Early Childhood Nature Programs
1160361 / Mayflies: Wildwood Mini Camp
Adventure awaits between the end of school and the start of camp! Join Wildwood Nature Preschool’s staff as we explore ponds, prairies, animals, and the amazing natural world at Wildwood. Children must be completely potty trained. No diapers, pull ups, or training pants. Registration opens January 26, at 10:00am.
To extend your day, please sign up for Mayflies: Lunch Bunch.
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.
4160101 / Wild Ones
Spark the natural curiosity in your “Wild One” as we take in the beauty of the natural world. Discover water, fish, flowers, and other surprises with a visit to the animal room, stories, songs, themed activities, and nature walks. Dress for a mess.
4160103 / Deep Sea Divers
Dive deep into the sea and discover ocean animals. Enjoy ocean themed crafts, activities, and stories as we learn about sea horses, manta rays, sea stars, and sharks. Visit Wildwood’s underwater critters and head outside for a hike each week. No class July 4.
4160202 / Science Kids
See the world through science goggles. Uncover the natural, physical and earth sciences with fun experiments, observations, games, crafts, and outdoor hikes. No class July 5.
4160210 / Party w/ the Animals
Dress in your favorite PJs and head over to Wildwood to spend some one-on-one time with our animal friends. Venture into the animal room to see them preparing for bedtime. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and activities as we discover what animals do at night.
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.
5160215 / Toddler Tree School
Does your toddler miss the cutoff for Nature Preschool or Nature Play School? Toddler Tree School is an introductory class for two and three year olds. Tots explore nature, learn, and grow through themed hikes, outdoor exploration, sensory activities, dramatic play, songs, stories, art, and visits to the animal room. The majority of the program takes place outside at the Wildwood Nature Center grounds in their outdoor gathering space and hiking, and their indoor classroom is located at Wildwood. Program is for children ages 2-3 as of September 1. No class November 24 and 26.
Registration for Fall 2025
Registration Dates
- March 3 - Resident Registration 7:30am online and 8:30am in person
- March 7 - Nonresident Registration 8:30am online and in person
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.