Nature Play Programs

Summer Nature Play information coming soon! Check back mid-April for dates and times.

Nature play is at the heart of learning at Great Lakes Aquarium. At Chickadees and Kestrels, we emphasize learning through child-inspired and child-directed nature play experiences. Children are encouraged to let their curiosity guide their play as they climb, build forts, jump, examine rocks, and so much more. These types of free play experiences promote the development of observation and questioning skills, safe risk-taking, motor growth, creativity, language skills, empathy, and socio-emotional skills while promoting deep connections to nature…

Nature play programming is available for ages 4-10. Chickadees is a drop-off program open to children ages 4 – 6. Kestrels is a drop-off program open to children ages 7-10.

Chickadees Spring 2023 Dates: Weekly classes run March 8 – April 28

Chickadees is a weekly rain or shine outdoor drop-off program where we let nature and our imaginations be our guide as we play with and explore the natural world right outside the Aquarium doors.

Age: 4 – 6

Spring 2023 Dates: Weekly classes run March 8- April 28, 2023

Session options:
Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Fridays 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Cost (per 8-class package): $80 members | $96 non-members
Scholarships are available.

Kestrels Spring Dates: Weekly classes run March 9 – April 27

Kestrels is a weekly rain or shine outdoor drop-off program where we let nature and our imaginations be our guide as we play with and explore the natural world right outside the Aquarium doors.

Age: 7 – 10

Spring 2023 Dates: Weekly classes run March 9 – April 27

Session time: Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Cost (per 8-class package): $80 members | $96 non-members
Scholarships are available.

Questions? Contact Ahna Neil for more information at 218-740-2010 or aneil@glaquarium.org.