Children and Family Programs

Curiosity Woods Forest Play Program

Play, wonder, and explore while immersed in the natural world at The Morton Arboretum in this drop-off program for children ages 3 to 6 years.

Content Detail

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

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

Fall

Section C:

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 30, 2023, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 7, 2023, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 14, 2023, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Children’s Garden

Winter

Section A:

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 11, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 18, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 25, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section B:

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 22, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section C:

This program includes the following six meeting times.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 7, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 14, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 21, 2024, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Locations vary

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