Homeschool/Family Programs

Cincinnati Nature Center offers a variety of programs at Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm & Trails designed specifically for homeschool families. Programs list age restrictions that have been developed due to the physical and mental demands of the program. Please note registration requirements for programs on event registration links. Programs are carefully designed for children who have reached specific developmental milestones. Please see Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions to assist you with decisions regarding the registration of your child/children for homeschool events.

Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register and pay for my child that is underage?

• Underage participants: All students ages 3 and up have to register and pay. If the program is age specific, we ask you to respect the age parameters.
• Underage observers: If you have a younger sibling (ages 3 and below) who will attend a program as an observer only, please do not register that child. We welcome younger siblings as observers under the care of a parent, but they may not participate in the program. Please be sure children who are not registered for the program are not a distraction to those attending the program. Please read the program description carefully to help you decide whether or not your younger child could observe the program without hindering the program.

As a parent, do I need to register myself for the program?

• Unless specified in the program description, parents need to register for programs at Cincinnati Nature Center. Exclusive Homeschool programs will only include pricing for children.  Parents/caregivers will not need to register for these programs but should attend with their child.

Do I need to stay with my child?

• Parents are mentors: Cincinnati Nature Center is all about empowering parents and other adults to help young people develop an interest in and passion for the natural world. For all homeschool programs at the Nature Center, parents are viewed as teachers and are asked to participate in the experience with their children. Many programs will be partially led by homeschool parents.
• Designated overseer: If a parent is unable to attend an event, the child may attend a program with an adult designated to oversee the experience of the child (for example: grandparent, another homeschool parent, etc.). We request that one adult oversee no more than six children.

May I arrive late for the program?

• Out of respect for other participants, we ask that you arrive before the listed program start time.

How do I register for Cincinnati Nature Center programs?

• A listing of current programs can be found below. All registrations for programs are taken online by registering using the link below or by registering using our online calendar on our website.

Program Listings for Homeschool Families

The following list includes our current homeschool offerings. If you are interested in a program that is full, please register for the waitlist. For sold out programs without a waitlist, you may contact our registrar at registrar@cincynature.org to request to be added to a waitlist.

To receive occasional updates and emails about homeschool and other family-focused programs at Cincinnati Nature Center, please CLICK HERE to be added to the Homeschool Program notification list.

Please click on the links below for details or to register:   

Maple Days for Scouts and Homeschoolers

Sunday, February 3, 3-4 pm - SOLD OUT
Sunday, February 10, Section A: 12:30-1:30 pm 
Sunday, February 10, Section B: 2-3 pm 
Sunday, February 10, Section C: 3:30-4:30 pm
Sunday, February 17, Section A: 12:30-1:30 pm 
Sunday, February 17, Section B: 2-3 pm 
Sunday, February 17, Section C: 3:30-4:30 pm

Explore the process of maple sugaring real trees at the Cincinnati Nature Center! A hike will be included so please dress for the weather.

$7/scout and $7/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.

Homeschool Maple Sugaring

Monday, February 18, 10 am-12 pm
Monday, February 18, 1:30-3:30 pm

Delve into the science and lore of turning sap into sweet maple syrup. This program includes a guided hike in the sugarbush, a look into the Native American origins of sugaring, and a visit to the Sugar House. Homeschool students will tap a tree with a hand drill, help with sugaring work, and sample warm maple syrup right off the evaporator. Recommended age range: 5 and up. Students ages 10 and up will have the option of joining a group specifically geared towards older students. Preregistration required. Member child $7; nonmember child $10 (includes daily admission).

Length of hike and terrain: Under one mile on fairly level paths. Snow/mud may make stroller usage difficult.

Cincinnati Nature Center offers amazing grounds where families and children can learn and discover the natural world. Our many Fun For All programs offer wonderful opportunities for homeschool families to grow in their knowledge while enjoying the beauty of nature. Please CLICK HERE to view our program offerings with a family focus. Homeschool families can also independently explore our grounds. CLICK HERE for more information about our great, self-guided opportunities.