Pre-K Explorers 2025-2026
2025-09-18 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
**NEW**for our pre-k audience this fall. This new weekly drop-off program gives your junior naturalist (ages 3.5-5) the opportunity to explore, create, and play all while making new friends and enjoying nature.

Pre-K Explorers takes place on Thursday mornings, 8:30-10:30am, beginning Sept. 18th. The cost is $750 per 12-week semester running Sept 18-Dec 11 and/or Feb 5 – April 30. Members receive a $50 discount per semester. Financial aid is available.

Fall Semester: 9/18/25-12/11/25 (no class on 11/27/25)
Spring Semester: 2/5/26-4/30/26 (no class on 4/9/26)

Review the Guide: Pre-K Explorers Family Guide_2025.docx

REGISTER: Pre-K Explorers Registration

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Pre-K Explorers: Drop-In
2025-09-25 08:30 - 22:30
Pre-K Explorers: Drop-In meets once a month on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. This program is for children ages 3.5-5. Children must have turned 3 by June 1, 2025 to enroll. This is a drop-off program, so we’ll be asking adults to leave after meeting the instructor with your child. (And thank you in advance for taking the time to fill in the paperwork that will allow us to best care for your child!).
Each month brings a new, seasonal, theme full of outdoor exploration and play. Register for as many drop-in programs as you’d like!
Members: $35/program (Use code: “Member10” for $10 off per program)
Non-Members: $45/program
8:30-10:30AM
Session 1: September 25, 2025
Session 2: October 16, 2025
Session 3: November 6, 2025
Session 4: December 4, 2025
Session 5: January 8, 2026
REGISTER: https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers-drop-in/3118643
Please note – there are TWO variations of Pre-K Explorers. This is the “drop-in” version where families are encouraged to register for a few programs to try it out. Launching in 2026, you’ll see our “semester” set that will meet weekly throughout the year. Contact us with questions.

AutumnFest 2025
2025-10-04 15:00 - 19:00
Saturday, 10.4 | 3–7PM | Nature Center
Join us for a magical evening in the forest celebrating the beauty of nature this fall season! This magical evening in the forest will be held, rain or shine. Activities for all ages and abilities. Food trucks, libation stations, and vendors will have items available for purchase. Costumes welcomed and encouraged!
Ticketed or paid activities: decorate a magic pumpkin, climb the enchanted beanstalk (tree climbing)*, fun face painting and glitter tattoos, concoct s’mores, make whimsical nature crafts, feast on fairy food at food trucks or grab witches brew at libation stations.
Free activities: DJ games and costume parade, story time and making with Shaker Library, and a spooktacular evening hike.
*First come first served. Weight restrictions apply. Best for children approximately 4–7 years.

Pre-K Explorers Drop-In
2025-11-06 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-K Explorers: Drop-In meets once a month on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. This program is for children ages 3.5-5. Children must have turned 3 by June 1, 2025 to enroll. This is a drop-off program, so we’ll be asking adults to leave after meeting the instructor with your child. (And thank you in advance for taking the time to fill in the paperwork that will allow us to best care for your child!).
Each month brings a new, seasonal, theme full of outdoor exploration and play. Register for as many drop-in programs as you’d like!
Members: $35/program (Use code: “Member10” for $10 off per program)
Non-Members: $45/program
Session 3: November 6, 2025
Session 4: December 4, 2025
Session 5: January 8, 2026
https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers-drop-in/3118643

Pre-K Explorers Drop-In
2025-12-04 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-K Explorers: Drop-In meets once a month on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. This program is for children ages 3.5-5. Children must have turned 3 by June 1, 2025 to enroll. This is a drop-off program, so we’ll be asking adults to leave after meeting the instructor with your child. (And thank you in advance for taking the time to fill in the paperwork that will allow us to best care for your child!).
Each month brings a new, seasonal, theme full of outdoor exploration and play. Register for as many drop-in programs as you’d like!
Members: $35/program (Use code: “Member10” for $10 off per program)
Non-Members: $45/program
Session 4: December 4, 2025
Session 5: January 8, 2026
https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers-drop-in/3118643

