Skip to main content
Search for:
When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to go to the desired page. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Donate
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Venue Rentals
  • Visit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Hiking Trails
    • Animal Ambassadors
    • Art Gallery
    • Group Visits
    • FAQs
  • Birding
    • Birding at Schlitz Audubon
    • Feeder Cam
    • Birding Resources
  • Learn
    • Nature Preschool
    • Youth Education
    • Summer Camp
    • Adult Education
  • Conservation
    • Current Conservation Projects
    • Conservation Philosophy
    • Conservation Plan
    • Birds of Greatest Conservation Need
    • Reptile Amphibian Conservation Area
    • Stormwater Wetland & Ravine Restoration Project
    • Citizen Science
    • Conservation in Your Yard
  • Raptors
    • Raptor Program
    • Meet Our Raptors
    • Support Our Raptors
    • At the Mews
  • Calendar
  • Get Involved
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Support Our Ambassadors
    • Planned Giving
    • Volunteer
    • Careers & Internships
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Venue Rentals

Also in this section

  • Nature Preschool
    • For Current Families
    • For Prospective Families
    • Alumni Reunion
  • Youth Education
    • School Programs
      • Directory
      • Request a Program
    • Homeschool
      • Junior Elementary
      • Senior Elementary
      • Student Profile Form
    • Scouting
      • Boy Scouts
      • Girl Scouts
    • Offsite Programs
  • Summer Camp
    • Camp Calendar
  • Adult Education

Nature Preschool / K4

Nature has always been our classroom. We have been teaching outdoors since our preschool was founded in 2003. We now divide our days between our four outdoor classrooms and the beautiful surrounding nature trails. During a year at Nature Preschool, a child might watch a monarch butterfly begin its migration to Mexico, catch a frog at Mystery Lake, and learn to tap a maple tree.

Founded in 2003, the preschool was the first of its kind in Wisconsin and is nationally recognized. Housed in the Center’s Gold LEED-certified building, the preschool’s uniqueness stems from our strong commitment to both environmental education and inquiry-based learning. We are a 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.

Nature-based Learning

Based upon seasonal changes, our nature-based curriculum includes daily outdoor discovery of Schlitz Audubon’s diverse habitats, plus:

  • Curiosity and engagement
  • Social and emotional learning
  • Cognitive skill development
  • Large and small motor skill development
  • Environmental literacy
  • Scientific thinking
  • Literacy skills and writing
  • Math and manipulative activities
  • Dramatic play
  • Art and music

Our preschoolers learn by doing – they climb on logs, search for insects, dig for worms, hike the trails, splash in puddles, play in the snow and get to know the Center’s resident reptiles, amphibians, and Raptors. As a Nature Preschool, we spend the majority of our class time outside exploring throughout all of the seasons. With proper seasonal attire, our students learn to embrace the rain, snow, and sunshine alike, as well as any other weather Wisconsin has to offer. Students begin to develop a sense of place and an understanding of the natural world that surrounds us all.

Our Learning Environment

We are a fully-licensed, nine-month preschool offering morning or afternoon classes. The preschool’s students are co-taught by professionally trained and motivated teachers who offer years of early childhood and environmental education teaching experience. They also enjoy special programs taught by Center naturalists. With 16 children in each of our four outdoor classrooms, there is a maximum ratio of one teacher for every eight children. These ratios and our training requirements exceed the requirements of the State of Wisconsin and meet the accreditation criteria set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our preschool is part of Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin and a member of Natural Start Alliance, which is part of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

Find out more about our Preschool options.

Learn more

Events

Hand in Hand: Going on a Nature Hike

Friday, September 29, 2023
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Discover nature with your little one! We will meet in one of our specially designed... Read Story >

Audubon Babies: Nature Sounds

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Children are never too young to learn about and enjoy the wonders of nature. Join... Read Story >

Audubon Babies: Nature Sounds

Thursday, October 5, 2023
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Children are never too young to learn about and enjoy the wonders of nature. Join... Read Story >

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, our mission is to conserve our land’s diverse habitats on Lake Michigan and provide meaningful experiences and environmental education for all.

Our Location

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
1111 E. Brown Deer Road
Milwaukee, WI 53217
(414) 352-2880

Open Daily
8:30am – 5:00pm

Admission
Free for members
Adult | $10
Ages 3-17 | $7
2 and Under | Free
Military | $7

Plan Your Visit
Join today!

Stay Connected!

Subscribe to our Weekly eNews to receive updates on activities, programs and special events.

  • Please enter a number from 10000 to 99999.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Contact Us
  • Venue Rentals
  • Careers & Internships
  • About Us
  • Panorama
  • Site Terms
  • Donor Privacy Policy
Charity Navigator 4-star charity
National Audubon Society
Schlitz Audubon is an independent, locally supported partner of the National Audubon Society.

All content ©2023 Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Site Design: Third Sector Creative