Little Naturalists at Northlake Nature Center

Big Nature Adventures for Little Explorers

Little Naturalists is a hands-on nature program designed especially for young children and the grown-ups who explore with them.

Held at Northlake Nature Center, each class gives little naturalists the chance to slow down, look closely, ask questions, move, create, and discover the natural world through age-appropriate activities and outdoor exploration.

Programs are inspired by the Growing Up WILD early childhood curriculum and designed to make nature learning playful, meaningful, and fun.

What to Expect

Each Little Naturalists class is a new adventure! Depending on the day's topic, we may:

  • Explore the trails and natural areas around Northlake

  • Search for bugs and other tiny creatures

  • Investigate animal homes and habitats

  • Discover plants, seeds, leaves, and flowers

  • Listen for sounds in nature

  • Play observation and movement games

  • Create simple nature-inspired art

  • Meet an occasional live animal ambassador when it connects with what we're learning

Who Is Little Naturalists For?

Little Naturalists is designed for children approximately ages 3–5.

A parent, grandparent, or other grown-up stays and participates with their child throughout the class.

This is part of the fun! Grown-ups are encouraged to explore, investigate, and make discoveries right alongside their little naturalist.

When We Meet

Little Naturalists meets twice a month on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM. (dates are coming soon!)

Classes are approximately 45–60 minutes.

Each class features a different nature topic, so families can join us whenever their schedule allows or come regularly and experience something new each time.

Come When You Can—or Become a Regular!

Families have two ways to participate:

Drop-In Class — $12 per child; additional siblings are $10 each

Come explore with us for an individual class. Advance registration is required.

4-Class Pass — $40 per child

Know your little naturalist will want to come back? Purchase a 4-Class Pass and save!

Class passes are valid for 3 months from the first class attended, giving families plenty of flexibility for vacations, illnesses, and all the other things that come with life with little ones.

Adults participate free.

What Will We Explore?

Topics change throughout the year and may include:

  • Animal homes

  • Bugs & creepy crawlies

  • Birds

  • Seeds & plants

  • Animal movement

  • Camouflage

  • Forest discoveries

  • Wetland life

  • Tracks & signs

  • Nature sounds

  • Colors & shapes in nature

  • Life under the leaves

  • Spiders & webs

  • Seasonal changes

Because nature is always changing, what we discover outside may sometimes lead us in an unexpected direction—and that's part of being a naturalist!

Our Outdoor Classroom

Little Naturalists takes place at Northlake Nature Center, giving us a wonderful outdoor classroom filled with opportunities to explore local habitats and make real-world nature discoveries.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water and bug repellent.

And don't worry about a little dirt or mud—that's often where the best discoveries happen!

Ready to Raise a Little Naturalist?

Join us for one class or make Little Naturalists part of your family's routine.

Registration is required for each Little Naturalist program.