Winter Solstice Luminary Walk & Holiday Market
2025-12-12 17:30
Winter Solstice Luminary Walk & Holiday Market
Friday, December 12 | 5:30–8:30PM | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Celebrate nature and the beginning of winter!
All are invited to take a stroll on the illuminated All Peoples’ Trail boardwalk, which is ADA-accessible. Keep warm at a bonfire, or in the heated pavilion where there will be warm alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for sale. Join us inside at our nature-inspired Holiday Market and Duck Pond Gift Shop. Donations welcome. Market items, food, and beverage available for purchase.
A sensory-friendly room will be available on the second floor of the Nature Center building for anyone who needs a calm place to get away from the noise. Sensory bags are available upon request from the front desk.
Support our sustainable efforts!
We are collecting large glass marinara and sauce jars for luminaries. Please clean well and remove labels before donating to the Welcome Desk. After the Luminary Walk, they will be recycled.
BECOME A VENDOR

Pre-K Explorers Drop-In
2026-01-08 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-K Explorers: Drop-In meets once a month on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. This program is for children ages 3.5-5. Children must have turned 3 by June 1, 2025 to enroll. This is a drop-off program, so we’ll be asking adults to leave after meeting the instructor with your child. (And thank you in advance for taking the time to fill in the paperwork that will allow us to best care for your child!).
Each month brings a new, seasonal, theme full of outdoor exploration and play. Register for as many drop-in programs as you’d like!
Members: $35/program (Use code: “Member10” for $10 off per program)
Non-Members: $45/program
Session 5: January 8, 2026
https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers-drop-in/3118643

Pre-K Explorers 2025-2026
2026-02-05 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-K Explorers
Pre-K Explorers is for children ages 3.5-5. We meet once a week on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. Children must be fully bathroom independent.
Register for one or multiple semesters. Each semester includes 12 classes.
2026 Spring Semester: 2/5/26-4/30/26 (no class on 4/9/26)
2026 Fall Semester: 9/17/26-12/10/26 (no class on 11/26/26)
2027 Spring Semester: 2/4/27-4/29/27 (no class on 4/1/27)
Members – Use code, “Explore50” to receive $50 off EACH semester you register for.
https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers/3108983
Calling all families with young explorers!
Register your 3.5-5 year old in Pre-K Explorers. This once-a-week program adds outdoor exploration to your existing childcare or preschool routine. It can also be used to give your young explorer practice with classroom behaviors before starting a formal Pre-K program.
Each, 12-week, semester provides weekly opportunities for your Pre-K Explorer to engage with age-appropriate content through observation, exploration, and play. They might look for different colors on a nature hike, count acorns in the forest, or compare the size of different leaves before heading inside to model their own creation based on the day’s theme. Our educators create safe spaces where children become comfortable asking questions, sharing their ideas with others, and trying new things.
The group of students and the lead NCSL educator are consistent throughout the entire semester, allowing your Pre-K explorer to practice the soft skills needed for any group environment.
Q: Does NCSL offer a licensed Nature Preschool program?
A: No. The Pre-K Explorers Program meets too infrequently to qualify for the registration process through the state of Ohio. However, we do have a state and ACA certified day camp and apply those same safety standards and educator expectations.
See our Family Starter Guide for more details on program procedures.
Q: What will my Pre-K Explorer learn?
A: Each week offers a different nature theme like bugs, birds, or the night sky. While the activities, games or stories will be anchored to the theme, student outcome goals center on the Ohio Department of Education’s standards for building inquiry skills and social emotional learning. Your Pre-K explorer will be making observations, communicating ideas, and practicing working with others.
See our Family Starter Guide for more details on program goals.
Q: What can we expect for weekly logistics?
A: Each week has a unique theme, but the structure of the day and the people in the group stay consistent from week to week.
Sample Schedule:

8:30am: Arrive

8:30-9:00: Free Play

9:00-9:15 Circle Time

9:15-9:30 Animal Share or Game

9:30-10:15 Outdoor Exploration/Hike

10:15 -10:30 – Craft or Experiment

See our Family Starter Guide for more details on program logistics.

Still have Questions?
No problem! Please reach out to our Director of Education, Erica Prange. She can answer your logistic questions or connect you with the lead educator for the semester you’re interested in.
Contact Erica by email at prange@shakerlakes.org or phone 216.321.5935 ext.243

Ready to Register?
Pre-K Explorers is for children ages 3.5-5. We meet once a week on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. Children must be fully bathroom independent.
Register for one or multiple semesters. Each semester includes 12 classes.
2026 Spring Semester: 2/5/26-4/30/26 (no class on 4/9/26)
2026 Fall Semester: 9/17/26-12/10/26 (no class on 11/26/26)
2027 Spring Semester: 2/4/27-4/29/27 (no class on 4/1/27)
Members – Use code, “Explore50” to receive $50 off EACH semester you register for.
REGISTER: https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers/3108983

