Preschool Programs

Discover, Play, and Learn Together

Calling all parents and caregivers with preschool-aged children! Our Early Childhood Development programs focus on building a supportive community for families, offering resources that help you nurture your child’s growth. Don’t miss out—see you there!



DROP OFF PROGRAMS

Preschool Drop-Off Program: Nurture @ North

Looking for a flexible, fun, and educational summer option for your little one? Nurture @ North is the perfect blend of summer camp energy and hands-on learning — a natural extension of the North Museum’s early childhood programs you know and love!

📅 Available Monday–Friday

What to Expect

At Nurture @ North, kids dive into science-backed, nature-based, STEM-rich experiences built just for preschoolers. Each week brings a new theme to spark curiosity and creativity, while building early skills in science, literacy, and social-emotional development.

On Mondays, the fun moves outside for Nurture in Nature @ Millport: a day of discovery and outdoor learning at the beautiful 75-acre Millport Conservancy, where children explore wildlife, plants, and the wonders of nature up close.

Inspired by Montessori and Waldorf principles, our warm, child-centered environments balance the comfort of routine with the thrill of discovery!

Join us this summer and give your child a joyful, meaningful experience on their learning journey!

✨ Flexible scheduling to fit your summer needs
🧠 Fun + learning = happy kids, productive parents
🐛 Real-world science, nature play, and creativity every day
🧑‍🏫 Trusted museum educators who truly “get” early childhood education


Pricing & Schedule

Choose the option that works for your family:
Half-Day (9am–12pm): $40 | SIGN-UP HERE
Full-Day (9am–3pm): $60 | SIGN-UP HERE

👉 To sign up for a 6-week package, CLICK HERE

Scholarships available
👉 to apply, CLICK HERE

Questions? Contact nurture@northmuseum.org

nurture open house montage

Nurture in Nature @ Millport

Nurture in Nature is our outdoor component to Nurture @ North. Offering the same pre-k STEM curriculum, but held outdoors on Mondays at Millport Conservancy this summer. Our educators will teach discovery and key scientific principles at Millport’s 75-acre refuge for native wildlife and plant species.

Include Mondays in your weekly schedule, or sign up for Mondays only. Parents and caregivers have flexible options to suit their summer plans.

SCHEDULE:

Mondays, drop off at 9am and pick up at 12pm or 3pm.

Please note: Applicants must be toilet trained and toilet independent. North Museum cannot give medications or perform medical tasks beyond basic first aid. Food will not be provided.

millport montage

CAREGIVER/CHILD TOGETHER PROGRAMS

Preschool Picassos with Marilyn

Is your preschooler a budding artist?

First Saturday of every month

 

Sign up for Preschool Picasso with Marilyn, where we combine the creativity of art with the curiosity of science to inspire young minds. This engaging program offers hands-on art experiences where children and their grown ups explore various artistic techniques while learning key scientific principles.

Each month, our expert, Marilyn Zenko, brings her unique background in STEM as an archaeologist and Senior Client Development Specialist at Terracon to guide you and your child through exciting activities. Whether it’s experimenting with colors, textures, or shapes, your child will create one-of-a-kind masterpieces while gaining a deeper understanding of the science behind their creations.

Not only will your little one have fun with their creative side, but they’ll also develop skills in problem-solving, experimentation, and critical thinking—all while making art with you! This is the perfect opportunity for young learners to see how science and art come together in a way that’s both educational and fun.

Non-Members: Entry with general admission.
Members: FREE with Museum Membership ID.
Museums For All: FREE with MFA ID.


Little Explorer and Me

Calling all parents and caregivers with preschool-aged children who love to experiment!

The last Wednesday and Saturday of every month.

 

Sign up for an exciting, hands-on program where curiosity and learning come to life as Little Explorers and their grown ups experiment and discover together. Every month, a trained facilitator guides you through a new theme that sparks your child’s imagination while helping build critical skills through fun and interactive play.

Each activity is designed to be easy for you to recreate at home with everyday materials, giving your child the chance to explore and engage with the world around them. Whether it’s learning about the wonders of sound, exploring the colors of the rainbow, or discovering the magic of play, your child will gain valuable knowledge they can use in everyday life.

While your little ones are exploring, take a moment to relax with a cup of coffee, connect with other parents, and share tips and experiences in a welcoming, informal environment.

Join us each month for an enriching, educational experience that combines play, learning, and community—perfect for young explorers and their grown-ups!

Non-Members: Entry with general admission.
Members: FREE with Museum Membership ID.
Museums For All: FREE with MFA ID.


@ HOME PROGRAMS

STEM Storytime

stem storytime STEM Storytime pairs the concepts and audience of our Preschool Programs with a live story presentation. This program provides preschoolers with new science and nature based concepts and vocabulary using the familiar tools of storytime and hands-on activities to further enhance new learning opportunities. Watch stories read by a member of the museum’s education team, or by one of our celebrity guests hosts like the Lancaster City Fire Chief, members of the Lancaster City Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster County Agriculture Council, and more!

Full STEM Storytime Catalogue with downloadable Activity Pack, click here.

This virtual program is a part of the North Museum @Home Series, available on our YouTube channel.

stem storytime

PROGRAM CALENDAR

Privacy Preference Center