The Nature Nook is a special place for young children to enjoy hands-on fun, with story times, crafts and lots of time for interactive, creative play.
Nature Nook hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch on weekdays.
The Nature Nook is especially designed for children ages 1 through 10, and the space promotes interaction between children and their grownups, which is an important aspect of early childhood learning. Children can explore a cave, stream, meadow, and woodland to explore wildlife and habitats using simple tools and their senses.
Storytime
Join us at 10:30 a.m. every day for a story in the Nature Nook!
Nature Nook Programs for Young Friends
DINO-TOTS
Big Fun for ages 3-5
Tots, bring your adult to our new monthly STEAM-based programs designed specifically for this age group. Programs may include: live animal presentations, creative works of art, science and outdoor exploration, music and movement, stories, games, and activities.
Programs are on selected Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m.
The Surprises of Spring
April 11, 12, 15
Magnificent Mothers
May 16, 27
Members: $10/Tot, free for accompanying adult
Non-members: $24.50/Tot, $14.50 for accompanying adult.
Pre-registration required. Space is limited to 10 Tots and one accompanying adult per child. Dress comfortably and for the weather.
STARGAZING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
Families with young children
Calling all sky watchers, we invite you to discover the sky above us through our interactive inflatable “Sky Lab” as an add-on component of your museum visit. Each month we will explore a different constellation or astronomical occurrence.
Saturdays, April 15, May 27
11 a.m. | noon | 1 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 3 p.m.
Sunday, April 16
10:30 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.| 2:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m.
$3 add-on fee on top of base general admission price per participant.
Pre-registration requested, walk-ins permitted if space allows.
NEW NATURALISTS
Birth – 2 years and caregiver
New naturalists will be delighted with our new series of programs designed specifically for them. Each month will feature a different theme and may include: a story, sensory toys, messy art (without the clean up!), live animal presentation, hands-on play and more all designed to boost development and nurture a love for nature.
Programs are on selected Thursdays, 9-9:30 a.m.
April 20, May 25
Member price: $7/New Naturalist, Free for accompanying adult
Non-member price: $11.50/New Naturalist, $14.50 for accompanying adult.
Preregistration required, space is limited.
The PNC Grow Up Great Nature Nook
For the last decade, museum educators have partnered with PNC Grow Up Great to develop, pilot and present professional development programs for early-childhood educators. In recognition of PNC’s support of the museum’s education programs and metamorphosis into the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, the Nature Nook has been renamed the PNC Grow Up Great Nature Nook.
