Forest Friends Nature Playgroup

Little explorers and their caregivers are invited to engage in nature-based play, seasonal STEAM activities and crafts, and to meet other families ...More

Little explorers and their caregivers are invited to engage in nature-based play, seasonal STEAM activities and crafts, and to meet other families who share a passion for nature! Enjoy storytime, meeting our animal ambassadors, creating nature-themed crafts, and discovering the wonders of the natural world. The Jan - March session will run indoors.

  • Ages 18 months – 5 years, with a caregiver

Contact: [email protected]

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Forest Friends Nature Playgroup - 1/6/26 - 3/31/26

South Shore Nature Center

1/6/2026 to 3/31/2026

Tue

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

1y 6m to 5y

Online Registration 10/22/2025 to 3/31/2026


Little Sprout Art

Each week, we’ll dive into a fun and creative art project inspired by the natural world. From painting and collage to sculpture and printmaking, li...More

Each week, we’ll dive into a fun and creative art project inspired by the natural world. From painting and collage to sculpture and printmaking, little artists will explore new materials and techniques in a playful, welcoming environment. Perfect for curious kids and their caregivers who love to make and play. This program will take place indoors.

 

Contact: [email protected]

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Little Sprout Art - 1/9/26 - 3/27/26

South Shore Nature Center

1/9/2026 to 3/27/2026

Fri

9:15 AM to 10:00 AM

2y to 5y

Online Registration 10/22/2025 to 3/27/2026


Turtle Tales Storytime

Turtle Tales Storytime at South Shore YMCA Nature Center

South Shore Nature Center

1/8/2026 to 1/8/2026

Thu

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

to 6y

Online Registration 12/1/2025 to 1/8/2026


Turtle Tales Storytime at South Shore YMCA Nature Center

South Shore Nature Center

1/15/2026 to 1/15/2026

Thu

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

to 6y

Online Registration 12/1/2025 to 1/15/2026


Turtle Tales Storytime at South Shore YMCA Nature Center

South Shore Nature Center

1/22/2026 to 1/22/2026

Thu

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

to 6y

Online Registration 12/1/2025 to 1/22/2026


Turtle Tales Storytime at South Shore YMCA Nature Center

South Shore Nature Center

1/29/2026 to 1/29/2026

Thu

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

to 6y

Online Registration 12/1/2025 to 1/29/2026


Animal Encounters

What do Red-Tailed Hawks and Box Turtles have in common? They are both native species that call the South Shore YMCA Nature Center home! They also ...More

What do Red-Tailed Hawks and Box Turtles have in common? They are both native species that call the South Shore YMCA Nature Center home! They also both play important roles in our local ecosystem.

Join an Environmental Educator for a visit to our new Creature Corner. Enjoy storytime, help feed our animal ambassadors, and explore hands-on creativity and STEM activities at your own pace. Discover our fascinating natural collections and experience what makes nature so amazing, up close.

This is a family-friendly program and will take place primarily indoors. Please bring appropriate layers if you’d like to explore our grounds, trails, and outdoor animals during and/or after the program.

  • All children must be accompanied by a caregiver
  • Please purchase a ticket for each individual attending (adults and children) - Enter number of tickets needed under "Quantity" - (Age 2 and under are free)

Questions: Email [email protected]

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Animal Encounters

South Shore Nature Center

1/24/2026 to 1/24/2026

Sat

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

to 99y

Online Registration 12/18/2025 to 1/24/2026


Homeschool

PRIVATE homeschool group. Please contact the Nature Center Director at [email protected] prior to registering.

*PRIVATE* Homeschool Group - Wednesdays

South Shore Nature Center

12/10/2025 to 3/25/2026

Wed

10:00 AM to 2:30 PM

5y to 10y

Online Registration 10/26/2025 to 12/1/2025


*PRIVATE* Homeschool Group - Fridays

South Shore Nature Center

12/12/2025 to 3/27/2026

Fri

11:30 AM to 4:00 PM

7y to 12y

Online Registration 10/26/2025 to 12/1/2025


Afterschool Nature Crew

Join us for nature-based fun in an informal afterschool setting...More

Join us for nature-based fun in an informal afterschool setting! We’ll play games, design eco-art projects, and explore how nature works through fun STEAM experiments and engineering challenges. Led by experienced Environmental Educators, this program encourages discovery through play, exploration, and hands-on activities.  This session will meet primarily indoors.

Contact: [email protected]

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Afterschool Nature Crew - 1/7/26 - 3/25/26

South Shore Nature Center

1/7/2026 to 3/25/2026

Wed

3:45 PM to 5:15 PM

5y 4m to 12y 11m

Online Registration 10/23/2025 to 3/25/2026


Kids Nature Night Out

Give yourself a night off while your kids enjoy an evening of fun and exploration! Kids Nature Night Out offers a safe, engaging environment led by...More

Give yourself a night off while your kids enjoy an evening of fun and exploration! Kids Nature Night Out offers a safe, engaging environment led by experienced South Shore YMCA Nature Center staff. The evening begins with games, science exploration, crafts, and pizza, followed by animal encounters and a nature-themed movie to wind down the night.

