As the largest nature-based preschool in the region, the 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 three 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

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.

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

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 2022-2023 Session Dates

Fall 2022: Classes take place weekly September 12, 2022 – January 21, 2023

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

No classes: November 20 – 26, 2022; December 18, 2022 – January 7, 2023; 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, with the exception of COVID-19-related absences and/or cancellations.

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

We remain committed to the safety of visitors, employees, and volunteers and continue to follow health guidelines recommended by the state of Ohio and the Centers for Disease Control.