for grades: Prek & kindergarten

Introduction to Animals

This program explores basic life processes of living creatures.  Students will meet three to four live animals!  Students will be encouraged to compare these animals to learn about their similarities and differences. This presentation includes a number of manipulatives, such as shells and pelts, providing students with a tactile dimension to their learning.  The program also emphasizes a conservation theme as students learn that wild animals are not pets and must be protected in their habitats.

Concepts covered in this program include:

  • Different ways animals move from place to place

  • How animals change throughout their life cycle

  • How animals use their senses for survival

  • What each animal eats and where they might be found in nature

Animals typically used for this program may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Box Turtle

  • Frog

  • Toad

  • Mouse

  • Rabbit

Please Note:  The Hudson Highlands Nature Center and its professional staff are fully licensed by state and federal agencies to maintain a collection of live native animal species for the purpose of education.  For the health and well-being of our animals, our permits require that we have a NO TOUCH policy. Children will not be permitted to touch or pet any of our living collection.

Choice of animals is at the discretion of the staff,  based on availability.

as a field trip

Program Length: 90 minutes

  • 45 minute presentation

  • 30 minute guided trail walk

  • 15 minutes  in Hall of Animals

  • Gift shop available upon request

  • Picnic area available upon request

Program Cost:

  • $225 for up to 25 students

  • Staff is free

Location: Wildlife Education Campus
(25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson NY, 12520)

In the classroom

Program Length: 45 minutes

Program Cost: 

  • $250, plus travel fee, for the first program.

  • $225 for each additional program on the same day

Please Note:  The Hudson Highlands Nature Center and its professional staff are fully licensed by state and federal agencies to maintain a collection of live native animal species for the purpose of education.  For the health and well-being of our animals, our permits require that we have a NO TOUCH policy. Children will not be permitted to touch or pet any of our living collection.

Choice of animals is at the discretion of the staff,  based on availability.

Click here when you are ready to book your
Field Trip or School Program!