Nature Preschool

The Minnesota Zoo Nature Preschool is a licensed, unique, in-person educational experience for preschool children to learn and grow!

Nature Preschool

This licensed preschool is a nature-based, play-driven program that utilizes developmentally appropriate practices within the unique natural setting of the Minnesota Zoo. We are offering part-time, half-day programming for preschool-aged children to learn and grow alongside their peers while learning and exploring at the Zoo!

The Nature Preschool will be located at the The Cargill Classroom at the Wells Fargo Family Farm and utilize all the natural spaces and trails around the Zoo campus.

Tours:
You're invited to take a tour of the Nature Preschool to learn how nature-based early childhood education can benefit your child. Schedule a 30-minute tour on Fridays within the hours of 9:00 and 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.





Please indicate your top three choices on the form below. Once we check our schedule, we will email you to confirm your tour date and time along with an attached confirmation with directions of where to meet for the tour.

Contact Information

First Name*
Last Name*
Phone*
Email*

Date/Time Request

Preferred Date:
Choice 1*
Choice 2
Choice 3

Preferred Start Time (tours will take approximately 30 minutes)*

Age of Child:
Age*

Comments:

Ages:
3-5 years of age
Children must be three years of age by the starting date of classes to enroll in the Nature Preschool (ages 3-4) group.
Children must be four years of age by the starting date of classes to enroll in the Nature Preschool (ages 4-5) group.
All children must be toilet trained upon enrollment.

Class Sessions:
• Mondays & Wednesdays from 9:00 am-11:30 am (ages 3-4)
• Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 am-11:30 am (ages 3-4)
• Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 1:00 pm-3:30 pm (ages 4-5)
• Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00 pm-3:30 pm (ages 4-5)

Fees per session per child:
• Two-day (ages 3-4) option: $350/month
• Three-day (ages 4-5) option: $450/month
• There is a one-time per session per child registration fee (non-refundable) fee of $100.

During checkout please choose the Payment Plan option for the number of Preschool Days you are choosing and that will set up your monthly automatic payments. When you register online, your credit card will be charged the $100 non-refundable fee along with the first month's payment. Your card will be charged on the first of each month after that.

Dates:
We follow the District 196 calendar and are closed during the summer months.

2024-2025 School Year
Registration is still open for the 2024-2025 school year. The school year is from September 3, 2024 through June 5, 2025. Sign Up Today!

2025-2026 School Year
Online registration opens on January 14, 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year. The school year is from September 2, 2025 through June 4, 2026.

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