Outdoor Science Explorers | Homeschool | Winter-Spring 2026

The Outdoor Science Explorers Program is a great way for homeschooled kids to spend some time outside exploring, playing, and learning in nature. Kids will engage in activities and games that strengthen their observational skills, build self-reliance and social skills, and increase their knowledge of local plants, animals, and ecosystems.

1/7 – 2/11 – Wildcrafted Art! – Let creativity bloom outdoors! In this nature-inspired art class, children will use materials gathered from the forest—like, sticks, stones, and lichen—to make beautiful and meaningful works of art. From ephemeral sculptures to plant-based pigments, we’ll explore the intersection of creativity and ecology, encouraging kids to see the natural world as both muse and medium.

2/25 – 4/8 (Skip 3/25) – Winged Wonders, for Junior Birders – Take flight into the fascinating world of birds! This class is perfect for young bird enthusiasts eager to learn about migration, nesting habits, and amazing bird adaptations. With binoculars in hand and ears tuned to birdsong, kids will practice spotting and identifying local species, build their own bird journals, and deepen their appreciation for our feathered neighbors.

4/22 – 5/27 – Life in the Water – Grab your boots and get ready to splash, scoop, and explore! In this class, kids will become aquatic scientists as they search for creatures that live in our streams and ponds. We’ll follow the journey of a raindrop through the water cycle, learn how watersheds work, and discover just how important clean water is for all living things. It’s a wet and wild adventure full of muddy hands, curious minds, and watery wonders.

Parents/Guardians are welcome to stay or drop off. 

Ages: 6-12

Dates:

• Session 1: Wednesdays, January 7 – February 11
• Session 2: Wednesdays, February 25 – April 8 (No class the week of March 23)
• Session 2: Wednesdays, April 22 – May 27

Time: 9am-12pm

Location: 

• Miller Woods, McMinnville

Please review our Payments, Refunds, and Cancellations Policy.

Tuition assistance is available, and payments for programs may be tax-deductible as childcare. We invite families to check out our tuition assistance options. For your records, OEA’s EIN is 82-0836935.

*Waitlist: Please select the waitlist ticket option if your desired tickets are sold out. If you are able to select your desired ticket it means that there are tickets available. We will contact you if a space becomes available.