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Outdoor Learning Options for Babies and Toddlers in South Jersey
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BURLINGTON COUNTY
Child & Caregiver Classes at Star Child Nature School: Join our child & caregiver class for connection to nature, exploration, songs, friendships and discovery!
- Ages: Offered for children walking through 2 1/2 years old.
- When: Wednesdays from 10-11am
- Where? Star Child Nature School: 1717 Ark Road, Hainesport, NJ 08036
- Cost? 5 week sessions are $100 per child, 10% sibling discounts are available.
- Website: Click here to learn more and sign up
- Thoughts: I attended the child and caregiver class when my son was 13 months old and really enjoyed it! The space they have is beautiful and it was so unique to experience an actual nature school. The class itself was slightly geared towards older toddlers, but my 13 month old still enjoyed 1 or 2 of the stations. Wear clothes you are okay with getting dirty of course!
Little Farmers Class at Johnson's Farm: Johnson’s Corner Farm Little Farmers Classes are a parent involved interactive class with farm themed topics and activities each week. We have added Saturday sessions to our Little Farmers Schedule. Each session will be one hour. Sessions will be four weeks long. Admission to the Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm for the parent and child participating in the class is included in the price for the day of the class only. Additional Family Members will be charged normal admission prices. We encourage you to stay and play after the class is over. This is a parent/guardian involved class and children cannot participate without an adult/guardian present. Space is limited so sign up today. Discounts will be given to Season Pass members.
- Ages: We would love you and your 3-5 yr old to be a part of it!
- When: Classes will start the second week in April. There will be four one hour classes over four weeks. Classes will occur on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 and 10:30 and Saturdays at 10am and 12pm. (There will be sessions in April, May and June)
- Where? Johnson's Corner Farm: 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ 08055
- Cost? $150.00 per spot and a 10% discount for signing up for multiple series
- Website: Click here to learn more and sign up
Thoughts: Never attended
Preschool Classes at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge: Our educators will help you and your child explore nature through wildlife encounters, crafts, experiments and outdoor adventures.
- Ages: 3-5 years old
- When: Our You and Me program is held once a month year-round. Classes run 10:00-11:00 am (Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday) or 11:15 am-12:15 pm (Tuesday, Wednesday only)
- Where? Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, 4 Sawmill Rd., Medford, NJ 08055
- Cost? Cost is $12/child with one adult free. Registration includes refuge admission for child and parent. Extra adults must pay regular admission.
- Website: Click here to learn more and sign up
Thoughts: Never attended
Little Learners Caregivers & Me at Whitesbog Preservation Trust: Join Growing Minds Enrichment for an outdoor class for little learners. Little Learners includes a 25 minute segment of music with our certified music instructor, Ms. Alessandra. Following music, Ms. Grace will continue to enrich our program with her amazing hands-on activities, sensory play, and arts & crafts.
- Ages: Program can accommodate ages 3M to 4 years old depending on parental preferences.
- When: This program runs on Mondays for 1 hour and 15 minutes from 9:30-10:45 AM
- Where? Whitesbog Preservation Trust, West Whites Bog Road #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015 (They also have another location at Ramblin' Sol Farm in Cream Ridge, NJ)
- Cost? $45 per drop-in or $155 for the whole semester
- Website: Click here to learn more and sign up
Thoughts: Never attended
NATURE PRESCHOOL OPTIONS
Toddler Preschool at Stepping Stones Nature School: Join us on this incredible journey of discovery, as we harness the power of nature to shape the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and inspire a generation to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.
- Ages: Designed for 2.5-4 year olds (They also have options up to 3rd grade)
- When: This is a year-round program offered 3, 4, or 5 days a week
- Where? Stepping Stones Nature School; 400 Tuckerton Rd, Medford, NJ 08055
- Cost? Contact for tuition rates
- Website: Click here to learn more and sign up
Thoughts: Never attended
EcoKids Nature School at Camp Creek Run: We offer a year-round program series called EcoKids, which is designed to connect the children with the natural world. This family program is for children and their caregivers, and uses nature study, exploration, stories, and crafts to encourage an environmental sensibility and sense of wonder. Our fall and spring series occur outdoors at camp, and our winter series is held indoors in our administrative offices. Each class includes a hike on our trails weather-permitting.
- Ages: Designed for children ages 3 and up (including homeschoolers)
- When: This is a year-round program
- Where? Camp Creek Run, 199 Taunton Lake Rd., Marlton, NJ 08053
- Cost? Contact for tuition rates
- Website: Click here to learn more and sign up
Thoughts: Never attended
Saplings at Fernbrook Farms: The Saplings program at Fernbrook Farms is a play-based nature program for young learners aged 3-5. The program aims to provide the roots for lifelong connection with nature and love of learning. Saplings students explore and play outdoors for much of their day, immersed in Fernbrook’s many diverse ecosystems.
- Ages: Designed for 3-5 year olds (They also have options up to 3rd grade)
- When: This is a year-round program offered 5 days a week part-time or full-time
- Where? Fernbrook Farms, 142–150 Bordentown-Georgetown Road; Chesterfield Township, New Jersey
- Cost? See full breakdown here
- Website: Click here to learn more and sign up
Thoughts: Never attended
CAMDEN COUNTY
Early Childhood Nature Program at Wonder Tree Community Play School: We joyfully offer outdoor play programs following the Tinkergarten curriculum to young learners in the Camden County area!
- Ages: Drop-off nature programs are for kids 2.75-8 years old
- When? There are 5 sessions throughout the year, you can choose to join M/W, T/Th or M-Th
- Where? Croft Farm or Haddon Lake Park
- Cost? Enrollment for a 9 week session is between $600-$1400 depending on the days you want to enroll. 20% off for siblings.
- Website: IG: @WonderTreePlaySchool, click link in bio for flier with more details. 2023-2024 registration form can be found here.
- Thoughts: Never attended
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
Nature Tots Program at Scotland Run Nature Center: Join us as we explore a wide variety of nature topics from snakes to plant life. These lessons are free and include a related craft. . Due to limited space pre-registration is required.
- Ages: The flier says "tots/young kids" but my personal experience would say closer to 2.5/3 is most appropriate.
- When? Lessons are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of January through March, 9:30am-10:30am and 11:00am-12:00pm
- Where? Scotland Run Nature Center, 980 East Academy St., Clayton, NJ
- Cost? FREE!
- Website: Registration is required, more details here.
- Thoughts: I attended this session with my 16 month old. While he was too young for the crafts and the presentation they held, he did really enjoy exploring the nature center itself as there were little exhibits with live animals. He also really enjoyed the nature walk we did after the presentation. I would go again, but just to get outside and enjoy time around other toddlers. It's not really catered to young young tots, more like 2.5/3 year olds and up.