group of preschools wearing rain jackets in the field

Nature Preschools

The purpose of Mass Audubon's innovative, licensed Nature Preschools is to provide a high quality environment for young children that helps them grow as learners, curious thinkers, community members, and life-long stewards of the natural world.

Through hands-on activities, exploration, movement, and play, we support children's curiosity and wonder using our wildlife sanctuaries as outdoor classrooms.

A group of preschoolers at Drumlin Farm Community Preschool walk away along a forest trail with their teachers leading the way — Drumlin Farm Community Preschool © Emily Haranas

Licensed Nature Preschools

What could be more magical than a preschool where each child's innate connection to nature is celebrated? Each nature preschool provides opportunities for young children to learn through hands-on, nature-based experiences that address their developmental needs as they explore the varied habitats at our wildlife sanctuaries.

Arcadia Nature Preschool, Easthampton & Northampton
Pathways to Nature Preschool, Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
Drumlin Farm Community Preschool, Lincoln
Ipswich River Nature Preschool, Endicott & Wenham
Fern & Feather Preschool at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown
Nature Preschool Explorers at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, Barnstable
Habitat Nature Preschool, Belmont

A preschool-age child holds up a woody mushroom she found to the camera, at Drumlin Farm Nature Preschool — © Patrick Rogers

Public Preschool Programs

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In addition to our licensed nature preschools, many of our wildlife sanctuaries around the state also offer weekly public programs for preschool-age children. These programs give preschoolers a chance to explore the outdoors with enthusiastic classmates and educators, discovering nature close to home in the fall, winter, and spring.