Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Pre-K Explorers
2027-04-15 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Pre-K Explorers
Pre-K Explorers is for children ages 3.5-5. Explorers meets once a week on Thursday mornings from 8:30-10:30am. Register for one or multiple semesters. $595/semester. $50 member discount. Use code Explore50. Register for one or multiple semesters. Each semester includes 12 classes.
2026 Fall Semester: 9/17/26-11/19/26
2027 Spring Semester: 2/4/27-4/15/27 (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
Children must be fully bathroom independent.

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
