/child
2023-2024 Preschool Session Dates
15-week Sessions: Classes take place weekly September 11, 2023 – January 20, 2024
30-week Sessions: Classes take place weekly September 11, 2023 – May 11, 2024
No classes: November 19 – 25, 2023; December 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024; or March 31, 2024 – April 7, 2024
Policies and Registration
Refund Policy: Notification is required one week prior to the start of a program to be eligible for a refund. A service fee of 5% will be applied to all refunds. Please note there are no refunds for missed classes and make-up classes are not provided.
Switching Classes Policy: Lake Erie Nature & Science Center will assess a service fee of $25 for requests to switch preschool classes. Under special circumstances, the service fee may be waived.
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is a registered service provider of the Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) educational savings account program. The Ohio ACE program provides funds for students and families to use on various enrichment and educational activities, including tutoring, day camps, music lessons, study skills services and field trips. This program is available to any Ohio child ages 6 to 18 years old who meets at least one of the eligibility requirements. Learn more at aceohio.org.
Upcoming Programs
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
September 2024