Nature & Animal Classes

6407 Millhouse Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Sunrise Community Farm Center offers a variety of Horse Lessons for all ages and experience levels. Little Rascals Classes (ages 3-6) are parent/child sessions that focus on building a strong, trusting partnership with horses through grooming, leading, and pony rides. Beginner Lessons (ages 6+) are available on weekends and weekdays, starting with horse bonding and care, followed by riding fundamentals in both Western and English saddles. Students will work on seat balance, steering, and voice commands while progressing to trot and canter. For more experienced riders, Intermediate and Advanced Lessons are available by instructor evaluation. Lessons are designed to instill a love of horses and foundational skills for future riding pursuits.

👶 Age: 3-18

🚘 Distance: 347.9 miles away

706 Gilbert Street, Durham, NC 27701

Founded in 1994, SEEDS is a two-acre urban garden and kitchen classroom in the heart of Durham. SEEDS develops the capacity of young people to respect life, the earth, and each other through growing, cooking, and sharing food. We offer classes and workshops for adults and children, summer camp, volunteer opportunities, youth internships, festivals, field trips and educational outreach, community garden beds and support, and rental spaces. Or, if you simply want to use the garden as a space to relax and get away from the world, that's fine too. Check out our website for everything that's available! Come out and visit us! Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 9 am - 2 pm Friday: 9 am - 12 pm Saturdays and Sundays: Check our calendar for select open hours

🚘 Distance: 353.7 miles away

1224 Old Lystra Road Chapel Hill, NC 27517

1870 Farm is a family-friendly working farm located in Durham, offering a wide range of farm experiences, events, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the farm, interact with animals, enjoy seasonal produce, and participate in hands-on activities like farm tours, fruit picking, and family-friendly festivals. The farm is dedicated to sustainability and educating visitors about farming practices, local food, and the importance of supporting small-scale agriculture. With its rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere, 1870 Farm provides a fun, engaging way for families to connect with nature and the food they eat.

🚘 Distance: 355.0 miles away

1224 Old Lystra Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

My Little Farmer offers unique farm-based educational experiences for children ages 1-9 across locations in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Greenville, North Carolina. Their classes combine fun and learning through hands-on activities on the farm, including animal care, gardening, and creative play. Programs like Farm Tots (ages 12-24 months), Little Farmers (ages 2-3), and Big Little Farmers (ages 3-5) introduce toddlers and young children to the wonders of agriculture in an interactive setting. In addition to regular classes, they offer birthday parties, drop-off programs, and seasonal events. Their offerings are designed to nurture a love of farming, animals, and nature in young children.

🚘 Distance: 355.0 miles away

8794 NC-751, Durham, NC 27713

My Little Farmer offers unique farm-based educational experiences for children ages 1-9 across locations in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Greenville, North Carolina. Their classes combine fun and learning through hands-on activities on the farm, including animal care, gardening, and creative play. Programs like Farm Tots (ages 12-24 months), Little Farmers (ages 2-3), and Big Little Farmers (ages 3-5) introduce toddlers and young children to the wonders of agriculture in an interactive setting. In addition to regular classes, they offer birthday parties, drop-off programs, and seasonal events. Their offerings are designed to nurture a love of farming, animals, and nature in young children.

🚘 Distance: 359.1 miles away

2090 Marthas Chapel Rd, Apex, NC 27523

Sun Star Farm offers a unique preschool experience with a nature-based curriculum inspired by Waldorf education. Children develop through imaginative play, animal care, and seasonal activities in a beautiful outdoor setting. Our small, nurturing community fosters growth at each child’s pace, encouraging exploration and creativity through hands-on experiences with animals and nature.

👶 Age: 1-4

🚘 Distance: 361.9 miles away

1255 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC, 27511

Science Safari is dedicated to sparking curiosity in students through hands-on learning and exciting science activities. Our programs cater to children from preschool to middle school, offering a stimulating environment that encourages exploration and critical thinking. Students will leave inspired to pursue their interests and questions, with many returning year after year for continued growth.

👶 Age: 3-30

🚘 Distance: 370.1 miles away

4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC, 27606

JC Raulston Arboretum offers a variety of educational programs and classes for children, families, and adults, all designed to connect participants with nature. From hands-on gardening experiences to nature walks and plant-based crafts, these programs foster a love for the outdoors and teach valuable skills in environmental stewardship. Classes are designed for different age groups, making it easy for all ages to explore the beauty of the Arboretum while learning about plants, ecosystems, and sustainability.

🚘 Distance: 371.2 miles away

Multiple locations

Raleigh Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programs and events year-round for children and adults of all ages and skill levels, including aquatics, social clubs, fitness, and summer camps. We also provide specialized services for individuals with developmental or physical disabilities to ensure everyone can participate. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, groups, and businesses, including landscaping, coaching, event support, and the Adopt-A-Trail program. Pre-registration is required, and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check our website for current volunteer opportunities.

🚘 Distance: 371.5 miles away

2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC, 27518

The Stevens Nature Center offers hands-on science programs focusing on local ecosystems and environmental stewardship. Designed for all ages, these engaging activities take place at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world through outdoor exploration and learning.

🚘 Distance: 372.2 miles away

11 West Jones St., Raleigh, NC, 27601

Join us for live animal programs each week, designed for kids of all ages. Our homeschool and track-out classes provide a unique opportunity to learn about animals through interactive, curriculum-correlated sessions. Connect with educators virtually for engaging, hands-on learning experiences using specimens, activities, and live animals.

🚘 Distance: 374.0 miles away

Raleigh, NC

Longleaf Learning Collective is a Raleigh-based nonprofit that connects children and families with nature through outdoor education and immersive, hands-on experiences. Programs include year-round nature classes for children from birth through age 10, homeschool enrichment, family camps, outdoor yoga, birthday parties, and seasonal events that inspire curiosity, creativity, environmental stewardship, and a lifelong love of the natural world.

🚘 Distance: 374.1 miles away