Things to Do

For Kids and Teens

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For Kids & Teens

The following programs are designed to meet the needs of school-age children in a safe outdoor setting. All programs require preregistration and follow Cincinnati Nature Center's COVID Program Safety Protocol. Please register online well in advance of the class start date to ensure placement.

As of March 3, 2021, masks are no longer required indoors or outdoors. Children and adults may wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal levels of risk. 

Click on the program dates for pricing, registration information, and full descriptions.

CLICK HERE to view and sign up for Children's Saturday Programs. 

CLICK HERE to view the Events & Programs Calendar.

CLICK HERE to sign up and be notified for various upcoming programs.

Two white toddlers flip through a picture book outside.

Preschool Storytime in the Nature PlayScape   

Tuesdays, June 7-August 2, 10-10:30 am  — No registration needed. This is a drop-in program.

Join us for a unique, outdoor storytime in the Nature PlayScape. Our story expert will read nature-themed books and offer a special craft. Each week is a new nature topic. Perfect for ages 2-5 with an adult caregiver. No registration necessary for this drop-in program.  Members free; nonmembers pay daily admission at the gate. 

A whit hand reaches up under a glowing firefly flying

Goodnight Fireflies!  

Enjoy a summer evening storytime for families outside! After we read our books, we’ll go for a short evening stroll and discover the fireflies that like to come out early to begin their light show. Good for early elementary-aged children (ages 4-9) with an adult caregiver. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission).  

A young girl throws a mudball up into the air.

Mud Ball Throwing in the Nature PlayScape 

Wednesday, June 29, 6-7:30 pm  — No registration necessary. This is a drop-in program.

Celebrate National Mud Day with an evening of muddy fun! Join us to take the cornhole toss game to a whole new level. We’ll make our own mud balls and try our hand at throwing them at targets located throughout the Nature PlayScape. Be prepared to get seriously muddy! Perfect for families with children of all ages. No registration necessary for this drop-in program.  Members free; nonmembers pay daily admission at the gate.

A young child in shorts, a t-shirt, and a ball cap smiles at the camera with their hands clasped at their chest as they stand in a stream.

Wild With My Child: Drip Drop Drizzle Pop 

During this meander-at-your-own-pace program, young children and their caregivers will explore “all things water.” Visit naturalists along a short trail for play-based nature discovery. Ideal for children ages 1-4 with an adult caregiver. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmember adult $11, nonmember child $7 (includes daily admission).

A photo of the back of a child's head wearing a crown made of dandelions

Nature Royalty Crafts 

Transform into the ruler of a natural kingdom by creating a scepter and crown adorned with gathered treasures fit for royalty! Ideal for ages 5 and up with an adult caregiver. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmember adult $12 and nonmember child $10 (includes daily admission). 

An image of feathers on solar print paper

Sun Paper Art  

Hunt for special nature objects in the Nature PlayScape and then make a unique print of your findings using solar print paper. Prints are free to make and take! Perfect for families with kids of all ages. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmember adult $12 and nonmember child $10 (includes daily admission).