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

2022-2023 Session Programs

Registration for current preschool sessions is open and ongoing for with prorated fees. Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org for availability and registration.

To register for Wild Things or Frogs & Polliwogs Saturday classes, please click the registration buttons below.

Forest Friends

For children ages 12 – 24 months 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.

Mondays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Tuesdays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

15-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $330/child

Frogs & Polliwogs

For children ages 24 – 36 months 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!

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

Saturdays
February 4, March 11, April 29 and May 13
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Fee: $30/child per class

Wild Things

For children ages 1 – 5 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!

Select Wednesdays or Saturdays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Fee: $30/child for each class

Nature Nuts

For children ages 3 – 5

This 2-hour program in our Porter Creek classroom introduces children to the wonders of science and nature! Through live animal encounters, outdoor hikes, stories, crafts, games and planetarium shows, children discover something new each week. 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 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

30-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $1,140/child

Earthlings

For children ages 4 – 6

This 2 ½-hour adventure is full of hands-on fun in our Log Cabin 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.

Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

30-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $1,425/child

Preschool Programs Spring 2023 Session Dates

Spring 2023: Classes take place weekly January 22, 2023 – May 13, 2023

No classes: April 9 – 15, 2023

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.

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.

Health and Photo Release Form

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. Learn more at aceohio.org.