Youth and Family Programs

Join us for programs that explore the best features of the New Canaan Nature Center! From dipping in our pond to trekking through the forest to meeting one of our live animals, NCNC offers a variety of fun, interactive and unique of programs for children and family throughout the year. Click here for more information about youth and family programming.

Upcoming Programs


Crepuscular Critters Campfire
Friday, July 17
7 - 8:30 p.m.

Lots of animals come out at the time between the sun going down and the moon rising. These critters include our common deer and rabbits, as well as fireflies and bats. We’ll take a walk to look for these crepuscular critters and then roast marshmallows over the campfire! Limited enrollment so register early!

Ages: Recommended for ages 6 & up..
Members: $8/person or $25/family (up to 5) / Non-Members: $11/person or $35/family (up to 5)

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Parent's Night Out/Nature's Night In!
Friday, August 7
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Celebrate the end of the week by enjoying an "adults-only" night out, while your kids enjoy an educational BEE-THEMED evening at the Nature Center!
Professional NCNC educators and volunteer Red-Cross trained babysitters will provide care, interaction and activities for children 18 months - 10 years. The youngest will be well-cared for in a quiet, calm environment with a variety of nature-based activities. Older children will have a great evening of live animal visits, outside activities and a chance to snack and snuggle in front of a short nature video in the sturgess room. Bring blankets and pillows!

NCNC staff are trained in CPR, First Aid and Medical Administration/epi-pen. Snacks are peanut/tree nut free. For more information, please contact NCNC at 203.966.9577.

Ages: 18 months - 10 years.
Members: $25/1st child + $15 additional siblings / Non-Members: $35/1st child + $15 additional siblings

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Starry Sky Campfire
Friday, August 17
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

There are lots of great stories in the summer sky. We’ll learn some of the easy constellations and learn the stories behind them. We’ll look at the changes in the sky from day to night and discover how birds use stars to find their way. We’ll also enjoy roasting marshmallows over the fire! Limited enrollment so register early! Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Members: $8/person or $25/family (up to 5) / Non-Members: $11/person or $35/family (up to 5)

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Year Around Family Fun!

Check back often for new events for the whole family!
Trail walks, campfires, owl prowls, and other programs are offered throughout the year.

The Vacation Nature Program is a half day program for 3-8 year olds during school vacation week. The programs create a fun, interactive way for your child to explore the Nature Center with children his or her own age. Programs run 9 a.m.- noon during many school vacation holidays. Classes are taught by two of our professional educators who are trained in CPR, first-aid and medication administration.

Children can sign up for one session, all sessions or anything in between. Programs are designed around daily themes and always include free choice play, gathering activities, stories, live animal visits and explorations on our grounds. Classes are limited to 16 children.

 

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> Special Events
> Early Childhood Programs
> Summer Camp
> Membership Information

Upcoming Adult Programs

Green Book Club Meeting
Tuesday, July 14
7:30 p.m.
> Learn more
NYBG: The Deer Resistant Landscape
Saturday, July 25
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
> Learn more
NYBG: A Perennial Border for All Seasons
Saturday, August 8
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
> Learn more
NYBG: Landscaping with Perennials
Saturday, August 29
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
> Learn more

> View More Adult Programs