Nature at your doorstep.

873 Boston Post Road - Rye, NY

Trails open daily from sunrise to sunset

Discover Forest Preschool

Registration for the 2026 - 2027 School Year opens on Nov 7, 2025. It’s not too late to apply for our half-year semester, starting in January 2026.

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The 2025-2026
Program Guide is here!

Discover a full year of nature-based programs, workshops, and events for all ages at Rye Nature Center. From preschool adventures to adult hikes, it’s all inside.

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  • Forest Preschool

    Friends of Rye Nature Center’s Forest Preschool nurtures a lifelong connection to nature through outdoor experiential learning.

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  • Afterschool Clubs

    FRNC's afterschool clubs offer students the chance to explore the outdoors while learning something new each session.

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  • My Naturalist and Me

    Join us for a fun-filled hour of nature activities with your little one, featuring animal encounters, crafts, and short hikes.

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  • School's Out Workshops

    When school is out, our workshops provide outdoor adventure and exploration for children ages 3.5 to 10.

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  • Summer Camp

    FRNC’s summer day camp offers outdoor adventure, ecological exploration, and hands-on learning through fun, nature-based activities.

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  • Paddle Adventure Camp

    PAC offers kayaking, hiking, and outdoor fun for campers in grades 8-10, building skills and confidence in a safe, exciting environment.

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  • June Bugs

    June Bugs is a summer program for children ages 3.5 to 6, offering outdoor activities, crafts, games, and hands-on ecology lessons in the Rye Nature Center forest.

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Weekend & Public Programs

Engage in weekend adventures and public programs tailored for every age group. Dive into our captivating array of activities designed to spark curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

All Programs and Events
The Great Leaf Hunt Celebration
Nov 1
The Great Leaf Hunt Celebration

Come celebrate the conclusion of the Great Leaf Hunt!

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Pumpkin Smash and Composting
Nov 8
Pumpkin Smash and Composting

Join us for a fun, hands-on hour where we turn post-Halloween pumpkins into compost gold and celebrate sustainability.

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47 for 47 Acres Day
Nov 11
47 for 47 Acres Day

School’s out, so bring the family to Rye Nature Center for an afternoon of fall fun! This special hiking experience invites you to explore the beautiful grounds and connect with nature.

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Survival Skills
Nov 15
Survival Skills

Discover the ancient art and science of fire-making in this hands-on workshop where participants will explore different traditional fire-starting methods.

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Turkey Hike
Nov 22
Turkey Hike

Join us for a walk through the woods as we explore the secret life of wild turkeys!

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Mistletoe Magic
Nov 30
Mistletoe Magic

The Chamber of Commerce will once again transform Purchase Street into a winter wonderland, offering fun activities, performers, crafts, and games for the entire family.

Animal Meet and Greet
Jan 3
Animal Meet and Greet

Join us for a meet and greet with the Nature Center animals! Children and families will get to learn about our resident mammals, reptiles, and birds.

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Campfire, Cocoa, S’mores, and Stories
Jan 10
Campfire, Cocoa, S’mores, and Stories

Enjoy a cozy hour around the campfire with nature-based stories and a sweet treat.

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Nature News

Latest Posts

Nature News
One Brook’s Trash, Another Treasure
One Brook’s Trash, Another Treasure
Paw Paw Patrol
Paw Paw Patrol
A Living Library of Leaves: Our Herbarium
A Living Library of Leaves: Our Herbarium
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Mission Statement

Friends of Rye Nature Center (FRNC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization which offers programs to people of all ages and abilities. We encourage conservation, provide environmental education, and support our community’s access to nature.

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