Children 2-5 Years Old

Explore, Play, and Learn in Nature

Early childhood is the perfect time to spark curiosity about the natural world. Watersong offers three core education programs for children ages 2–5 that encourage hands-on discovery, sensory play, and a lifelong love of nature. Our WILD at Watersong is a structured, fee-based class you register to join, our Playtime at the Playa is is a free, biweekly offering for children 2-5 and their caregivers, and our LIttle Ecologist School is a self-guided offering that caregivers can do anytime with their children.

Why Start Early?

Research shows that early exposure to nature supports brain development, builds problem-solving skills, and fosters empathy and environmental stewardship. Watersong’s early childhood programs are crafted to encourage wonder, discovery, and a deep connection to the natural world.

  • This fee-based program offers biweekly guided sessions where children explore seasonal themes, enjoy nature walks, and participate in hands-on activities. Classes run in spring and fall and are designed to nurture curiosity, social skills, and a love of the outdoors.

    Program Overview

    • Serves learners ages 2-5 (must be accompanied by parent/caregiver)

    • Biweekly rostered classes are offered in the Spring and Fall

    • Registration and application approval required

    • $60/semester (per learner)

    WILD at Watersong is a caregiver-accompanied, semester-long outdoor education series based on Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Project WILD. The program introduces young children to nature through sensory play, stories, and guided outdoor exploration. Lessons emphasize curiosity, social growth, and early STEM skills.


    Project WILD Information


    Learning Objectives

    • Build age-appropriate observational skills (senses, patterns in nature)

    • Practice social and fine-motor development through nature activities

    • Foster environmental stewardship and a curiosity for regional flora and fauna

    Logistics & Policies

    • Caregiver supervision required

    • One absence allowance

    • Must register each learner and have the application approved

    • Fee paid per semester, limited spots on a first-come, first-served basis

    • Classes are held in an outdoor classroom and may be cancelled due to weather


    REGISTER for WILD at Watersong


    We offer financial assistance for our WILD at Watersong program so that everyone in our community can participate.

    Financial Assistance Application

    We invite our WILD at Watersong registrants to order a T-shirt as an option.

    Buy a WILD at Watersong T-shirt

  • Join us for these free sessions offered biweekly in spring and fall. Families explore our outdoor classroom together through guided activities and open-ended play, encouraging kids to interact with the natural world in a safe and engaging way.


    Program Overview

    • Serves learners ages 2-5 (must be accompanied by parent/caregiver)

    • Biweekly open play sessions are offered in the Spring and Fall

    • Registration and RSVP required

    • Free 2 hour sessions, open to the public

    Playtime at the Playa is a free, drop-in style session where caregivers and their learners explore activity stations, storytime areas, and connect with local families around outdoor play. Each session is based on a corresponding WILD at Watersong class curriculum.


    Learning Objectives

    • Encourage creativity, sensory play, and social connections

    • Foster environmental stewardship and a curiosity for regional flora and fauna

    • Provide low-barrier access to nature experiences.


    Logistics & Policies

    • Caregiver supervision required

    • Must register each learner and RSVP for the sessions you will attend

    • Sessions are held in an outdoor classroom and may be cancelled due to weather

    REGISTER for Playtime at the Playa

  • Designed for flexibility, this program lets caregivers guide their children through nature-based activities at their own pace. Perfect for families who want an unstructured way to explore the outdoors while still enjoying an educational focus.


    Program Overview

    • Serves learners ages 2-5 (easily adapted for older learners)

    • 2 curricula to choose from

    • Stand-alone lessons or paired with WILD at Watersong/Playtime at the Playa

    • $10 per curriculum, includes digital booklet and certificate, and stickers awarded by Watersong educator

    Little Ecologist School provides families and educators with a downloadable booklet and certificate and stickers awarded by Watersong staff upon completion. The self-guided booklet can be used as an extension material for WILD at Watersong or can be completed at your own pace in your favorite outdoor setting.


    Learning Objectives

    • Connect with STEM themes in the natural world

    • Develop an understanding of local ecology

    • Inspire the next generation of stewards

    Logistics & Policies

    • Meet with WILD guide to show work after each lesson

    • Collect stickers after each lesson to become Little Ecologist and meet with a WILD guide sign certificate after completion

    • Contact Kari at kari@watersong.org

    REGISTER for Little Ecologist School

  • A fun and engaging summer program designed for kids aged 8-12 to learn all about arthropods, hosted by the Watersong Education Coordinator.

    Campers will:

    • Discover what arthropods are and why they matter

    • Lean how to identify insects and their habitats

    • Practice safe bug-catching techniques

    • Build their own insect collection to take home

    Camp details

    • Rostered camp with limited space, registration required

    • Ages 8-12

    • 5 day camp

      • Monday-Friday July 27-31, 2026 8 AM-12 PM

    • Daily snack, t-shirt, journal, insect net, collection box included with registration

    • $200 registration fee

    Register Here