Nature at your doorstep.

873 Boston Post Road - Rye, NY

Trails open daily from sunrise to sunset

New: Half-Year Forest Preschool

Registration is open for our new January 2026-start session.
Join us for an afternoon adventure in nature—designed for curious young explorers ready to climb, dig, imagine, and grow.

Wednesdays & Fridays
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

New Programs Added!

where learning is a walk in the park

The forest is a perpetual teacher, and FRNC offers programs for all ages and abilities. Whether it’s our engaging Forest Preschool program, an Afterschool Club for your elementary-aged child, a weekend event for your family, or an enriching volunteer opportunity as a citizen scientist, the Rye Nature Center Forest is the place to be.

Forest Preschool

Registration is now open!

Experience the joy of nature-based learning with our Forest Preschool! Designed for young explorers, our program fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for the outdoors through hands-on experiences and play.

  • 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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View All Classes

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 Events
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 2
Jul 7
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 2

This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.  

Summer Camp - Week 2: Sustainable Science
Jul 7
Summer Camp - Week 2: Sustainable Science

Grab your goggles and lab coats as we experiment and observe the chemical reactions that result in the greenest scientific and engineering achievements.

Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 3
Jul 14
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 3

This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.  

Summer Camp - Week 3: My Architect is a Real Animal
Jul 14
Summer Camp - Week 3: My Architect is a Real Animal

Animal homes tell us an incredible amount about the life and behavior of a species. We will discover why location is key to the survival of termite mounds; observe how beaver dams impact their local environment; and uncover the effects of rising water temperatures on coral reefs. 

Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 4
Jul 21
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 4

This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.  

Summer Camp - Week 4: Ready, Set, Survive
Jul 21
Summer Camp - Week 4: Ready, Set, Survive

 Learn how to outsmart predators, adapt to the demands of nature, and survive in the wild woodlands of Rye Nature Center. 

Summer Camp - Week 5: Geology Rocks! Can you dig it?
Jul 28
Summer Camp - Week 5: Geology Rocks! Can you dig it?

Become a geologist while discovering local rocks in the RNC quarry. Grasp how experts have used layers of rock in an effort to look at history, while seeing evidence of glacial activity and erosion on our very own property.

Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 5
Jul 28
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 5

This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.  

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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.