Early Childhood Resources

Stomping around like a dinosaur, driving a cardboard spaceship, following tracks thru the snow, investigating a mud puddle and climbing on a fallen tree are all valuable learning experiences for a young child. Young Children learn about the world around them by experimenting, exploring, observing, playing and discovering.

Stroller Naturalist is a special weekly walking group (select dates) at the Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center for families with babies, toddlers, and young children. Led by a Nature Educator, these unique one-hour strolls will follow gentle stroller-friendly trails as you explore the fields, ponds & forest together, and enjoy a fun and hands-on nature lesson! Click here to learn more.

The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum offers several programs for early learners. The Knee High Naturalist program, located at the Wildlife Education Center, is the perfect way to introduce your toddler (ages 2-4) to the wonders of nature while also orienting them to a safe, comfortable learning environment.  Click here to learn more about this wonderful program designed for children and a parent, grandparent or caregiver at .

The Young Naturalist Preschool, located at the Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, is a science and nature based preschool program for three and four year olds. Exciting themes like dinosaurs and outer space spark curiosity in these young minds as they embark on their first educational journey. Find out more about this exciting learning opportunity by clicking here. 

A young child’s life is enriched by caring parents, grandparents, caregivers and teachers working cooperatively to aid in their development and growth.

Please check out the following resources for more information on Early Childhood:

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)  
New York State Association for the Education of Young Children (NYSAEYC)   
Children & Nature Network 
National Center for infants, toddles & Families