The Young Naturalist Preschool is held in three engaging classrooms at the Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center. The bright, spacious Learning Center classroom is in our Learning Center, the building where the Museum offices are located. All of our 3-year-old classes are based here. This classroom allows for the busy, active play of 3-year-olds while providing ample opportunity to observe and interact with nature. Three warm, energetic teachers guide and supervise a maximum of 16 students in this classroom.

The Farm House classroom, located across the parking lot from the Learning Center, houses our 5-day-a-week programs for 4-year-olds. This delightful cozy classroom provides beautiful views of the fields and ponds and provides the opportunity to bird watch right from the classroom. Two experienced, enthusiastic teachers facilitate learning for a maximum of 16 students in this classroom.

The newest classroom, dubbed Farm House East, houses more flexible classes for 4-year-olds and boasts a sheltered porch that extends play - and even snacktime - outdoors, often even in the colder months. Two skillful, dynamic teachers lead a maximum of 15 students in this classroom.

In addition to the cheerful, welcoming classrooms, students have access to the 177 acre property, consisting of fields, forest, wetlands and ponds. Children observe, listen, touch, imagine, and create as they explore these beautiful natural spaces. Students are visited regularly by staff environmental educators, often with animal guests, and take trips to the Museum’s Wildlife Education Center to interact with the Museum's living animal collection and to hike woodland and streamside trails. At both locations, students have the opportunity to dig, climb, play and roam as they explore the outdoor classroom spaces adjacent to each classroom, the trails, and the nature play area Grasshopper Grove - all full of exciting adventures.