Early Childhood Programs

Join us for one of Warner's early childhood programs as we explore the natural world through hikes, art projects and story time. Warner offers a variety of programs for you and your child to choose from throughout the year.

Preschool: Explorers

The Warner Explorers preschool is an experiential learning program with an emphasis on outdoor exploration. It is a child drop off program designed for children ages 3-5 (children must be 3 by June 1, 2012 and be potty trained). Explorers will continue to be held on Monday mornings from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. The tuition for the program will remain the same as last year, $600 if paid in full. There is also a $50 registration fee due with your application - this slight increase reflects changes in administrative costs.

Explorers Calendar: September 17, 2012 - May 13, 2013
(No class held November 26, December 24, December 31, January 21, February 18, April 1)

Registration for this program is ongoing. To register, please contact Family Program Coordinator, Anne Cammack, at or (651) 433-2427 ext 10.

Early Childhood: Sprouts

New in 2012-2013
Beginning October 2012, Warner Nature Center will be offering a new early childhood program for you and your 2-5 year old. Warner Spouts is an adult-child class modeled after our current Acorn program and will include art, stories, songs, and outdoor exploration. The program will have three sessions and meet weekly on Tuesdays from 10:15 -11:15 a.m. In offering a session format, we are able to establish better relationships, explore topics in greater depth, and have a more stable routine for the kids. We are offering three different seasons to choose from—participants must sign up for the entire session (10 weeks in fall and spring and 5 weeks in winter). You can sign up for one or all three sessions. Early registration is recommended as we limit class size to ten children.

Registration for this program will begin August 13, 2012. Call (651) 433-2427 ext 10 to register.

Session 1: Fabulous Fall
September 25 - November 27, 2012
10 sessions for $100 total

Session 2: Winter Wonders
January 8 - February 5, 2013
5 sessions for $50 total

Session 3: Spectacular Spring
March 12 - May 14
10 sessions for $100 total

Early Childhood: Acorn Adventures

Introduce young children ages 1 to 4 to the natural world, while exploring at the nature center with a parent or guardian. Each program is organized around a monthly theme and emphasizes active learning through sensory experiences, movement activities, and dramatic play. Children create with art materials, enjoy simple stories and explore the great outdoors. Classes are offered once a month during the school year (with the exception of January) from 10:15-11:15 a.m. on Wednesday at Warner Nature Center.

Pre-registration is required: families sign up for Acorn Adventures for as many sessions as you would like. Cost is $10 per class or $80 to have a spot for all 8 programs. If minimum enrollment is not met, classes will be cancelled. If you miss two consecutive classes, you may lose your spot if there is a wait list. Each class incorporates outdoor and indoor activities in all types of weather. Wear casual clothing appropriate for the weather and hands-on activities.

Registration for this program will begin August 13, 2012. Call (651) 433-2427 ext 10 to register.

2012
Wednesday, September 19: Bugs, Slugs, and other Ughs!
Wednesday, October 17: Fall into Fall
Wednesday, November 21: Marvelous Mammals
Wednesday, December 19: Winter Brrrrds

2013
Wednesday, February 20: Let it Snow!
Wednesday, March 20: Track Attack
Wednesday, April 17: Just Swimmy
Wednesday, May 15: Singing Song Birds

Family Programs

Warner Nature Center's Family Programs are nature-based programs filled with fun and adventure for families with children ages 3 to 9. Programs include stories, songs, art projects, and hikes on our beautiful trails. These programs provide a great way to explore our diverse habitats in a small-group setting. Cost is $15 per family (families can be comprised of up to 2 adults and 6 children). Registration is required three days prior to the program.

Registration for these programs will begin August 13, 2012. Call (651) 433-2427 ext. 10 to register.

Nature Pirates
Saturday, October 20, 2012
10-11:30 a.m.
Ahoy Matey! Legend has it that there is a treasure hidden somewhere in the wilds of Warner. We need the help of your little pirates to brave the elements and search for the long lost treasure. Pirates will need to be ready for anything as we follow a map and search for clues! All are welcome to dress in weather appropriate pirate ware.

Tree Trimmings
Saturday, December 15, 2012
6-7:30 p.m.
Come out and enjoy a festive evening at the nature center. Using our own magnificent tree as a model we will create natural ornaments, learn about the evergreens of Minnesota, tell stories, go on a night snow shoe (we have shoes that fit most three year olds and up), and sip hot cocoa.

Making Tracks
Saturday, March 2, 2013
10-11:30 a.m.
A "Who Did It" mystery—Warner Nature Center style. Learn about the different signs animals leave behind while using your detective skills on a tracking adventure. Bring a light colored t-shirt to make a track print shirt to bring home.

Forest Fairies & Gnomes
Saturday, May 11, 2013
10-11:30 a.m.
Get ready for an enchanted nature adventure as we explore the delightful world of forest fairies and gnomes. We will create gnome and fairy houses, go on a magical treasure hunt, and tell captivating stories. Younger children may need adult assistance for some of the crafts and all are welcome to come in outdoor appropriate fairy attire.