Ball’s Falls Nature School
Four children peaking around a tree
Does your child love nature and exploring the great outdoors?
Ball’s Falls Nature School brings education out into the wilderness!
Ball's Falls Nature School provides an opportunity for students to connect with nature, developing a sense of place and self, while building confidence and engaging in outdoor experiences.
This weekly full-day alternative education program provides students (ages 4 – 11 years) with specialized, small-group, curriculum-linked lessons in math, reading, writing, science, social science, and art - all in an outdoor setting.
Students will continue to build their literacy, numeracy, inquiry and social skills at Nature School, where learning is based on environmental, sustainable, and conservation principles. Nature School days are spent exploring the trails, fields and forests of Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, and engaging in child-led, inquiry-based learning within the Arboretum and Forest Playscape – a safe place for students to play, learn, socialize and be creative within the Carolinian Forest.
Students will get to see the changes and discoveries that come with the seasons in Niagara. With so much time in the great outdoors learning, playing and engaging with nature – this program brings out the best in students and allows for development and opportunities to learn in all new ways. Some students call the program ‘Recess everyday!” because some of the best times we spend learning, are spent outdoors.
At Ball’s Falls, Nature School is founded on the principle that nature is one of the best places to learn and grow.
Who: Students ages 4 – 11 years (as of September 2025)
When: Mondays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Extended care is available from 8:00 – 9:00 am and 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Where: The Arboretum at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area
What: A full-day alternative education program. Mornings are filled with Ontario curriculum-based activities which are catered to the learning abilities and individual needs of the students. Afternoons are a time for child-led and inquiry-based exploration and play through the many trails and the Forest Playscape.
2026 Nature School Fees
Fees: $65 per student per day (administrative fee applies)
Extended Care: $13 per day per family
A 50% non-refundable, non-transferrable deposit is taken at time of registration. The remainder of registration fees are due mid-session.
A 10% discount is given when registering more than one child from the same household.
For more information:
natureschool@npca.ca or call 905-788-3135 ext. 322
Session 3: January to April - Wonderful Winter Turned to Spectacular Spring
Mondays beginning January 12
Session ends April 27
In this session we will welcome students to 2026, with a new year and a new season! In this session, students will discover the wonders of the winter season. From studying animal tracks, to learning the science of ice and snow, and even possibly a snowshoeing adventure, this session will be full of new discoveries. As the days get warmer there will be many new discoveries as nature begins to flourish. Our students will learn about which spring plants are the first to appear; how melting of snow changes our creek and waterfalls; and how to start planning a garden. There will be lots to learn during this session!
Our students will build on their skills in literacy, math, art, and science as well as their confidence in the outdoors!