Join us for little birds – fall ’26 opens may 21
Young children are naturally curious about the world outside. There is so much to discover: sticks, pebbles, animals, plants, puddles! Irvine’s Little Birds builds upon this curiosity in a caregiver & child nature class offered exclusively for children 8 months to 3 years. Together, children and their caregivers discover the wonders of wildlife through age-appropriate activities like nature walks*, stories, live animal encounters, and art experiences.
OFFERING LITTLE BIRDS CLASSES IN A VARIETY OF FORMATS:
- Semester-long series – weekly classes for you and your little one. Now with a Saturday option! – see below
- Single-day classes – offered one-two weekend days per month as an occasional outing for caregiver and child – registration opens seasonally – see below
- Summer Little Birds – a weeklong “camp” for caregiver and child – LEARN MORE.
*Walks on our mulched trails and grassy meadows are the heart of our classes. Please review the program FAQs below or contact us if you have questions or concerns about mobility or physical accessibility. Please note, while the class is peanut free, Irvine’s campus has many nut-bearing trees and children may interact with tree-nuts.
Questions? Email Laura Kennedy-Long, Head of Caregiver and Child Programs.
SEMESTER-LONG SERIES
In the semester-long program, the class meets weekly for primarily outdoor experiences. We establish routines, try new things, and nurture community as well as curiosity. While playing and exploring together, relationships blossom between both children and adults. The series format is a perfect introduction to learning in The Nature Preschool.
Ages: 8 months – 3 years with an adult (Children turning 4 by the 10th week of class should opt out.)
Time: Classes meet weekly, 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
FALL 2026: REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 21
Tuesday through Friday (select one day) – 12-week series
Price: $324 per child. Membership and 5% sibling discounts apply.
Schedule: Semester runs September 14- December 7
>>No classes week of November 23 (Thanksgiving Break)
>>Contingency Days (if Irvine cancels a class): December 15-18
Saturday– 6-week mini-series REGISTRATION OPENS THURSDAY, MAY 21
Price: $162 per child. Membership and 5% sibling discounts apply.
Schedule: Mini-series runs September 26- November 7
>>No class on October 24
>> Contingency Day (if Irvine cancels a class): November 14
Prior to registering, please read the Little Bird FAQs HERE.
WINTER 2026 (4-week mini-series):
Tuesday through Saturday (select one day)
Price: $108 per child. Membership and 5% sibling discounts apply.
Schedule: Semester runs January 5-30
>>Contingency Days (if Irvine cancels a class): February 1-6
Prior to registering, please read the Little Bird FAQs HERE.
SPRING 2027 (12-week series): registration opens on January
Tuesday through Friday (select one day) – 12-week series
Price: $324 per child. Membership and 5% sibling discounts apply.
Schedule: Semester runs February 15-May10
>>No classes week of March 22 (Spring Break)
>>Contingency Days (if Irvine cancels a class): May 18-21
Saturday– 6-week mini-series
Price: $162 per child. Membership and 5% sibling discounts apply.
Schedule: Mini-series runs April 3-May 8, 10:00-11:30AM
>> Contingency Day (if Irvine cancels a class): May 15
Prior to registering, please read the Little Bird FAQs HERE.
SINGLE-DAY LITTLE BIRDS
Not ready to commit to a semester-long series? Looking to give Little Birds a try? Our Single-Day Classes meet on alternating weekend days starting September and feature the same outdoor fun as our series classes. New dates released seasonally, starting in August.
Price: $27 per child per session – Membership and 5% sibling discounts apply
- Saturday, September 19, 10:00-11:30am
- Sunday, October 25, 10:00-11:30am
- Saturday, November 21, 10:00-11:30am
- Sunday, December 6, 10:00-11:30am
- Saturday, January 23, 12:30-2:00pm
- Sunday, February 21, 10:00-11:30am
- Saturday, March 13, 10:00-11:30am
- Saturday, April 17, 12:30-2:00pm
- Sunday, May 23, 10:00-11:30am
