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? 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.
October: Looking at Leaves & Fruits Friday 10/16/26
Program: 9:30AM - 10:30AM. Playgroup: 10:30AM - 11:30AM
When we think of our wild neighbors we often forget about plants! Fall is a special time when there are many types of leaves, colors of leaves, and an abundance of plant fruits.The diversity of colors, smells, and tastes is amazing. We’ll learn more about leaves, plant fruits, and why fall is a special time in the natural world here in Vermont. Be ready to investigate leaves, fruits, and more with all of your senses!
November: Lunch for a Black Bear Friday 11/13/26
Program: 9:30AM - 10:30AM. Playgroup: 10:30AM - 11:30AM
One of New England’s largest waddlers is the American black bear. Although often feared, these sizable mammals are intelligent, sneaky, beautiful, and aren’t picky eaters. What could a black bear’s lunch plate look like? How can we share our habitats safely with these two hundred pound omnivores? Come activate your inner bear as we learn about the life of black bears, explore black bear biofacts, snuggle up for a story reading, and make our own black bear lunch plate!
Playgroup Session:
If snow conditions allow, snow play is encouraged! Sledding, snowshoeing (snowshoes available for kids and adults!), snow fort building, and free play in the playscape will be available. The museum has a limited number of snowshoes and sleds. Feel free to bring your own!
December: Celebrating the Winter Solstice Friday 12/18/26
Program: 9:30AM - 10:30AM. Playgroup: 10:30AM - 11:30AM
As we near the Winter Solstice, this time of year presents us the opportunity to embrace the new season and changes. We’ll learn about the hows and whys of winter and explore the winter landscape. What better way to enjoy this chilly time of year than with a campfire? We’ll introduce campfire safety and start our own campfire! We’ll sing songs, read a story, and even do some campfire cooking.
Playgroup Session:
If snow conditions allow, snow play is encouraged! Sledding, snowshoeing (snowshoes available for kids and adults!), snow fort building, and free play in the playscape will be available. The museum has a limited number of snowshoes and sleds. Feel free to bring your own!
About 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.