Parent/Child Nature Discovery Programs
Spring 2026 | Nature Discovery Series for 3-5 year olds (Adult/Child)
Sky Explorers: The Great Bird Adventure
with Chrissy Larson
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
All sessions 9:30-11:30 AM
Fee per child/adult pair:
Tier A-$190 | Tier B-$166 | Tier C-$141 | Further Financial Assistance (limited)
Alternating Weeks on Fridays
Please note: no classes scheduled on 4/24 or 5/22.
Spring Sessions: 3/6, 3/20, 4/3, 4/17, 5/8, 5/29
Limited to 12 children. Limit of 2 preK children per adult. Each preK student must register. Siblings under 3 are free.
Grab your wings and join the Sky Explorers on a magical adventure! From clever crows to soaring hawks, each class uncovers the wonders of a different New England bird — how they fly, hunt, and play. Children will learn about bird families, their homes, and all the amazing ways they move, eat, and communicate. This program encourages learning through exploration, movement, songs, stories, and crafts. An adult caregiver must attend with the child.
Please note: Nature Discovery classes typically start indoors with table activities and circle time, followed by an outdoor adventure that includes hands-on activities and a story.
Also, Check out our Little Bear Nature Walks for Preschoolers!
With Chrissy Larson
Ages 0-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
Come along on a Little Bear Nature Walk! Little Bear Nature Walks are a way for toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers to explore nature in an age-appropriate way. While on the walk, children borrow a backpack filled with simple tools for exploring. Nature educators guide children in small groups and explore plants, animals, rocks, and soil.
Fall 2026 | Nature Discovery Series for 3-5 year olds (Adult/Child)
Marvelous Mammals!
with Chrissy Larson
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
Fridays, 9:30-11:30 AM
Alternating Weeks (activities are the same for Group A and Group B):
Group A Sessions: 9/11, 9/25, 10/9, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20
OR
Group B Sessions: 9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13, 12/4
All Sessions: 9:30-11:30 AM
Fee per child/adult pair: Tier A-$199 | Tier B-$166 | Tier C-$141
Limited to 12 children. Limit of 2 preK children per adult. Each preK student must register. Siblings under 3 are free.
The mammals of Massachusetts are an interesting bunch! Every fall they spend time readying their homes and bodies to survive the winter. Be it a timid mouse or a sly fox, each class teaches the traits of a different New England mammal — their habits, their adaptations, and how they survive. Children will learn about the characteristics of mammals in general and focus on six common species that are sometimes overlooked. This program encourages learning through exploration, movement, songs, stories, and crafts. An adult caregiver must attend with the child.
Please note: Nature Discovery classes start indoors with table activities and circle time, followed by an outdoor adventure that includes hands-on activities and a story.
Registration for Fall children & family programs opens June 10!
Fees
Out of a strong commitment to improve access to our programs we are now offering a sliding scale fee structure aimed to provide greater flexibility in choosing a price that is right for you and your family.
- Tier A: The fee is set higher than what it costs to run the program and helps to support those who cannot afford the full cost of the program.
- Tier B: The fee is set to cover 100% of the program costs.
- Tier C: The fee is set less than what it costs to run the program.
- Some additional financial aid is available to help make this program accessible. Please complete the form, or contact Barb or Shelly at 413-256-6006 for more information. This option is available for EBT, WIC, and Connector Care participants, that is, households receiving benefits through the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and the Massachusetts Health Connector.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy for Hitchcock’s seasonal programs: You may cancel your registration for any of our programs up to a week prior to the program’s start date to receive a refund minus a 10% administrative fee. If you cancel within 7 days or less of the program’s start date, we cannot offer a refund unless we are able to fill your spot in the program.
COVID-19 Safety
As per the State of Massachusetts guidelines, if you have symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as a fever, sore throat, cough or a runny or stuffy nose, you should stay home. If you have been exposed to someone with a virus we ask that you please wear a mask and wash hands often to protect others.
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