Mighty Acorns Preschool Educational Programs
The program sessions offer creative, open-ended, exploratory programs developed for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers. Our goal is to foster an early love of the natural world and an eagerness to explore and have fun outside! Additionally, these sessions provide a great introduction to the learning environment we cultivate for our Wee Explorers camp experiences, our entry-level camp experience for kids ages 4 & 5.
Program sessions will be held monthly from October - December and February - June. Programs occur outdoors as much as possible. We invite young adventurers to explore the natural world through interactive and hands-on lessons, activities, outdoor adventures, and play. This program is held at The Nature Museum and typically involves exploring and learning in nearby-nature that include forest, meadow, pond, river, the Magic Forest Playscape, and our native plant garden.
Although these sessions are developed for students ages 3-6, older students are welcome if interested. Accompanying siblings/children under the age of 3 are also welcome and free with the registration of a primary child.
Program sessions, 9:30-10:30, one Friday per month
Drop-ins are welcome, but registration is strongly encouraged.
Cost: $20 per singular session; $15 for 3 or more sessions.
Is cost or access a barrier to your participation? We may be able to help. Please email jay@nature-museum.org.
Playgroup sessions, 10:30-11:30, same day
Drop-in welcome. No registration required.
Cost: Free for day-of program session participants. By donation for drop-ins.
Fall 2025 Mighty Acorn Sessions
October: Leaves of Change
Friday 10/10/25
Program: 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Playgroup: 10:30AM - 11:30AM
It’s a wonder to experience the seasons and their changes. Fall is a special time of change here in Vermont. There are so many new colors, smells, and even tastes! We’ll learn more about why fall is a special time in the natural world and focus on one of the most vibrant changes we see in the fall, colorful leaves! Be ready to investigate fall leaves, sing, and visit some colorful trees.
November: Forest Fun
Friday 11/07/25
Program: 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Playgroup: 10:30AM - 11:30AM
The forest is calling! With autumn chills turning into the first winter winds, the forest has another new look and feel than even just a month ago! We’ll experience the forest through testing some of our senses while hiking and engaging in other fun exploration activities along the way. We’ll get creative, tinker, fort-build, and immerse ourselves in the forest experience.
December: Animal Homes
Friday 12/05/25
Program: 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Playgroup: 10:30AM - 11:30AM
Shelter is a necessity of all of our wildlife neighbors, big and small! From treetop nests to dugout dens and blankets of leaves to tiny tunnels in logs, essential animal homes come in all shapes and sizes. We’ll investigate a variety of animal homes through hands-on investigation and head out on a hiking adventure to search for nearby animal homes.
Mighty Acorns Playgroups
Playgroup sessions will be immediately after program sessions on the same day.
There is no cost if registered for the educational program on that morning. If attending just the playgroup, the cost is by donation. Suggested museum admission donation: $5 per person or $15 per family.
Mighty Acorns Preschool Club: Playgroup Sessions offer a welcoming environment for structured and unstructured nature-based free-play, and a space for connecting with others kids, caregivers, and families. A skilled Environmental Educator will be present to continue curious learning after the program through additional activities, and help foster play through the museum’s great learning resources, indoor spaces, and outdoor spaces. Our goal: To foster an early love of the natural world and eagerness to explore and have fun, especially outside! Playgroup sessions will occur after each program. Participants will be free to explore inside the museum, the Chapman Meadow, the Magic Forest Playscape, and the nearby Grafton Village Park.