• Grades K – 5 (Ages 5 – 12 years)

• SSYMCA Members: $30/child | Nonmembers: $45/child

• Pre-registration required, no drop-ins

Questions? [email protected]

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Kids Nature Night Out - 1/30/26

South Shore Nature Center

1/30/2026 to 1/30/2026

Fri

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

5y 4m to 11y 11m

Online Registration 12/18/2025 to 1/23/2026


Kids Nature Night Out - 2/27/26

South Shore Nature Center

2/27/2026 to 2/27/2026

Fri

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

5y 4m to 11y 11m

Online Registration 12/18/2025 to 2/20/2026


Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day)

Upper Camp Ages 7-11 Year Olds, Encompasses Groups: Otters and Coyotes

Our upper camp campers investigate nature and nature-based themes ...More

Upper Camp Ages 7-11 Year Olds, Encompasses Groups: Otters and Coyotes

Our upper camp campers investigate nature and nature-based themes through hands-on, age-appropriate curriculum including live animal encounters, team building games and activities, nature hikes, experimentation, and crafting.

The Otters and Coyotes groups will have the opportunity to canoe on Jacobs Pond once per session.

ALL Upper Camp Groups are FULL DAY camp programs.

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Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 1

South Shore Nature Center

6/15/2026 to 6/19/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 6/10/2026


Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 2

South Shore Nature Center

6/22/2026 to 6/26/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 6/17/2026


Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 3

South Shore Nature Center

6/29/2026 to 7/3/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 6/24/2026


Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 4

South Shore Nature Center

7/6/2026 to 7/10/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/1/2026


Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 5

South Shore Nature Center

7/13/2026 to 7/17/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/8/2026


Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 6

South Shore Nature Center

7/20/2026 to 7/24/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/15/2026


Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 7

South Shore Nature Center

7/27/2026 to 7/31/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/22/2026


Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 8

South Shore Nature Center

8/3/2026 to 8/7/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/29/2026


Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 9

South Shore Nature Center

8/10/2026 to 8/14/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 8/5/2026


Inactive
NAC: Upper Camp: Ages 7-11 (Full Day) - Week 10

South Shore Nature Center

8/17/2026 to 8/21/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7y to 11y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 8/12/2026


Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day)

Lower Camp Ages 5-6 Year Olds, Encompasses Groups: Raccoons and Owls

Our lower camp campers investigate nature and nature-based themes th...More

Lower Camp Ages 5-6 Year Olds, Encompasses Groups: Raccoons and Owls

Our lower camp campers investigate nature and nature-based themes through hands-on, age-appropriate curriculum which includes live animal encounters, team building games and activities, nature hikes, experimentation, and crafting.

The Raccoons and Owls groups will have the opportunity to investigate the pond life at Jacobs Pond once per session.

ALL Lower Camp Groups are FULL DAY camp programs.

 

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Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 1

South Shore Nature Center

6/15/2026 to 6/19/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 6/10/2026


Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 2

South Shore Nature Center

6/22/2026 to 6/26/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 6/17/2026


Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 3

South Shore Nature Center

6/29/2026 to 7/3/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 6/24/2026


Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 4

South Shore Nature Center

7/6/2026 to 7/10/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/1/2026


Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 5

South Shore Nature Center

7/13/2026 to 7/17/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/8/2026


Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 6

South Shore Nature Center

7/20/2026 to 7/24/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/15/2026


Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 7

South Shore Nature Center

7/27/2026 to 7/31/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/22/2026


Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 8

South Shore Nature Center

8/3/2026 to 8/7/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/29/2026


Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 9

South Shore Nature Center

8/10/2026 to 8/14/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 8/5/2026


Inactive
NAC: Lower Camp: Ages 5-6 (Full Day) - Week 10

South Shore Nature Center

8/17/2026 to 8/21/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

5y to 6y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 8/12/2026


Ages 3-5 (Half Day)

Half Day Camp Ages 3-5 Year Olds, Encompasses Groups: Tadpoles and Chipmunks

Our youngest campers discover the wonders of nature through ...More

Half Day Camp Ages 3-5 Year Olds, Encompasses Groups: Tadpoles and Chipmunks

Our youngest campers discover the wonders of nature through hands-on activities like nature walks, stories, crafts, music, and meeting live animals.

They use their senses to explore, share, and learn together while becoming friends of the natural world

The Tadpoles and Chipmunks groups will have the opportunity to investigate the pond life at Jacobs Pond once per session.

ALL Half Day Camp Groups are HALF DAY camp programs.

 

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Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 1

South Shore Nature Center

6/15/2026 to 6/19/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 6/10/2026


Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 2

South Shore Nature Center

6/22/2026 to 6/26/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 6/17/2026


Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 3

South Shore Nature Center

6/29/2026 to 7/3/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 6/24/2026


Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 4

South Shore Nature Center

7/6/2026 to 7/10/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/1/2026


Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 5

South Shore Nature Center

7/13/2026 to 7/17/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/8/2026


Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 6

South Shore Nature Center

7/20/2026 to 7/24/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/15/2026


Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 7

South Shore Nature Center

7/27/2026 to 7/31/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/22/2026


Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 8

South Shore Nature Center

8/3/2026 to 8/7/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 7/29/2026


Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 9

South Shore Nature Center

8/10/2026 to 8/14/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 8/5/2026


Inactive
NAC: Ages 3-5 (Half Day) - Week 10

South Shore Nature Center

8/17/2026 to 8/21/2026

Mon to Fri

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

3y to 5y 11m

Online Registration 1/10/2026 to 8/12/2026