CHildren & Families
Events
Worldwide Day of
Play
September 26 focused on nature-based play. Meet our most playful animals, join facilitated play in our woodland, visit our slime station, and enjoy all of our indoor and outdoor exhibits. Children and families are invited to participate in this event by purchasing admission tickets online or at the door. All activities are free with admission.
Free with admission
Lantern Fly
Resin
Art
Discover the hidden relationships between plants and insects while learning what makes a species invasive.
Then we’ll turn stewardship into art! Participants will use collected Spotted Lanternflies to create a unique resin jewelry piece, giving an invasive species a creative second life while learning how responsible management can help protect our native ecosystems.
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Check back often for upcoming special events. Meanwhile, check the calendar below for our regular schedule, and follow our social media for announcements and updates!
Programs
Little Naturalists
With activities like nature walks, meeting animals, stories, and crafts, we help kids and their care givers overcome fears of nature, while children and parents build friendships and learn outdoor skills they can continue to enjoy as a family.
Ages 3-6
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Thursdays 10:30am -12pm
Junior Stewards
A drop off program for children interested in wildlife, science, and the outdoors. Our growing children of nature gather and gain educational insight on the wonders of the natural world and how we as humans can be an important part of it.
Ages 6-12
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Thursdays 1:30 - 3pm
New Drop-In Programs
These activities are included in all admissions and memberships!
Wild Encounters
Get up close and personal with one or two of our animal ambassadors in these hands-on mini sessions. Each encounter is different - stop by to see who's visiting!
Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 2:30 pm
Saturdays & Sundays - 10:00 am
Animal Tales
Enjoy an animal or nature-themed story time followed by a special meet-and-greet with a live animal guest. Perfect for young learners or future animal lovers!
Fridays- 11:00 am & 2:30 pm
kids cooking classes
Kashia Diaz
Kashia is the Owner of KD Gastronomy Consulting LLC, which supports food pantries and food hubs by creating simple, healthy, and delicious meals to feed underserved populations.​
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She is the Founder of My City Kitchen a 501(c)(3) Public Charity Organization established in 2009, after graduating from Lincoln Culinary Institute and Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Costigliole d'Asti, Italy.​
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Currently, Kashia serves as Manager at Bridgeport Rescue Mission while running her own business. Previous work included Food Service Manager for the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport overseeing the Center for Food Equity + Economic Development program (FEED).​
Kashia sees the world through a food lens. Everything she does has food culture at its core.
Fit by Nature. Outdoor Wellness
Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 10 am-2 pm at the Hungerford Nature Center.​ 12 week sessions.​This is a drop off homeschool program for children ages 5-12 years.Mary engages students with a curriculum focused on nature education and physical and mental well being of self. The woods, fields, and ponds are her classroom. Students will spend most, if not all of their days outside.​​Fit by Nature programs fill quickly. Space is limited. Payment plans are available. ​
To Register contact Mary Cole: mary.cole2016@yahoo.com or 475-251-6754To learn more about Fit by Nature please visit the website Fit by Nature
Fit by Nature is a one-of-a-kind program run by Mary Cole, an experienced Connecticut State and Nature-Based Certified educator with over 25 years of experience working with children. Mary incorporates what she knows kids love! Nature-based games, science experiments, nature art, fitness activities, and more are included in each 12-week program! Fit by Nature is a multi-sensory, whole-body experience where kids are free to learn and play in a relaxed atmosphere!
