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.
2025 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 1: September to October Autumn Adventures
Mondays beginning September 15, 2025
Session ends October 27 (6 weeks)
Note: Nature School will not run on October 13 for Thanksgiving Monday.
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, we set out on a brand-new season of Nature School! In this session, students will embark on autumn adventures that celebrate friendship, curiosity, and the wonders of the natural world. Together, we’ll explore literacy, math, art, and science through the lens of the fall season—discovering the magic of leaves, seeds, and seasonal changes all around us. From learning in the forest to building connections with each other, our Autumn Adventurers will start the year with joy, discovery, and a spirit of exploration!
Session 2: November to December Frost and Forests
Mondays beginning November 3
Session ends December 15 (7 weeks)
Note: Nature School will not run on October 13 for Thanksgiving Monday.
In our Frost and Forests session, students will discover the wonders of the forest as it shifts into the colder months of the year. Together we will notice sparkling frosts, bare branches, evergreen trees, and the quiet signs of animals preparing for winter. Through play and exploration, students will build on their skills in literacy, math, art, and science while strengthening their resilience and confidence outdoors. This magical season offers countless opportunities for curiosity and creativity as we learn from the beauty of nature in transition.