Pre-K Explorers
2026-02-05 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-K Explorers
Pre-K Explorers is for children ages 3.5-5. We meet once a week on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. Children must be fully bathroom independent.
Register for one or multiple semesters. Each semester includes 12 classes.
2026 Spring Semester: 2/5/26-4/30/26 (no class on 4/9/26)
2026 Fall Semester: 9/17/26-12/10/26 (no class on 11/26/26)
2027 Spring Semester: 2/4/27-4/29/27 (no class on 4/1/27)
Members – Use code, “Explore50” to receive $50 off EACH semester you register for.
REGISTER: https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers/3108983

Calling all families with young explorers!
Register your 3.5-5 year old in Pre-K Explorers. This once-a-week program adds outdoor exploration to your existing childcare or preschool routine. It can also be used to give your young explorer practice with classroom behaviors before starting a formal Pre-K program.
Each, 12-week, semester provides weekly opportunities for your Pre-K Explorer to engage with age-appropriate content through observation, exploration, and play. They might look for different colors on a nature hike, count acorns in the forest, or compare the size of different leaves before heading inside to model their own creation based on the day’s theme. Our educators create safe spaces where children become comfortable asking questions, sharing their ideas with others, and trying new things.
The group of students and the lead NCSL educator are consistent throughout the entire semester, allowing your Pre-K explorer to practice the soft skills needed for any group environment.

Q: Does NCSL offer a licensed Nature Preschool program?
A: No. The Pre-K Explorers Program meets too infrequently to qualify for the registration process through the state of Ohio. However, we do have a state and ACA certified day camp we run each summer and apply those same safety standards and educator expectations.
See our Family Starter Guide for more details on program procedures.

Q: What will my Pre-K Explorer learn?
A: Each week offers a different nature theme like bugs, birds, or the night sky. While the activities, games or stories will be anchored to the theme, student outcome goals center on the Ohio Department of Education’s standards for building inquiry skills and social emotional learning. Your Pre-K explorer will be making observations, communicating ideas, and practicing working with others.
See our Family Starter Guide for more details on program goals.
Q: What can we expect for weekly logistics?
A: Each week has a unique theme, but the structure of the day and the people in the group stay consistent from week to week.
Sample Schedule:

8:30am: Arrive

8:30-9:00: Free Play

9:00-9:15 Circle Time

9:15-9:30 Animal Share or Game

9:30-10:15 Outdoor Exploration/Hike

10:15 -10:30 – Craft or Experiment

See our Family Starter Guide for more details on program logistics.
Still have Questions?
No problem! Please reach out to our Director of Education, Erica Prange. She can answer your logistic questions or connect you with the lead educator for the semester you’re interested in.
Contact Erica by email at prange@shakerlakes.org or phone 216.321.5935 ext.243
Ready to Register?
Pre-K Explorers is for children ages 3.5-5. We meet once a week on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. Children must be fully bathroom independent.
Register for one or multiple semesters. Each semester includes 12 classes.
2026 Spring Semester: 2/5/26-4/30/26 (no class on 4/9/26)
2026 Fall Semester: 9/17/26-12/10/26 (no class on 11/26/26)
2027 Spring Semester: 2/4/27-4/29/27 (no class on 4/1/27)
Members – Use code, “Explore50” to receive $50 off EACH semester you register for.
REGISTER: https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers/3108983

Pre-K Explorers Family Guide_2026

Starry Night Pajama Party
2026-02-28 16:00 - 18:00
JUNIOR NATURALIST
STARRY NIGHT PAJAMA PARTY
Saturday, February 28 | 4-6 PM
Join the Nature Center and Terri Stefanko from Light the Wild for a star-studded story time and pajama party! Kids will cozy up with hot cocoa and popcorn as they read from A Friend Made of Stars and craft their own star friend. Best for children aged 5-10. Registration required. $15 per child under 13, $10 for members, adults free.
Registration link: https://givebutter.com/pajama-party-2026

Junior Naturalist: Compost Conquest
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00
JUNIOR NATURALIST
COMPOST CONQUEST: in Partnership with RustBelt Riders
Saturday, April 11 | 10AM-12 PM
Join the Nature Center and our friends at RustBelt Riders for an informative session that introduces students to the core concepts of composting through discussion and hands-on activity. We will delve into the challenges of resource conservation and waste management by learning the science of composting while exploring the role of microorganisms and the benefits of nutrient cycling. Through living laboratories and visual aids, we will guide students in understanding composting and inspire them to build a compost system at home!
Registration required. $20 for non-members, $15 for members. Ages 9-13.
Registration link: https://givebutter.com/compost-conquest-4-11-26
