Summer

Dodge Nature Preschool offers part-day classes for six weeks in the summer for children ages three through five.

Summer Calendar

February 28, 2025 – Summer Lottery Open
March 4, 2025 – (8:00 a.m.) Summer Lottery Closes
March 12, 2025 – Summer Lottery Notification
March 17, 2025 – Summer Payment Due
June 23, 2025 – Summer Program Begins
July 4, 2025 – No Summer Program, Fourth of July Holiday
August 5, 2025 – Last day of Summer Program

Summer Program

The 2025 summer session runs from June 23 through August 5 for children 3 to 5 years old.

– Hike and play through Dodge Nature Center’s prairie, woods, and farm.
– Explore the natural science collections.
– Help grow produce in our garden and cook snacks with our bounty.

To qualify, children must be three years of age by June 15, 2025. Children who have already attended kindergarten are not eligible for preschool summer program.

Mixed-Age Summer Sessions

Choose from summer mornings or afternoons June 23 through August 5.

Morning Sessions
8:45 am to 11:30 am
Tues. & Thurs. – $610
Mon., Wed. & Fri. – $850
Mon. through Fri. – $1,460

Afternoon Sessions
12:45 pm to 3:30 pm
Tues. & Thurs. – $610
Mon. & Wed. – $610
Mon. through Thurs. – $1,220

Ready for Kindergarten

Designed for children entering kindergarten, this camp offers older preschoolers a more focused exploration of nature topics, learning through play, and building social relationships. Outside together, campers will journey and play through the far-reaching corners of Dodge Nature Center. Inside, they will work on art activities, enjoy cooking projects, and read together from favorite chapter books.

Morning Session
8:45 am to 11:30 am
Mon. through Fri. – $1,460

Afternoon Session
12:45 pm to 3:30 pm
Mon. through Thurs. – $1,210

Summer Applications

How to Apply

Join Us for an Information Session

RSVP Here

Have older campers? Check out Dodge's Summer Camps for kids entering grades 1–8.

Learn More

Search Dodge Nature Center