Early Childhood Nature Programs
1160101 / Wild Ones
Spark the natural curiosity in your “Wild One” as we take in the beauty of the natural world. Discover snow, ice, fur and other winter wonders with free play, outdoor nature walks, crafts, songs, themed activities, and visits to the animals each week. Dress for a mess.
No Class February 17.
1160107 / Safari Stories
Head out on a safari adventure and search for creatures big, tall, and small that live on the other side of the world. Listen to an animal tale, create a craft, and enjoy safari animal inspired activities. We also greet the Wildwood animals each week, and venture outdoors on a short nature walk (weather permitting). WPC
1160201 / Nature Friends
Priority registration begins November 17th and participants will have received an email with further information. Registration for new students begins December 8.
Experience the wonders of animals, plants, and the outdoors with fun games, crafts, experiments, and activities. We're all about hands-on learning and discovery, and we venture outside every day. Different topics each season. No class March 27 or April 3
1160202 / Science Kids
Priority registration begins November 17th and participants will have received an email with further information. Registration for new students begins December 8.
See the world through science goggles. Uncover the natural, physical and earth sciences with fun experiments, observations, games, crafts, and outdoor hikes. Different topics presented each season.
No class on Jan 19, Feb 16, or Mar 23.
1160206 / Wild Child
Priority registration begins November 17th and participants will have received an email with further information. Registration for new students begins December 8.
Preschool explorers get ready for outdoor adventure! Wild Child’s kid crew will create their own adventures around Wildwood’s pond, prairie, and woodland paths, and extend the exploration inside the classroom. No class March 25.
1160212 / Nature's Two-Riffic
Find out just how terrific nature is as you prepare for preschool! Discover animals, nature, and seasonal topics through songs, art, activities, games, stories, and walks outside at Wildwood.
1160215 / Toddler Tree School - Winter/Spring
Does your toddler miss the cutoff for Nature Preschool or Nature PlaySchool? Toddler Tree School is an introductory class for two and three year olds. Tots explore nature through hikes, outdoor exploration, sensory activities, dramatic play, songs, stories and art. No class March 24 or 26.
Priority Registration for students currently enrolled in the Fall session from Nov 17-Dec 7. New registration begins Monday, December 8th for residents and December 12th for nonresidents. Payment plan option available until December 14.
1160342 / Preschool After Care
Preschool After Care extends your preschooler’s day by an additional 1.5 hours. Classes are held at the Maine Park Leisure Center. We look forward to a WILDLY fun time!
Class must meet a minimum of 5 students per day in order to run. Classes subject to be cancelled prior to the start of the semester.
1160362 / Mayflies: Lunch Bunch
Extend your preschoolers day with Mayflies Lunch Bunch! Bring your peanut/tree nut free lunch then enjoy free play indoors and outdoors after your meal. Children are escorted to and from lunch and Mayflies or MayDay programs by staff. Registration opens January 26 at 10:00am.
2160101 / Wild Ones
Spark the natural curiosity in your “Wild One” as we take in the beauty of the natural world. Discover water, frogs, worms, and other spring-time wonders with free play, outdoor nature walks, crafts, songs, themed activities, and visits to the animals each week. Dress for a mess.
2160103 / Swamp Snoopers
Snoop around Wildwood in search of swampy, water dwelling creatures. Visit our animal friends, learn about the creature of the day, make a craft, read a story featuring our water critter, enjoy hands on activities, and explore on a nature walk each week. WNC
2160201 / Nature Friends
Experience the wonders of animals, plants, and the outdoors with fun games, crafts, experiments, and activities. We're all about hands-on learning and discovery, and we venture outside every day. Different topics each season.
2160202 / Science Kids
Experience the wonders of animals, plants, and the outdoors with fun games, crafts, experiments, and activities. We're all about hands-on learning and discovery, and we venture outside every day. Different topics each season.
2160206 / Wild Child
Experience the wonders of animals, plants, and the outdoors with fun games, crafts, experiments, and activities. We're all about hands-on learning and discovery, and we venture outside every day. Different topics each season.
2160212 / Nature's Two-Riffic
Find out just how terrific nature is as you prepare for preschool! Discover animals, nature, and seasonal topics through songs, art, activities, games, stories, and walks outside at Wildwood.
5160201 / Nature Friends
Experience the wonders of animals, plants, and the outdoors with fun games, crafts, experiments, and activities. We are all about hands-on learning and discovery and venture outside for nature hikes. Different topics each session.
No class Oct 12 or Nov 23.
Registration for Fall 2026
When you register you can select to pay in full or select the payment plan option. If you choose the payment plan option, it will show a current charge of $1R/$5NR for each section, and they remaining fee is split into 4 equal payments on 8/15, 9/15, 10/15, and 11/15.
Priority Registration for current students is from February 9-March 8. Open registration for new students begins March 9 at noon.
Registration for the program is online. If you have never registered for a Park District program, you will need to set up your Household account with the Park Ridge Park District to create an account. Please reach out to the Registration Office at 847-692-5127 for more information about setting up an account.
5160202 / Science Kids
See the world through science goggles. Each session features a different scientific topic, and each week dives deeper into that topic through fun experiments, observations, games, crafts, and outdoor hikes. Please send you child with a peanut/tree nut free snack and reusable water bottle. No class Nov 27
Registration for Fall 2026
When you register you can select to pay in full or select the payment plan option. If you choose the payment plan option, it will show a current charge of $1R/$5NR for each section, and they remaining fee is split into 4 equal payments on 8/15, 9/15, 10/15, and 11/15.
Priority Registration for current students is from February 9-March 8. Open registration for new students begins March 9 at noon.
Registration for the program is online. If you have never registered for a Park District program, you will need to set up your Household account with the Park Ridge Park District to create an account. Please reach out to the Registration Office at 847-692-5127 for more information about setting up an account.
5160206 / Wild Child
Preschool explorers get ready for outdoor adventure! Wild Child’s kid crew will create their own adventures around Wildwood’s pond, prairie, and woodland paths, and extend the exploration inside the classroom. No class Nov 25
Registration for Fall 2026
When you register you can select to pay in full or select the payment plan option. If you choose the payment plan option, it will show a current charge of $1R/$5NR for each section, and they remaining fee is split into 4 equal payments on 8/15, 9/15, 10/15, and 11/15.
Priority Registration for current students is from February 9-March 8. Open registration for new students begins March 9 at noon.
Registration for the program is online. If you have never registered for a Park District program, you will need to set up your Household account with the Park Ridge Park District to create an account. Please reach out to the Registration Office at 847-692-5127 for more information about setting up an account.