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
2025-2026 Session Classes
Registration is open and ongoing for 2025-2026 preschool sessions. Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org 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 adult & child program which will feature a different nature theme each week. Meet an animal, create a simple craft, enjoy playtime, visits to our planetarium and experience nature indoors and out. Forest Friends is a great introduction to the Center’s preschool programs.
Mondays, 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
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!
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
Sprouts & Shoots
For children ages 2.5 – 3.5 with one adult
A step-up from our Frogs & Polliwogs program, this child and adult program will introduce your child to extended preschool classroom routines and content as we explore the wonders of nature and science. With a new topic each week, we will enjoy animal encounters, crafts, story time, planetarium visits and occasional hikes 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
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.
Tuesdays or Thursdays
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
30-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $1,320/child
Earthlings
For children ages 4 – 6
This 2.5-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: $1,650/child
2025-2026 Preschool Session Dates
Fall 15-week session: Classes take place weekly September 8, 2025 – January 16, 2026
30-week session: Classes take place weekly September 8, 2025 – May 8, 2026
No classes: November 24 – 28, 2025; December 15, 2025 – January 2, 2026; and April 6 – 10, 2026
2025 Individual Classes
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 monthly, so choose one or more dates!
Saturdays
April 26
May 10
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Fee: $30/child per class
2024-2025 Session Classes
Registration is open and ongoing for 2024-2025 preschool sessions. Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to be registered for a session class with a prorated fee or 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.
Mondays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.
15-week sessions: 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!
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.
15-week sessions: 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.
Thursdays
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
30-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $1,260/child
Call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.
Earthlings
For children ages 4 – 6
This 2.5-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
Call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.
2024-2025 Preschool Session Dates
Fall 15-week session: Classes take place weekly September 9, 2024 – January 18, 2025
Spring 15-week session: Classes take place weekly January 20, 2025 – May 9, 2025
30-week session: Classes take place weekly September 9, 2024 – May 9, 2025
No classes: November 24 – 30, 2024; December 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025; and April 20 – 26, 2025
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.
Upcoming Programs
April 2025
May 2025
June 2025
July 2025
September 2025