Darien Nature Center – Adult and Child Events + After School and Early Dismissal Programming

The Darien Nature Center is busy with lots of new adult and child events as well as after-school and early dismissal programming.

Adult Event:

Nature and Wellness: Food Experiential with Dr. Katie –

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 7 PM – 8 PM
Join us for an inspiring evening with Dr. Katie, Integrative Medicine physician and author of Plants First: A Physician’s Guide to Wellness Through a Plant-Forward Diet and Health and Wellness Coach Natalie Gould as they discuss the benefits of cooking with medicinal herbs.

Discover the powerful benefits of medicinal herbs like parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary with a doctor-approved tasting menu prepared by Chef Lisa of Soiree CT.

Early Dismissal Programming

Afternoon with the Animals! Wednesday March 19th, 2:00-3:30 Grades K-5, $60 per child, Membership not required. It is conference time and the kids are out early, why not bring your animal lover to the nature center for some up-close, hands-on time with our mammals, reptiles and birds.

Celebrate the Vernal Equinox at the Darien Nature Center! Thursday March 20th

The equinoxes are the two moments in a year where the sun is directly over the equator and day and night are of equal length. Bring your family to the Nature Center to celebrate the equinox and the first day of spring with a family hike, S’mores, animals and activities for all ages. 3:00-4:30 $25/familyAfternoon with the Animals! Friday, March 21 2:00-3:30 Grades K-5, $60 per child, Membership not required. It is conference time and the kids are out early, why not bring your animal lover to the nature center for some up-close, hands-on time with our mammals, reptiles and birds.

After-school Programming

Nature Art Class – Tuesdays 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM Bring your creativity and join our art class, which will merge natural materials, care for the planet and your artistry to benefit nature! Taking inspiration from nature and all things whimsical, we will be focusing on building fairy houses for all five weeks, a perfect accent to any garden or woodland area.
Animal Caretakers Club – Grades 2 – 6
Chopping salads, cleaning habitats and exercising animals are all among the duties of the members of the Animal Caretakers Club.
Animal Encounters – Grades K -1 Similar to our Animal Caretakers Club program, but tailored to a younger audience! Children will spend the hour mostly outdoors, with each class focusing on one animal.
Outdoor Explorers – Grades Pre-K – 1 (must be 5 years old to participate) Each week gives your child an opportunity to unwind from the school day by spending time in the fascinating natural world.
*Coming this Spring!** The Garden Club – Wednesdays Grades 4-6 Join the Nature Center’s new Garden Club as we prepare our new sensory garden to grow food for our animals! Come get your hands dirty as we learn about gardening, food cultivation, seed saving, and gain an appreciation for how nature provides the food that sustains all.