Classes are open to children ages 3 to 5. The series includes six programs; each class includes a snack and a craft.

Registration required. Fee: $45 members, $55 general public for all six programs in the series.

Groundhogs Galore
February 14
Learn about Mr. Groundhog and his predictions for the arrival of spring. Children will look for Arboretum groundhog homes, make groundhog puppets, and sing a special groundhog song.

Journey of a Snowflake
February 21
In this lesson, children will pretend that they are snowflakes journeying through the winter sky. They will make a glittery snowflake craft, look for Jack Frost in the forest, and warm up with hot chocolate and the beloved children’s book “A Snowy Day.”

Mitten Magic
February 28
Get to know the animals in Jan Brett’s classic children’s story “The Mitten.” Children will create magical mittens to take home, look for signs of animals in the forest, and find out how animals keep warm when mittens aren’t an option.

Antlers Away
March 6
While many animals are hibernating through the winter, deer are out and about! Children will learn about the white-tailed deer and look for deer tracks on the Arboretum paths to fill with Plaster of Paris for some scientific fun. Back in the classroom, they’ll make antler headbands and enjoy animal stories.

Fox Trot
March 13
Where do foxes go when the cold wind blows? In their cozy dens, of course! Children will follow a winding trail to an Arboretum fox den, sing and dance to the “Fox Trot,” and make pop-up fox finger puppets.

Seed Starters
March 20
It’s time to start thinking about the summer garden! Children will learn how seeds germinate and start their own seeds in a nifty egg carton tray. They will also visit the Arboretum greenhouse and enjoy a picnic snack.