Nature Preschool

Nature Preschool

ActivitiesGeneral InterestNature Preschool

A natural foundation for curiosity, cooperation, discovery, and future school success

This Wildwood Nature Center program infuses traditional readiness learning and preschool activities with an emphasis on the natural world and daily outdoor discovery. The curriculum incorporates the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards.

Registration Information

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year begins on Monday, March 9, 2026.

General Information

  • IMPORTANT: To register online, families must have an established account at the Park Ridge Park District. To create an account, please visit the Maine Park Leisure Center at least one week prior to the preschool registration date. Click here for more information. 
  • Some classes may be full due to advance registration for children currently enrolled in our Nature Preschool Program.
  • For Nature Preschool, a $100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. For Nature PlaySchool, a $50 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. Payment plans are available. If you need assistance, please call the front desk at 847-692-5127.
  • Children must be age appropriate by September 1, 2026.
  • All children must be completely toilet trained to participate.
  • Start date for the 2026-27 School Year is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Preschool Open House

Thursday, February 26, 2026
Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley Street

Prospective families interested in learning more about the Park Ridge Park District's Traditional and Nature Preschool Programs are invited to attend our Open House, from 10:00am-11:00am (parents only) or 5:30pm-7:00pm (families welcome).

Kids playing and learning with nature hands on activity
Preschool Program

Looking for a more traditional preschool setting? Check out our Maine Park preschool program.

Learn more

Have Questions?

Nature Preschool is a separate, but complementary program to the Park Ridge Park District's traditional Preschool. If you have any questions about Nature Preschool, Nature PlaySchool, or Lunch Bunch, please contact:

Molly Kowalski, Supervisor

224-585-4861 or mkowalski@prparks.org

Maggie Martin, Assistant Supervisor

224-585-4862 or mmartin@prparks.org

We Offer Full-Day Options!

Looking to have your child attend school from 9:00am-3:00pm? We have wonderful options to help build your child's day, including traditional play-based Preschool, Nature Preschool, and enrichment programs. All preschool programs are housed within the Maine Park campus. Our staff will take your child from class to class ensuring smooth transitions throughout the day.

2026-27 School Year Options

Programs

5160310 / Nature PlaySchool Fall 2026

Hike the trails around the pond, prairie, and woodland, draw in their journals, turn over logs to look for insects and worms, and get to know the animals at Wildwood all while developing lifelong learning skills in the classroom and outside. Nature PlaySchool rotates curriculum, exploring different seasonal topics each year and different curriculum each day. This allows your child to attend a unique program for multiple individual days and for two years. All children must be completely toilet trained to participate. Age is 3-4 years old as of September 1.

5160320 / Nature Preschool M/W/F - Fall 2026-Spring 2027

Wildwood's nature focused program for children ages 3-4 infuses traditional readiness learning and preschool activities with an emphasis on the natural world and daily outdoor discovery. The curriculum incorporates the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. In addition to their ABC’s and 123’s, preschoolers hike the trails around the pond, prairie, and woodland, draw in their journals, turn over logs to look for insects and worms, and get to know the animals at Wildwood all while developing lifelong learning skills in the classroom and outside. Nature Preschool rotates curriculum, exploring different seasonal topics. This allows your child to attend a unique program for two years. All children must be completely toilet trained to participate. Age is 3-4 years old as of September 1. 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.

5160330 / Nature Preschool Tu/Th - Fall 2026-Spring 2027

Wildwood's nature focused program for children ages 3-4 infuses traditional readiness learning and preschool activities with an emphasis on the natural world and daily outdoor discovery. The curriculum incorporates the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. In addition to their ABC’s and 123’s, preschoolers hike the trails around the pond, prairie, and woodland, draw in their journals, turn over logs to look for insects and worms, and get to know the animals at Wildwood all while developing lifelong learning skills in the classroom and outside. Nature Preschool rotates curriculum, exploring different seasonal topics. This allows your child to attend a unique program for two years. All children must be completely toilet trained to participate. Age is 3-4 years old as of September 1. 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.

5160340 / Lunch Bunch- Fall 2026

Extend your Preschool or PlaySchool day at Lunch Bunch. Bring your lunch then enjoy free play indoors and outdoors after your meal. Children are escorted to and from lunch and the Nature Preschool, Nature PlaySchoo, Maine Park Preschool, and Wildwood Early Childhood programs by staff. No class on days that Preschool or Playschool are not in session.

5160352 / Nature Preschool M-F - Fall 2026-Spring 2027

Wildwood's nature focused program for children ages 3-4 infuses traditional readiness learning and preschool activities with an emphasis on the natural world and daily outdoor discovery. The curriculum incorporates the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. In addition to their ABC’s and 123’s, preschoolers hike the trails around the pond, prairie, and woodland, draw in their journals, turn over logs to look for insects and worms, and get to know the animals at Wildwood all while developing lifelong learning skills in the classroom and outside. Nature Preschool rotates curriculum, exploring different seasonal topics. This allows your child to attend a unique program for two years. All children must be completely toilet trained to participate. Age is 3-4 years old as of September 1. 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.