Buckeye Nature Kids

About Buckeye Nature Kids

Our Philosophy

At Buckeye Nature Kids, we believe in a child-led, nature-based learning approach. Our program nurtures curiosity and fosters a sense of wonder, essential for early childhood development.

Our Mission

At Buckeye Nature Kids, our mission is to connect kids with nature through play and exploration. We strive to create a safe, warm and welcoming environment where any child can learn.

Our Program

At Buckeye Nature Kids, we prioritize hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity and critical thinking. Our child-led activities promote exploration and problem-solving in a natural setting.

Contact Us

Are you ready to get started?

If you have questions about the opportunities available in our programs like drop- off services, feel free to send us a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Buckeye Nature Kids, LLC

13480 Congress Lake Road Northeast, Hartville, Ohio 44632, United States

BuckeyeNatureKids@gmail.com Text or call (330) 305-2704

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at buckeyenaturekids@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Where are you located?

We are big supporters of our local county and state parks! We hold classes at Quail Hollow Park and occasionally meet at Walborn Reservoir and Sippo Lake Park in Stark County, OH. Use of all other Stark Parks, state parks and preserves for classes occurs from time to time.

What age groups do you accommodate?

We welcome children between the ages of 3 years old and 6 years old. 0-2 years old are free. All ages are welcomed to our free nature days, however, the program is more tailored for ages 0-8.

When does your program run?

We are committed to building a strong and meaningful community. Our weekly program runs from September to May with the usual breaks for holidays. Our free once monthly program runs year round on the last Saturday of the month. Free Tyke Hikes are on Tuesdays in February, June and October. We also offer free seasonal winter nature playdates Wednesdays.

What are your class options and tuition rates?

We provide the following parent or caregiver required class options:

September-November, Monday, 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m ($150/child)
December-February, Monday, 9:30 a.m- 11:30 a.m ($150/child)
March-May, Monday, 9:30 a.m- 11:30 a.m ($150/child)
January-December, last Saturday of the month, 10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. (FREE)
February, June, and October, Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. (FREE)

$75 for additional sibling. Siblings and kiddos 2 years of age and under are welcome to attend paid sessions at no cost (limit of one per caregiver).

What kind of weather does the program operate in?

We believe everyone benefits from experiencing all types of weather, including rain, snow and cold. Programs are 100% outdoors except extreme weather and thunderstorms. To help ensure children remain comfortable, families are provided with a recommended equipment list.

What types of activities are offered in the program?

We offer immersive, hands-on outdoor experiences designed to foster connection with nature and build essential life skills. Our child-led programs feature engaging activities such as hiking, gardening, animal track identifying, fire safety instruction, shelter building, and collaborative challenges, promoting teamwork and resilience. Children also enjoy crafts, story time, and games that prepare them to enter school.

What is your make-up policy for a missed class?

We do not offer makeup classes for absences. In the event of inclement weather resulting in class cancellation, we will make every reasonable effort to reschedule the affected class.

How do I register?

Registration opens prior to each 3-month session and is ongoing. We want to make sure everyone has a chance to experience the magic of nature, so please reach out—we'd love to have you join our next class if spots are available or attend some of our free programs throughout the year.

Registration is online and is first-come, first-served. You can register for our programs on our website and Eventbrite. You'll be sent an invoice upon registration with several payment options to best fit your needs.

About Buckeye Nature Kids

How we got started

Buckeye Nature Kids was started by a mom who was a bit underwhelmed by the opportunities for consistent, accessible outdoor classrooms nearby. We have so many beautiful local and state parks that lend themselves to unlimited wonder and exploration all year long. And from that, the idea was born: to create a program offering child-led outdoor experiences for kids aged 0-6.

We are just getting started, but we have big plans! In addition to our typical sessions, we're planning field trips and our annual end-of-year camping trip.

Currently, we are a caregiver-required program. However, based on interest and as we grow, we have plans to offer additional classes and drop-off classes.

We hope you'll join us for one of our gatherings!

Elizabeth Keene, Founder & Play Guide

Nature-Based Learning for Young Explorers

Nature-Based Learning for Young Explorers

About Buckeye Nature Kids

Our Philosophy

Our Mission

Our Program

Exploring the wonders of Buckeye Nature Kids

Contact Us

Are you ready to get started?

Buckeye Nature Kids, LLC

Get in Touch!

Send me a registration form!