If you want your kids to trade screen time for some fresh air and real-world learning, Naperville’s youth programs at The Conservation Foundation’s McDonald Farm are just the ticket. These programs give children hands-on chances to explore the outdoors, helping them connect with the plants, animals, and natural habitats right in their backyard. The goal is simple: to inspire young minds to care about the environment now and throughout their lives.
Learn, Play, and Grow Outdoors
The Conservation Foundation offers a variety of programs tailored to schools, scouts, summer camps, and youth groups. With trained educators leading the way, kids get a real outdoor education that brings science and nature to life.
School trips to McDonald Farm take students on adventures through wetlands, prairies, and organic farm fields. These explorations support school lessons while offering fresh air and exercise.
Scout programs here are packed with opportunities to earn badges and belts as they discover local ecosystems and try their hands at nature-themed activities. The farm’s 60 acres provide plenty of space for groups to spread out, ensuring safety and fun. Programs usually last about 60 to 90 minutes, perfect for keeping energy up and attention focused.
Mighty Acorns and After-School Nature Clubs
For younger kids, the Mighty Acorns program offers an environmental education experience for 3rd- to 5th-graders. This program blends classroom learning with outdoor restoration projects and exploration and aligns with Next Generation Science Standards as well as STEM and Common Core requirements. Children are not just learning science—they’re actively helping improve the environment.
After school, elementary-age children can join the nature club, where each week they dive into different themes right on the farm—exploring gardens and native plants, enjoying healthy snacks from the garden, and getting all the benefits of outdoor activity. The program takes place fully outside, ensuring kids stay active and engaged with the world around them.
Fun and Learning All Summer Long
Summer Camp registration is open for unique small-group camps held at McDonald Farm in Naperville and Dickson-Murst Farm in Montgomery. These camps offer an outstanding chance for kids to build friendships, gain new skills, and explore nature in a safe, supervised setting. With activities ranging from animal tracking to renewable energy demonstrations, these camps provide something interesting for every young explorer.
Family Adventures at McDonald Farm invite families to spend quality time together outdoors, enjoying seasonal changes, and getting refreshed in nature. These sessions foster connection, relaxation, and fun in a family-friendly environment.
Scholarships to Support Every Young Naturalist
The Conservation Foundation is committed to making nature programs accessible to everyone. The Paul D. Pierotti Memorial Scholarship supports students with a passion for the outdoors to pursue nature-related education.
Additionally, there are Youth Education Scholarships for families that need financial help to participate. Interested families can apply by sharing their needs and how much they can contribute.
Why Choose Naperville for Your Family?
Living in Naperville means having direct access to programs that teach children the value of nature while offering plenty of outdoor fun. Families here benefit from community spaces like McDonald Farm, where children and adults alike can learn, play, and grow surrounded by diverse ecosystems.
Beyond the programs, Naperville is a place where families can feel confident about their children’s education and well-being, supported by organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship and active lifestyles. If you want your family to thrive in a community that cares about health, learning, and sustainability, Naperville offers a natural fit.
Connect With Nature in Naperville’s Great Outdoors
The Conservation Foundation’s youth programs at McDonald Farm provide valuable educational experiences from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday at 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, IL. These programs bring science lessons outside the classroom and into living ecosystems, enriching children’s knowledge while making it fun.
Whether it’s earning scout badges, planting native species, or attending after-school nature clubs, the farm is a place to learn and grow. This hands-on approach to environmental education encourages young minds to explore, question, and appreciate the nature around them—preparing tomorrow’s leaders to care for the earth today.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to connect your kids with nature and give them lifelong memories, this is the place to start.
Source: theconservationfoundation.org
