Toddler Time at the Barn Nature Center
Discover the wonders of nature with your little explorer at Toddler Time—a delightful blend of animal encounters, interactive storytelling, and creative crafts tailored for curious minds aged 2-5!
Toddler Time at the Barn Nature Center offers a vibrant blend of activities designed to engage young children in a world of discovery. From crafting adventures that nurture fine motor skills to interactive storytelling sessions that ignite imagination, every moment is an opportunity for growth and fun. As toddlers explore the wonders of the natural world through stories, crafts and hands-on animal encounters, they're not just learning—they're building essential social skills and developing empathy. And for parents and caregivers, it's a chance to share in the joy of watching their little ones blossom, creating precious memories together in a welcoming and enriching environment. Many parents have said that attending Toddler Time with their little one made them feel just like a kid again!
Classes typically start at 10:00am and run until 11:00am on Tuesdays and Fridays during the school year, but please remember to check our calendar, as these dates and times are subject to change! Some sessions are held in the afternoon, so be sure to choose the best date for your schedule. Please note that summer schedules may vary.
Admission is $20 for an adult-child pair, with additional attendees at $10 each. Don't miss out—register in advance to secure your spot, as tickets are limited!
Upcoming Toddler Time Classes
Weekly Themes
January 13th & 16th
Theme: The Hat
In her story The Hat, Jan Brett tells the cutest tale about a group of woodland creatures and farm animals who learn about how to keep warm during these cold winter months! Join us this week as we get lost in beautiful illustrations and follow the story of a wise hedgehog who discovers the secret to beating the chilly weather!
January 20th & 23rd
Theme: Superhero Senses
When we think about our senses, we may think about our ability to touch, see or taste. While animals may share these senses with us, many of them take it a step further! From smelling food that's miles away to third eyes, the animal kingdom is full of surprises! Join us for this week's class as we explore our own 5 senses and take a deeper dive into the world of animal superhero senses!
January 27th & 30th
Theme: A Walk Through Nature
What's more peaceful than a stroll through nature? With the crunch of the soil under your feet, the occasional bird song, the sweet smell of pine trees and the cool wind whistling through the trees, nature can often feel like a magical escape. Join us this week as we take a symbolic walk through nature and discover what lies beyond the trail.
February 3rd & 6th
Theme: Groundhogs Day
It's that time of year for Punxsutawney Phil to emerge from his burrow and declare if we should be expecting spring or preparing for a longer winter! Join us this week as we celebrate Groundhogs Day by learning about animals like Punxsutawney Phil and how they will spend time either enjoying an early spring or bunkering down for more cold weather!
February 10rd & 13th
Theme: Valentines Day
As humans we celebrate the holiday of love, Valentine’s Day! While animals don't celebrate it like we do, they still have many ways to show affection towards each other and towards us. Join us in celebrating this lovely holiday week as we show our appreciation for our animals by creating valentines to decorate their enclosures!
February 17th & 20th
Theme: Tiny But Mighty
While being small can sometimes be viewed as a disadvantage, many animals rely on their tiny physique for survival. Grab your magnifying glasses this week as we explore how the tiniest lizards, the smallest snakes, and the nearly invisible
insects use their size to their advantage-proving that even the tiniest creatures can still be mighty!
February 24th & 27th
Theme: Colorful Critters
The wild world is full of colors and patterns that are unique to each individual species. From bright blue tongues to rainbow feathers, our ambassador animals at the nature center are no exception. Join us this week on our journey to learn the colors of the rainbow through interacting with some of our most striking animals!
March 3rd & 6th
Theme: Movin' and Groovin'
From swimming through the deepest of oceans to soaring across the big blue sky to climbing the tallest
of mountains, animals have fascinating capabilities when it comes to getting around. With sticky toes to hollow bones,
join us this week as we uncover the mysteries of moving!
Want to book a private Toddler Time event for your group?
We are happy to book private Toddler Time events with 1-2 months advance notice. Private group Toddler Time classes are great for large families, moms groups, homeschooling groups, preschools, and friend groups with young children.
To book a private event for your group, reach out to our Education Program Manager for more details.