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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.

Wellness in the Parks with Nature’s Playhouse: Little Life Skills

Red Oaks Nature Center has partnered with Nature’s Playhouse of Ferndale to offer Wellness in the Parks programs, focused on children and their parents/caregivers. This one is Little Life Skills, for children ages 2-4. This interactive class uses puppets, story time and open play to teach toddlers a variety of essential life skills. From brushing teeth to putting on shoes, to learning how to share with others or embracing differences, each session will guide toddlers in exploring essential skills in a fun, interactive way. We’ll end our puppet show with a few stories that tie into the class theme, and wrap-up the class with open play. Cost is $25/per family (one parent/caregiver and one child) + $5/additional child. Preregistration with payment is required by calling 248-858-0916 or register online.

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