Class Options
We have a few different class options you can read about below. If you have any questions, please contact us so we can help figure out which classes work best for your family.
Summer classes
June-August 2025
For the summer of 2025, Willow Wood will be offering 3 classes via the Normal Parks and Recreation! To register, please visit their website, and choose which day(s) work best in your schedule. For example, you can sign up for all Mondays in June, and all Fridays in July. If you have any questions, please contact us.
normal Parks & Rec Classes
1
During the months of June, July, and August, we are offering 3 classes a week at the Refuge Food Forest via the Normal Parks and Recreation!
Each day, the children get to learn about different topics related to our environment. During these 3-hour classes, children will get to use discovery tools to play and explore, record their findings in nature journals, have a story time and snack, engage in a nature-related art activity, build friendships and create a deeper connection with nature.
These classes will be held on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM for children ages 5-9 years old. Both classes are drop-off only classes.
fall classes
September-november 2025
For the fall of 2025, Willow Wood will be offering classes via two different partnerships: The Normal Parks and Recreation Department, and Illinois Art Station. These classes are happening during different days, timeframes, and at different locations. Due to these variables, the pricing and registration looks different as well, which you can read more about in the class information below. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Illinois art station classes
1
During the months of September, October, and November, we are offering 2 classes a week at Illinois Art Station in large thanks to grant funding from Illinois Prairie Community Foundation! This grant also allows for a pay-what-you-can structure starting at $20 per child, per class.
Each day, children get to explore, play, and learn about different topics they are interested in, that relate to the environment around them. During these 3-hour classes, children will get to use discovery tools to play and explore, record their findings in nature journals, have a story time and snack, engage in a nature-related art activity, build friendships and create a deeper connection with nature.
These classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM for children ages 4-9 years old.
-
Tuesdays are drop-off only classes
-
Thursdays are optional for parents/guardians to stay, or drop-off.
normal Parks & Rec Classes
2
During the months of September and October, we are offering 2 classes a week at the Refuge Food Forest via the Normal Parks and Recreation!
During these hour and a half classes, children get to explore, play, and learn about the process of growing food, utilize discovery tools to play and expand their curiosities, have a story time and snack, build friendships, and reap the benefits of being outdoors!
These classes will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 4:30 PM-6:00 PM for children ages 5-9 years old. Both classes are drop-off only classes.