In these three-week, mixed-ages programs, children become active learners as they follow their curiosity about the natural world and draw on direct physical and social experiences outdoors. Through child-led nature play and exploration in the Arboretum’s East Woods, along with storytelling, sharing time, and other developmentally appropriate activities, the programs will offer participants the freedom to learn in an environment filled with wonder and new discoveries every day.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Kathryn Neuffer, supervisor of early childhood programs, The Morton Arboretum; Megan Sneyd, early childhood program instructor, The Morton Arboretum
Age: Children ages 3 to 6 years
Course number: Y200
Instructors
Kathryn Neuffer, supervisor of early childhood programs, The Morton Arboretum
Kathryn Neuffer has a background in early childhood and special education. She enjoys introducing the Arboretum’s youngest visitors to the wonders of the outdoors and helping to increase children’s curiosity toward the natural world through play and hands-on experiences.
Megan Sneyd, early childhood program instructor, The Morton Arboretum
Megan Sneyd works with the early childhood programs Little Trees and Curiosity Woods, where she shares her love for nature with some of the Arboretum’s youngest stewards. She takes every opportunity to help people develop and strengthen their own connections with nature.
What to Know
This is a drop-off program held completely outdoors, weather permitting. Dress your young explorer for the weather.
Read the Curiosity Woods Program Handbook for information on suggested clothing, program supplies, drop-off and pick-up procedures, and more.
Program Schedule
May
This program meets the following six times.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 16, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 23, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Locations vary
June
This program meets the following six times.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 6, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 13, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Locations vary
