Youth Programs

Mt. Cuba Center’s science-based youth programs provide an immersive and inspiring introduction to our natural world. Developed for groups ranging in age from five to 18, these educational programs explore the wonder of local habitats, teach the importance of native plants, and reveal fascinating plant and wildlife interactions.

Read on for more information on our Habitat Explorers (K-3), Eco-Observers (4-7), and Conscious Conservators (8-12) programs. Two- and four-hour options are available for each age group. One (complimentary) chaperone is required for every five students. All youth programs are capped at a maximum of 15 students.

Pricing:

  • Half day (2 hour) programs: $17 per student
  • Full day (4 hour) programs: $27 per student
  • Additional chaperones are $14 each.

Reservations:

Youth programs are offered during Mt. Cuba’s regular operating hours throughout our visitation season, April through mid-November, Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 am to 6 pm with a 4 pm close in November. Reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance. Bus parking is available upon request.

Learn about the different wildlife habitats in our area

Grade Levels: K-3
Themes: Habitats, wildlife, immersion in nature, meadows, forests, ponds

Half Day (2 hours)
Explore the wonder of our local habitats! This experience is designed to generate an interest in nature and the wildlife it sustains. Students will gain an introductory understanding of different habitat types and their characteristics through a series of outdoor, hands-on activities. The half-day package includes a morning or afternoon of activities in the garden.

Full Day (4 hours)
The full day package includes everything in the 2-hour visit, plus two hours in the natural lands with a hayride, lunch (bring your own), and activity.

Learn about the importance of native plants

Grade Levels: 4-7
Themes: Habitats, native plants, water quality, pollinators, the food web, ecosystems

Half Day (2 hours)
This experience provides an interactive, engaging introduction to how and why native plants are important to the ecosystem. Students will gain an intermediate understanding of the ecological value of native plants through a series of outdoor, hands-on activities and guided interpretation. Eco-Observers focuses specifically on how native plants provide habitat, improve water quality, and form the basis of the food web. The half-day package includes a morning or afternoon of activities in the garden.

Full Day (4 hours)
The full day package includes everything in the 2-hour visit, plus two hours in the natural lands with a hayride, lunch (bring your own), and activity.

Learn about the impact of invasive species

Grade Levels: 8-12
Themes: Plant and animal interactions, native plants, invasive species, ecosystems, systems-thinking, habitats

Half Day (2 hours)
Become a Conscious Conservator! Students will explore the complex relationships between native plants and wildlife, observe how invasive species and human activity can disrupt those relationships, and identify choices they can make to support local ecosystems. The half-day package includes a morning or afternoon of activities in the garden.

Full Day (4 hours)
The full day package includes everything in the 2-hour visit, plus two hours in the natural lands with a hayride, lunch (bring your own), and activity.