Rye Nature Center | Kids Out and About Fairfield County, CT <

Rye Nature Center

Mission: Friends of Rye Nature Center (FRNC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization which offers programs to people of all ages and abilities. We encourage conservation, provide environmental education, and support our community’s access to nature year-round. The visitor center and office are open Monday through Saturday 9 am-5 pm. The building/offices are closed on Saturdays during June, July, and August. Grounds are open daily dawn until dusk.

Be a Friend - Join us!

As a member of the Friends of Rye Nature Center, you are contributing directly to the protection of our valuable natural resources.  Your contributions of time and money help people of all ages learn about the natural environment - its beauties, its mysteries and its need for our care and protection, here in Rye, and throughout the world.

More information here.

Programs and Camps

Our Weekly Ecology Classes are a great way to get your child outdoors on a weekly basis all year round. There are afterschool clubs for all elementary students, Forest Preschool, and My Naturalist and Me classes .

June Bugs 

June Bugs is a great way to expose your pre-schoolers and kindergarteners to the great outdoors during the early June. This camp is only available for children ages 3.5 - 6.  

Summer Camp

Summer is our most active season, and our Summer Ecology Camp is always a hit with kids of all ages througout the community.  

Day Camp (grades prek-7): Offers weekly themes with a variety of fun, daily activities like science experiments, animal time, games, and more.

Paddle Adventure Camp (grades 8-10): This all-levels program builds kayaking skills, confidence, and an appreciation for the Hudson Valley. Equipment included. 

School/Scout Programs

There are many programs that can be done in your classroom, as well as on-site at RNC. Classes can include Animal Adaptations, Geology, LIfe Cycles, Apple Cidering, and more. All programs are designed to reinforce the science curriculum in local schools.

Public Programs

Festivals and other programs open to the public for all ages can be found here.

Green Birthday Parties

Birthdays are not offered in June, July and August.

Host your child’s next birthday party in “green” fashion. The Rye Nature Center offers birthday parties that are eco-friendly, educational and of course a lot of fun! RNC promotes parties with a green twist. We provide re-useable tableware and compostable goods, as well as offer eco-friendly favors for an additional fee.

A variety of programs for all age groups. From animal adventures to herbal tea parties, there’s something for everyone.  Price and guest limit vary based on chosen party theme. Additional charges may apply. An environmentalist level membership or higher is required to book a party. Membership may be added at booking.

Event Details

Booking a birthday party at RNC will entitle you to 2 hours of fun! Three-year old parties are limited to 1.5 hours to maximize the fun, please also be aware that the party parent/adult must present for additional supervision throughout the entirety of the birthday party.

Hour 1: An experienced FRNC educator will provide your child and his or her friends with a program of your choice. See below for details.

Hour 2: This is time for your child and his or her friends to enjoy refreshments, food and activities of your choice. RNC will provide tables, chairs, reusable plates, forks, cups, spoons and napkins. FRNC does not provide food, cake, beverages or decorations. We encourage parents to limit the number of decorations. We do not allow non-eco-friendly decorations including balloons, noisemakers, streamers and piñatas.

For more information visit our website.

 
Open hours: 
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Rye Nature Center offers classes throughout the year: My Naturalist & Me, afterschool classes (grades K-4), school/scout programs, and birthday parties. Other classes/camps include Forest Preschool, June Bugs, Summer Camp, and Paddle Adventure Camp.

Organization:

Rye Nature Center

Location:

873 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY, 10580
United States

Phone:

914-967-5150

School's Out Workshops- March Break- Rye Nature Center

Dates: 
03/28/2024
03/29/2024
Time: 
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Organization:

Rye Nature Center

Location:

873 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY, 10580
United States

Phone:

914-967-5150

School's Out Workshops- March- Rye Nature Center

Dates: 
03/28/2024
03/29/2024
Time: 
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Organization:

Rye Nature Center

Location:

873 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY, 10580
United States

Phone:

914-967-5150

School's Out Workshops- April Break- Rye Nature Center

Dates: 
04/19/2024
04/22/2024
04/23/2024
Time: 
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Organization:

Rye Nature Center

Location:

873 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY, 10580
United States

Phone:

914-967-5150

School's Out Workshops- April- Rye Nature Center

Dates: 
04/19/2024
04/22/2024
04/23/2024
Time: 
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Organization:

Rye Nature Center

Location:

873 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY, 10580
United States

Phone:

914-967-5150

Summer Day Camp and Paddle Adventure Camp

Dates: 
07/01/2024
07/08/2024
07/15/2024
Time: 
9:00 am