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 complete the form below to be added to a class waitlist.

Preschool 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.

Tuesdays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.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. There is a new topic each date, so choose one or more!

Select Mondays and Fridays:
June 9, 16, 23 and 30
July 7, 14, 21 and 28
August 1, 4 and 8
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Fee: $30/child per class

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.

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