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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.

Free Entry Day - Restore in the Outdoors

  • Date: 05/04/2024 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM  

Celebrate the health and wellness opportunities Oakland County Parks has to offer during the free Restore in the Outdoors event May 4. During this special day, park entry is free and guests will have access to trails, dog parks, playgrounds and fishing spots at Addison Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Lyon Oaks Dog Park, Orion Oaks, Orion Oaks Dog Park, Red Oaks Dog Park and Rose Oaks. These parks are always free: Catalpa Oaks, Pontiac Oaks, Red Oaks Nature Center, Springfield Oaks and Waterford Oaks.

Meet The Bassquatch Hunter Mike McKinstry during Fishing 101 at Pontiac Oaks County Park. The award-winning Discovery Channel personality will host a free hands-on workshop from 10 a.m.-noon.

In addition, free Restore in the Outdoors programming will be offered, including bird hikes led by a parks naturalist from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. and Forest Bathing from 1-2:30 p.m. at Red Oaks Nature Center and bird hikes led by a parks naturalist, a Happy Little Rocks arts & crafts station, fishing at the pier with equipment available for patron use and Beginner Vinyasa Flow Yoga from 10:15-11 a.m. and Yin Meditation from 11:15 a.m.-noon, both led by Studio 8 Fitness, at Pontiac Oaks County Park.

Bring the whole family to try a new activity or just enjoy a relaxing day in a soothing, natural setting. For questions or to preregister for the free programming, call 248-858-0916. For more information, view the Restore in the Outdoors Flyer.

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