Kids Programs | thewatershed.org

Are you looking for environmental activities to challenge and excite your child on a weekend, weeknight, or school break?

Children are intimately tied to the environment by their sense of wonder; through outdoor lessons and programs, our Watershed Educators make learning about the environment fun for children as young as 18 months.

From preschool, toddler, and homeschool nature classes, to festivals and birthday parties, children bring excitement and enthusiasm for the outdoors to our work for clean water. We’re here to make their eyes light up and we hope to inspire the next generation of nature lovers, educators, and advocates.

Discover Our Programs for Kids

Nature Birthday Parties (temporary hiatus)

Due to staffing shortages, we are not able to book any additional birthday parties until fall. Thank you for understanding in advance.

Host an exciting nature birthday party for your child.

Parties include fun and learning with our staff educators, plus a private room for your own food and drinks.

Choose a theme based on your child’s age.

Call to schedule your party 609-737-3735 ext. 42

These parties include 45 minutes of activities led by our Educators as well as 30 minutes in a private room or tent.

Pricing: One Educator with up to 10 children = $300 ($250 members)

Two Educators with up to 20 children = $400 ($350 members)

Bugs and Butterflies – Insect stories and games and a visit to our butterfly house in the season (June-September).

Fairy Forest Fun – Share fairy tales and games and build a fairy house.

Turtle Tales – Stories and games and a visit with a real, live turtle.

Who Lives There? – Share a story and take a walk to discover animal hideaways.

These parties include 1 hour of activities led by our Educators and 30 minutes in a private room or tent.

Pricing: One Educator and up to 15 children $325 ($275 members)

Two Educators and up to 25 children is $425 ($375 members)

Animal Tracks – Trek through the trails in search of animal signs such as chew marks, scat, and tracks.

Critter Show – Enjoy a quiet visit with our resident animals, and then take a hike to visit some local animal habitats.

Insect Safari – Use nets to sweep the fields and meadows in search of insects. May include a tour of the butterfly house in the season (June – September).

Nature Crafts – Hike through the reserve and collect materials to transform them into a work of art.

Butterfly Tea Party – Available June – September. Dress in your summery finery to frolic with the butterflies. Visit the butterfly house, play games, and make a craft. Finish up with cookies and lemonade served in fancy, china cups. Additional fee of $25 to cover costs of refreshment.

These parties include 1 1/2 hours of activities led by our Educators and 30 minutes in a private room or tent.

Pricing: One Educator and up to 15 children $350 ($300 members)

Two Educators and up to 25 children $450 ($400 members).

Creature Feature – Enjoy a quiet visit with our resident animals and learn about some of their amazing adaptations, then take a hike to visit some local animals.

Insect Safari – Use nets to sweep the fields and meadows in search of insects. May include a tour of the butterfly house in the season (June – September).

Outdoor Survival – Work together to build a shelter and make a fire as you learn about survival skills! The roast marshmallows over a fire and enjoy!

Geocache Treasure Hunt (April-November) – As we hike our trails, we will use our GPS units to follow the clues and find a hidden treasure. Additional fee of $25 to cover prizes for children.

Stream Splashers – (May-September) Take a hike to the Stony Brook and find out what creatures live there. Dress for walking in the water.

Party Policies

Parties are typically scheduled for Saturdays. Please inquire if you’re interested in another time.
All parties include 30 minutes of free time in a private party room or under our large tent (seasonal).
You may arrive 30 minutes early to decorate the room. No balloons, please.
You provide tablecloths, plates, cups, flatware (preferably reusable/recyclable) as well as food and drink.
Parties include outdoor adventure; remind your guests to dress for the weather.
You are required to bring a minimum of two adult chaperones. Child supervision and management is the responsibility of your chaperones.
You must clean up following the party.
Our calendar fills quickly. If possible, please call several months in advance to book your party.
All parties require a 50 percent security deposit. The deposit will be returned provided the party room is left clean and undamaged.