Toddler and Pre-School
Early Childhood Classes
Arboretum Sprouts: 18 months to 3 year old children with a caregiver
Turtle Tots: 4 year old – Kindergarten (drop off)
Our early childhood education programs are weekly classes where your youngest learners can explore the natural world through stories, songs, hikes, and hands-on learning. Join us at the Arboretum and allow your child’s sense of wonder to grow. Topics for our fall classes included Leaves, Squirrels and Acorns, and Preparing for Winter. Pre-registration and an Arboretum Family membership are required to participate in these classes.
Arboretum Sprouts: 18 months to 3 year old children with a caregiver
Sprouts is a weekly class where your child and a parent/caregiver explore the natural world together through songs, stories, crafts and a hike (weather permitting). Children must be 18 months old by the start of classes and accompanied by a caregiver. Classes take place weekly on either Wednesday or Thursday mornings. Class size is limited. Pre-registration and membership are required for this activity.
Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 AM
October 14th – November 18th
$120 for 6 classes
Thursdays, 10:00-11:00 AM
October 1st – November 19th (no class on 10/8 & 11/5)
$120 for 6 classes
After School Turtle Tots: 4 years old – kindergarten (drop off)
Turtle Tots is a weekly class where children will discover nature through guided hikes, games, and crafts, all with guidance from a seasoned environmental educator. Children must be 4 years old by the start of classes and able to use the bathroom alone. Please bring a snack to class. Every class begins with snack and a small craft, so it is ok if you are unable to arrive right at the start time. Pre-registration, membership, and health forms required.
Mondays, 3:15-4:30 PM
October 12th – November 16th
$150 for 6 classes
Contact [email protected] or call (973) 376-3587 if you would like to sign up after the start date or try out a single class before committing to the entire winter session.
Health Forms
If your child is participating in any of our drop off classes (Turtle Tots or camps), please be sure to have a health form completed and given to us by the first class. This ensures the health and safety of all of our participants! Health forms are all included in our online registration system here.
Parent/Guardian Handbook
Please read through our Parent/Guardian handbook for useful information about Arboretum program rules and procedures. All program participants need to sign the agreement. This can also be found through the online registration system.
Cancellation Policy
Registrations are accepted in the order they are received. All cancellation requests must be made in writing at least 30 days prior to the start of your program. Cancellations made after this time may only receive a refund if we are able to fill the spot with someone from our waitlist. All refunds exclude processing fees. All returned checks received will be charged an additional $50 fee deduction for bank charges. CHA has the right to cancel any program and will refund the full amount that was paid.
Please contact us at 973-376-3587 or [email protected] for more information.