Welcome

Our facility will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15th in observation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Our building will reopen to the public at 9am on Tuesday, Jan. 16th.

As always, our grounds and trails featuring self-guided tours are free and open daily from dawn until dusk.
Please exercise caution to remain safe on trails, sidewalks, and driveways, as conditions may be icy.

Our facility is open on weekdays from 9am to 4pm and on weekends from 10am to 2pm.

As always, our grounds and trails featuring self-guided tours are free and open daily from dawn until dusk.

Wonder Bugs Program

SPRING REGISTRATION OPENS AT NOON ON FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST

REGISTER HERE FOR SPRING

 

FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, AGES 2 TO 4!

Join us for our Wonder Bugs weekly sessions! We will use our senses to explore the flora and fauna of the nature center, as well as to investigate seasonal changes in the weather and landscape. Sessions may include songs, stories, movement, games, crafts, and science experiments. A light snack will be provided during each class. Every week will be a unique adventure!

The Wonder Bugs program is designed for children ages 2, 3, and 4 and their parent or caregiver. An adult must accompany all children to the program. Weather permitting, Wonder Bugs is held mostly outdoors (with access to the indoor restrooms).

Limited tuition assistance and payment plans are available. Contact wonderbugs@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org to inquire about availability.

Registration is by the season! Sign up for a block of programs. Individual dates are no longer available.

Offered six times during the week and every other Saturday! This once-a-week, 1 hour and 15 minute program is offered Tuesday through Friday at 9:30 am, Tuesday and Thursday at 11:15 am, and select Saturdays at 10 and 11:45 am.

Contact our Early Childhood Program Coordinator at wonderbugs@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org or (608) 216-9383 with any questions.

Already registered? Login to access your program registration


“We had a wonderful experience with Wonder Bugs. Our daughter still sings the Wonder Bugs song all the time and asks us to join in. She also has taken more of an interest in the natural world, especially when she sees something we talked about directly in the program (spiders, butterflies, frogs, etc).”
– Wonder Bugs Parent

 
For questions or to register by phone call (608) 221-0404 x 1

4yo with caterpillar rsWonder Bugs Objectives:

  1. Provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers to interact with their child in a natural setting,
  2. Foster a sense of wonder for the natural world,
  3. Foster admiration and respect for the land.

 
 

Registration Policy

Pre-registration is required as there are a limited number of spots available. If you have a question about bringing a sibling to the program, please send us an email. If you are registered and will not be attending, please call to inform us of your child’s absence. For questions, please contact wonderbugs@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org or to register by phone, call (608) 221-0404 x 1.

Cancellation Policy

Please notify ALNC of any cancellations at least 14 days prior to the start of a program.
If informed at least 30 days before, ALNC will issue a refund to the original payment method for the paid cost of the program minus a 15% administrative fee OR issue a credit to a loyalty account* for the paid cost of the program minus a 15% administrative fee OR move your registration to a different program of equal value. If informed less than 30 days, but at least 14 days before, ALNC will issue a credit to a loyalty account* for the paid cost of the program minus a 15% administrative fee OR move your registration to a different program of equal value.
If ALNC cancels more than one class for any reason, you will be given the following options:

  • A FULL REFUND for canceled classes to the original payment method
  • A CREDIT for canceled classes to a loyalty account*, good for future programming at ALNC
  • A TRANSFER of the cost of canceled classes into a tax-deductible donation to ALNC

Any non-attendance or cancellations within 14 days of the start of a program will result in a charge of the FULL class fee – there are no refunds for missed programs.

If you do not respond with your preference within 14 days of the canceled program, ALNC will issue a credit for the paid cost of the program minus a 15% administrative fee to a loyalty account*.
*The balance in a loyalty account is considered forfeit or abandoned if there are no transactions involving the loyalty account for over 12 months.

Wonder Bugs On the Road

Supported by our Community Access Fund, we’ve expanded the Wonder Bugs Preschool Program by offering it – for free – at different Play & Learn sites throughout the Madison Metropolitan School District. Sign up through Play & Learn to participate in Wonder Bugs On the Road.

 
 
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”
– Rachel Carson

 


If you would like to be added to our email list and receive information on program registration as it becomes available, please click here.

Aldo Leopold Nature Center