Class Optionsl
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.
We also have some exciting upcoming events you can view below our class options!
Fall classes
September-december
For the fall of 2026, Willow Wood will be offering 3 classes through the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation! These drop-off classes are for children ages 5-9 years old and will be held on Mondays from 3:30 PM-5:00 PM, and on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM.
Registration is open!
To register, please visit the Normal Parks and Recreation website and choose which months work best in your schedule. For example, you can sign up for all Tuesdays in September, and all Thursdays in October. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Refuge food forest classes
1
Mondays
13:30 PM - 5:00 PM
(Click on photos to view full size)
During the months of September, October, and November we are offering 1 after school class a week at the Refuge Food Forest through the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation!
During this hour and a half class, children will get to explore, play, and learn about the changes plants, bugs, and animals undergo during the transition from summer to fall, as well as the changes from fall to the beginning of winter. They will get to use discovery tools to expand their curiosities, have a story time and snack, engage in nature-related art and science activities, build friendships, and reap the benefits of being outdoors!
We have an indoor classroom space at the Normal Community Activity Center to have class when inclement weather prevents us from being outdoors.
These classes will be held on Mondays from 3:30 PM-5:00 PM for children ages 5-9 years old.
Refuge food forest classes
2
Tuesdays & Thursdays1
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(Click on photos to view full size)
During the months of September, October, November, and December, we are offering 2 classes a week at the Refuge Food Forest through the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation!
Each class, children will get to explore, play, and learn about different fall 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 nature-related art and science activities, build friendships, and create a deeper connection with nature.
We have an indoor classroom space at the Normal Community Activity Center to have class when inclement weather prevents us from being outdoors.
These classes will be held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 AM-12:-00 PM for children ages 5-9 years old.
upcoming events
Little sprouts nature 1walks
1
Saturday, September 19th
112:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Little Sprouts Nature Walks is a Normal Parks and Recreation activity, separate from Willow Wood Nature Program classes, for children 4-8 years old. However, they have similar core goals; to foster children's curiosities, and spend quality time outdoors. I lead these classes and would love for you to join us on our next nature walk!
One Saturday a month, we meet at a different park in Normal, and spend 2 hours exploring the park, finding nature discoveries, cleaning up litter, while also giving ourselves time to rest with a story and snack time. There is also an optional art activity, and discovery tools the kids can choose from to further their exploration.
If you would like to sign up for a Little Sprouts Nature Walk, we have 2 more this year for children 4-8 years old.
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Saturday, September 19th
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Saturday, October 17th
Willow wood Introduction session
2
Saturday, September 26th
19:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Come and go as needed!
We are so excited to host another introduction session for Willow Wood! Think of this like an open house where families can meet the teachers, ask questions, explore, play, and be in community.
Adults and children are welcome! It is helpful for us to meet your children before they attend their first class so that they feel more comfortable, and so we can ensure that we can meet the needs of the children in our care. Additionally, this is a great time for parents and guardians to ask questions, and for us all to get to know each other.
You do not need to attend for the full 3 hours, and can come and go as it suits your schedule.
If you would like to attend our introduction session, please contact us to RSVP and for location information.