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

2023-2024 Session Classes

Registration for 2023-2024 preschool sessions is ongoing with prorated fees. Registration for Spring 2024 15-week sessions is available through the program links below.

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 2023:

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

Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.

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

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 2023:

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

Please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org to register with a prorated fee.

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

Select Saturdays:
November 11, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 9, and 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!

Thursdays
December 21 and December 28
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Saturdays
November 25, December 16, January 27, February 24, 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!

Fall 2023:

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.

Saturdays
September 16, October 21, November 18, and December 2
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Fee: $50/child per class

Spring 2024:

Saturdays
January 20, February 10, March 9, and 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

Winter Wonders

For children ages 4 – 6
(and 3-year-olds currently enrolled in Nature Nuts)

Come dressed for the weather and join us as we explore the wonders of winter! Enjoy live animal encounters, stories, games, crafts, and hands-on nature and science experiences. Each day will have a different theme, so register for one or both dates.

Monday, December 18 or Tuesday, December 19
9:30 – 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Fee: $45/child per class

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.

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. 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.