Youth and Family Programs

"FIRST SATURDAYS" at the New Canaan Nature Center! On the first Saturday of each month our Naturalists will lead guided activities for visitors. From 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. activities will take place in the Children's Play Garden and the Rock House will be open for exploration and discovery!

There will also be a guided, seasonal activity for families with children 5 and older. This week's program "Winter Survival" will take place from 11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. and is open to all. There is no need to register.

We encourage participants to support these programs by being current members of the New Canaan Nature Center.

Click here for details about upcoming First Saturday events.

Families, groups or individuals are invited to adopt one of the Nature Center's maple trees for the tapping season. Learn about and actively participate in the maple syrup making process by tapping a tree, collecting the sap and finally enjoying the finished product.

Participants will attend a kick-off event on Saturday, February 4 at 11am or 12:30am (pre-registration is required) to select your tree and learn how the syruping process works! Families/groups then return 1-3 times a week (on your own schedule) to collect sap, observe how conditions affect production and take part in evening boil downs as we make real maple syrup in our Sugar Shack!

The program concludes with Syrup Celebration Breakfast where each family will receive a bottle of maple syrup produced from New Canaan Nature Center trees.

For questions, please contact Keith Marshall at kmarshall@newcanaannature.org or 203-966-9577 x 15.

Let the light of the full moon be your guide as we explore the woods of New Canaan Nature Center and unravel the many mysteries of our nocturnal neighbors. This time of year is magical in the dark. "Owl Moon" speaks to the start of the mating season for owls where you can be mystified by their nightly calling. Discover how owls use their keen senses to navigate the night and learn first-hand how they can hunt in the dark. We’ll even “give a hoot” and try our luck at some owl call-ins to see if we can bring our feathered friends in closer for inspection.

Program will include an interactive night hike and live owl presentation.

Please no flashlights (they lessen the experience of the night-time experience). For safety, staff will have emergency lights. Come dressed for the weather & able to be outdoors for 1 hour plus.

Spaces are limited so please register in advance to secure your spot for the hike.

Out of school and looking for some wintry fun and adventure? Come on down the hill and join other enthusiastic kids as our expert staff lead you on a variety of winter-themed adventures on our 40-acre campus!

Kids will discover the wonders of winter while they traverse the property and nature surrounds them. If Mother Nature permits, we'll have sledding adventures, snowman and snow fort building. Themes include:
* Winter Survival & Snow Science
* Winter Animals & their frozen homes
* Winter's Playground

Daily activities are subject to change based on weather forecasts. All programs emphasize hands-on outdoor activities and educational nature games and crafts geared toward the season so come prepared to be outdoors for some winter fun!

Healthy snack and drink will be provided. Join us for our Lunch Bunch each day from 12 - 1pm for $10 (bring your own lunch).

Enroll now - limited space available! Program sessions run for 3 days (individual days available, 10% discount if registering for all 3).

Out of school and looking for some wintry fun and adventure? Come on down the hill and join other enthusiastic kids as our expert staff lead you on a variety of winter-themed adventures on our 40-acre campus!

Kids will discover the wonders of winter while they traverse the property and nature surrounds them. If Mother Nature permits, we'll have sledding adventures, snowman and snow fort building. Themes include:
* Winter Survival & Snow Science
* Winter Animals & their frozen homes
* Winter's Playground

Daily activities are subject to change based on weather forecasts. All programs emphasize hands-on outdoor activities and educational nature games and crafts geared toward the season so come prepared to be outdoors for some winter fun!

Healthy snack and drink will be provided. Bring your own peanut free lunch.

Enroll now - limited space available! Program sessions run for 3 days (individual days available, 10% discount if registering for all 3).