Little Birds

Join us for little birds

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 from birth to 3 years. Together, children and their caregivers discover the wonders of wildlife through age-appropriate activities like live animal encounters, nature walks, songs, stories, and art experiences. 

NOW 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 weekend day per month as an occasional outing for caregiver and child – registration opens seasonally – see below
  • NEW! Summer Little Birds – a weeklong “camp” for caregiver and child – LEARN MORE.

Please note, while the class is peanut free, Irvine’s campus has many nut-bearing trees and children may interact with tree-nuts.

Questions? Please contact Katie Rooney, Program Lead at RooneyK@ExploreNature.org

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: birth – 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 2024: 13-week series – ALL FALL CLASSES ARE FULL; JOIN THE WAITLIST

ALL FALL 2024 CLASSES ARE FULL; JOIN THE WAITLIST

 

WINTER 2025: 5-week mini-series

  • Tuesday through Saturday (select one day)
    • Mini-series runs January 14-February 15, 2025
    • Makeup week, if needed, February 18-22
    • Price: $129 per child. Membership discounts apply.

REGISTRATION OPENS MID NOVEMBER

SPRING 2025: 12-week series

  • Monday through Friday (select one day)
    • Semester runs February 24-May 23, 2025
    • No classes April 14-18 (Spring Break)
    • Makeup week, if needed, May 27-June 2
    • Price: $307.50 per child. Membership discounts apply.
  • NEW! Saturday mini-series – 6-weeks

REGISTRATION OPENS LATE JANUARY

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.

PRICE: $25 per child per session – Member discounts apply

UPCOMING CLASSES:

  • Sunday, September 8, 10:00-11:30AM -full
  • Saturday, October 19, 12:30-2:00PM – full
  • Sunday, November 10,10:00-11:30AM – full
  • Saturday, December 14, 10:00-11:30AM
  • Saturday, January 25, 12:30- 2:00PM
  • Sunday, February 23, 10:00- 11:30AM
REGISTRATION FOR WINTER SINGLE-DAYS OPENS NOVEMBER 12, 2024

We expect this program to fill quickly – don’t delay registration!

A note about HEALTH concerns

We routinely review and revise our health-related policies. Please review the current Respiratory Illnesses Guidelines.

CANCELLATION POLICY

What Families Are Saying

Little Birds has far far surpassed my expectations. Not only was it delightful to see my son making so many discoveries and connections, but I feel that I also learned so, so much! The teacher is extraordinary, and has really been an inspiration to me.

Carolyn Bookholt, Little Birds Parent

Sign Up for Updates

Get the latest from Irvine Nature Center

Learn More About Family Programs

Weekend Programs

Birthday Parties