Calling all forest friends!

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. This program will take place primarily outdoors.

• Ages 1.5 – 5 years, with a caregiver
• Spring Session: April 7 – June 9 (*no program April 21) - Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30am
• Summer Session: July 21 - August 25 - Tuesdays, 10:00am -11:00am
• Contact: [email protected]

Join us weekly in the José Carreiro Children’s Garden!

Dig into the soil, create nature-inspired crafts, and enjoy storytime in the newly renovated José Carreiro Children’s Garden. Explore different plants, discover bugs, and learn how flowers and vegetables grow through hands-on play. Perfect for curious kids and their grown-ups to share a morning of outdoor exploration!

• Ages 2-5, with a caregiver
• Session dates:
  • Spring: April 3 – June 12 (*no program April 24) | Fridays 9:30-10:30am
  • Summer: June 17 - August 26 | Wednesdays 10:00-10:45am

Contact: [email protected]

Each week, we’ll dive into a fun and creative art project inspired by nature. 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 primarily outdoors.

Contact: [email protected]

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

Note: If your child has a medical condition, allergy, or may require medication while at the program, additional paperwork will be required to complete enrollment.

Meet adorable farm animals at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center

Channel Homestead from Hanson, MA is bringing their traveling petting zoo, featuring baby goats, bunnies, chicks, and ducklings! Enjoy hands-on animal encounters - pet, observe, and learn about these friendly farm animals up-close.

Take part in arts & crafts and sing and dance along to live children’s music with local performer Suzanne McNeil. This will be a fun, family-friendly outdoor experience for all ages! Please come dressed in layers for the weather.

Admission: Pre-Registration Required

• Choose a time: 9:30–10:15am OR 10:30–11:15am (please arrive during your selected time)
• Please reserve a ticket for each attendee (adults and children) and select the total number under “Quantity”
• Children must be accompanied by a caregiver

Questions: Email [email protected]

THANK YOU! This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Hanson and Plymouth Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

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 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. Activities will begin outdoors (weather permitting) and then move indoors.

• Grades K – 5 (Ages 5 – 12 years)

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

• Pre-registration required, no drop-ins

Questions? [email protected]

South Shore YMCA Nature Center | 48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, MA

Join us for a community oriented plein air painting series with local artist Robyn Thompson Duong. Step into the landscape and let the Nature Center become your studio! All experience levels and ages welcome, as each week begins with a short warm-up and demo, followed by independent painting time, guidance from the instructor, and reflective group sharing.

Sundays 9:30-11:30am | May 3, 17, 31

Open to ages 5-99! Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Participants should bring the following materials:

• Sketchbook or watercolor pad
• Drawing pencils, pens, or charcoal
• Portable watercolor or gouache set
• Brushes, water container, rags
• Folding stool or blanket
• Clipboard or lightweight easel
• Sunscreen, bug spray, water, hat

About artist Robyn Thompson Duong: Primarily a figurative artist, Robyn works in acrylics at her Hanover studio. As a black woman raised in the suburbs of Boston and often being the only person of color growing up, Robyn knows the importance of representation and seeing one’s self in the images and people around you, hence her work depicting women of color as the main subjects of her paintings. Robyn Studied visual art at Syracuse University earning a BFA in 2002.  She later went on to earn an MEd from Lesley University. Combining her passion for art with her love of teaching, Robyn has been an art teacher in both private and public institutions. Robyn was named the Museum of Fine Arts Emerging Artist Fellow for 2020.

Contact: [email protected]

South Shore YMCA Nature Center

48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, MA

Get ready to dig in and get messy at Mud Day at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center!

Join us as we celebrate International Mud Day—a playful, hands-on day for families to embrace messy play and connect with nature. Cook up creations in the mud kitchen, build and experiment in the mud engineering zone, become a mud artist, and search for mud-dwelling creatures. We’ll also have opportunities for you to plant seeds and explore our gardens. This year’s event will also feature live music and Ellie’s Treats will have ice cream treats available for purchase.

Be sure to wear old clothes or a bathing suit and bring a towel and change of clothes. We’ll have a hose and sprinkler for a quick rinse after all the fun. Don’t miss this fun event to kick-off summer, rain or shine!

• Ages: All ages - Family Friendly (children must be accompanied by an adult)
• Pre-Registration Required (tickets will not be available at the door)
• SSYMCA Members: $15/family | Non Members:$25/family
• Contact: [email protected]

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.