Programs for preschool-aged children and parents are offered regularly during the school year at Amoskeag Fishways, and NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center. Nature-based preschool programs keep young children engaged through hands-on activities, songs, crafts, stories, and outdoor discovery.

Upcoming Preschool Classes at Massabesic Center in Auburn

Wee Wonders
Tuesdays, 12:30-2 pm and Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am
Cost: $9 M / $12 NM (per child/parent pair)
Leader: Kim Murphy, Naturalist
Call 668-2045 for more information or to register.
Discover the changing seasons through hands-on activities, songs, crafts, stories, and outdoor discovery. Please dress to be outside and wear appropriate footwear. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Classes are for ages 4-6. Directions to the center can be found here.

Spring Series 1: Water Water Everywhere
Mar 5/6 Snow and Ice: Come and explore the wonders of water in its solid form, as we play with snow and ice! We will find out how a snowflake forms, how icicles are made, and make some snow sculptures of our own.
Mar 12/13 Tale of the Beaver: The beavers have been trapped in their lodges in the watery world under the ice all winter long! Come today and discover some tales of the beaver as we play some beaver games and make a beaver craft!
Mar 19/20 Looney Tunes: I’m big and black and white all over. I have a most beautiful call and will dive deep for my dinner. What am I? A loon! These beautiful birds are arriving back to Massabesic and other lakes around the state. Come find out more about the uncommon common loon!
Mar 26/27 Spring Showers Bring… Puddles! Spring has arrived! Snow is melting, rain- instead of snow- will be falling, and puddles will be forming! We will perform some water experiments, follow a drop of water on its incredible journey, and discover how the animals deal with the rain.
Apr 2/3 Wicked Big Puddles: There are some spring puddles that we shouldn’t be jumping in- because they are filled with LIFE! Come and explore the life found in our vernal pools as we examine scoops of water from a vernal pool, play some vernal pool critter games, and meet a vernal pool animal up close!
Apr 9/10 Our Blue Planet: The reason our planet Earth is able to support such a diversity of life is because of one very special feature – WATER! Come today and celebrate the Earth – as we learn some things we can do to help protect our precious home.

Spring Series 2: Habitats
Apr 30/May 1 Home is a Habitat: We all have a special place that we can call home, and animals have homes too! Come take a sneak peak at some different types of habitats we have around the center, find out what makes them so special, and join in on the fun as we “knock on the door” of some interesting animal homes today!
May 7/8 Life Underfoot: There is a whole world of life that lives underfoot! From burrowing mammals to worms in the soil! We’ll imagine a journey deep underground, and visit some of the life that lives there.
May 14/15 Our Friends of the Forest: The forest is full of life! We will take a hike and discover who lurks in our forests, and what makes their home so special, and what makes it so easy for them to hide from us!
May 21/22 Pond-ering the Pond: Have you ever wondered who lives in the pond, or who may come to visit? Come and explore the pond as a habitat, as we search the air, scour the shore, and dip and scoop in the waters to discover the animals that live there.
May 28/29 Our Friends of the Field: Much more than just grasses, fields can hide a wide variety of life, from tiny insects and small mammals underfoot, to larger land and aerial hunters. Come and discover some of our friends who call the field their home!
June 4/5 Habitat Quest: Put your new habitat knowledge to the test as we visit Massabesic’s different habitats on a scavenger hunt to search for life!

Group Preschool Classes

Group preschool classes can be arranged through the McLane Center. Are you a preschool teacher looking for ways to enhance your student’s experiences or a parent looking to give the gift of nature to your child’s class?

Combine the program with a visit to the McLane Center or we will travel to your location. Please call 604-224-9909, ext. 333 to arrange a time and date.
Teacher: Kevin Wall
Available: Year-Round
Cost: $125; off-site programs add $.90 per mile for travel
Time: 45 minutes
Group Size: 25

Birds for Beginners
Introduce children to the basic parts of a bird. See and touch wings, feathers, bones, and beaks. Interactive experiences and a live raptor keep young students engaged.

New Hampshire Wildlife
Students learn about the diverse animal groups found in New Hampshire through visits with a live snake, turtle, bird, and mounted animals.