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Early Childhood Programs

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Register for Early Childhood Programs online

Every day is an adventure with Oakland County Parks' new Early Childhood Programs. Choose from two options: Tiny Twigs, for ages 2-6 with a caregiver, or Little Acorns, for ages 3-5, designed with a drop-off and pick-up format. Both are offered as a series, with three sessions available in fall, winter and spring.

Tiny Twigs

Red Oaks Nature Center and Wint Nature Center

Young explorers lead the way, discovering nature through curiosity, movement and hands-on play. With their caregivers, early learners are encouraged to splash through puddles, search for tiny creatures, collect treasures and build confidence and connection through outdoor exploration. There's a different theme each week. Participants must register for the entire series.

  • Children attend with a caregiver 
  • Dates/Time: Fridays, Oct. 9-Dec. 4 from 10- 11 a.m. (no class on Nov. 27)
  • This is the fall session. Winter and spring sessions will also be offered
  • Cost: $80/child/series (caregiver is free)

Little Acorns

Red Oaks Nature Center and Wint Nature Center

Children will explore new themes each week through discovery, hikes and hands-on exploration. Their confidence and curiosity will build with a deeper connection to nature.

  • Children are dropped off and picked up, attending class independently 
  • Participants must be fully potty trained
  • Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Oct. 6-Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-noon (no class Nov. 24)
  • This is the fall session. Winter and spring sessions will also be offered
  • Cost: $96/child/series

Additional Program Information

Programs take place rain or shine. Dress for the weather as portions of the program may be outdoors.

These items are highly encouraged:

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Clothing that can get messy
  • Refillable water bottle

Recommended but optional items:

  • Sunscreen and bug spray during warmer months
  • Coat, hat and gloves
  • Snack

View the Fall Early Childhood Nature Education Series brochure

How to Register

Preregistration for the whole series is required for the Tiny Twigs and Little Acorns programs. Caregivers will receive an email a few weeks prior to the start of the program with additional details about weekly themes. Register online anytime.

Register Online

Other ways to register

Call 248-858-0916 during business hours to register and pay by phone. VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted.

Register in person at the Red Oaks or Wint nature centers or at the parks office, 2800 Watkins Lake Road in Waterford during regular business hours. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Please call Red Oaks Nature Center at 248-585-0100 or Wint Nature Center at 248-625-6473 for more information about American Sign Language interpreters and other accommodations.

Stewardship Days

Help create healthier habitats for Oakland County Parks

Help restore park land and understory for native spring flowers during Stewardship Day from 10 a.m.-noon April 23 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston. The focus will be hand pulling garlic mustard and motherwort. Join Natural Resources staff to learn what to look for and how to assist with efforts to pull the invasive garlic mustard and other invasive species in our parks.

You'll gain hands-on experience working on invasive species and habitat improvements while learning more about what OCCISMA and Oakland County Parks does to restore natural communities, why we manage invasive species, how we work to prevent future invasives and what we can do to reduce their impacts.

Other Stewardship Days are scheduled as follows:

  • April 29 from 10 a.m.-noon at Lyon Oaks County Park in Wixom. The focus will be pulling garlic mustard.
  • May 13 from 10 a.m.-noon at Waterford Oaks County Park. The focus will be pulling garlic mustard.
  • May 27 from 10 a.m.-noon at Oak Park Woods in Oak Park. The focus will be pulling woody winter creeper and garlic mustard.
  • June 2 from 10 a.m.-noon at Turtle Woods in Troy. The focus will be brush clearing and pulling periwinkle and garlic mustard.
  • June 16 from 10 a.m.-noon at Oak Park Woods in Oak Park. The focus will be pulling woody winter creeper.

Please register online so organizers know how many volunteers to expect. Email Patrick Canniff at canniffp@oakgov.com with any questions about the events.

Details:

  • Participants should expect to be off-trail on uneven ground
  • Dress appropriately for the weather
  • Bring a water bottle and boots/shoes that you don't mind getting muddy

Register Today!

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