Nature at your doorstep.
Trails open daily from sunrise to sunset
Discover Forest Preschool
Registration for the 2026 - 2027 school year is now open!
It’s not too late to apply for our half-year semester, starting in January 2026.
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.
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.
Join us as we create wonderful decorations to light up the short days of winter.
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.
Enjoy a cozy hour around the campfire with nature-based stories and a sweet treat.
Learn which birds stay for winter, what they eat, and how to help them thrive in cold months.
Step into the world of mosses and lichens on this observation-focused hike.
Learn how to tap a maple tree! Families will learn about the process of creating maple syrup and get a tour of our Sugar Shed.
Join us for a 49-year-old Rye tradition!
Registration opens Wed, Feb 4
Learn how to tap a maple tree! Families will learn about the process of creating maple syrup and get a tour of our Sugar Shed.
Discover how to identify trees just as they begin to wake up in anticipation of the summer months.
Discover the unsung heroes of the forest hidden under the layers of leaves and logs.
Join us for a night of brain-twisting fun at Rye Nature Center. From pop culture and science to bizarre wildlife facts, our trivia will blow your mind.
Celebrate Earth Month with hands-on activities that inspire sustainability!
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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.