Rye Nature Center | Kids Out and About Westchester <

Rye Nature Center

Mission: Friends of Rye Nature Center (FRNC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization which offers programs to people of all ages and abilities. We encourage conservation, provide environmental education, and support our community’s access to nature year-round. The visitor center and office are open Monday through Saturday 9 am-5 pm. The Nature Center is closed on Saturdays during June, July, and August. Grounds are open daily dawn until dusk.

Be a Friend - Join us!

As a member of the Friends of Rye Nature Center, you are contributing directly to the protection of our valuable natural resources.  Your contributions of time and money help people of all ages learn about the natural environment - its beauties, its mysteries and its need for our care and protection, here in Rye, and throughout the world.

Download a printable membership form (PDF file) here.

Programs and Camps

Our Weekly Ecology Classes are a great way to get your child outdoors on a weekly basis all year round. There are clubs for all elementary students including Wilderness Encounters, Preschool Ecology, Forest Kindergarten and Mommy and Me.

June Bugs 

June Bugs is a great way to expose your pre-schoolers to the great outdoors during the early June.  This camp is only available for children ages 3.5 - 6.  

Summer Camp

Summer is our most active season, and our Summer Ecology Camp is always a hit with kids of all ages througout the community.  

School Programs (for Teachers)

There are many programs that can be done in your classroom, as well as on-site at RNC. Classes can include Animal Adaptations, Geology, LIfe Cycles, Apple Cidering, and more-- all designed to reinforce the science curriculum in local schools.

Public Programs

Festivals and other programs open to the public for all ages can be found here.

New! "Green" Birthday Parties

Birthdays are not offered for June, July and August.

To book a birthday, please e-mail at jenivogel@ryenaturecenter.org.

Host your child’s next birthday party in “green” fashion. The Rye Nature Center offers birthday parties that are eco-friendly, educational and of course a lot of fun! RNC promotes parties with a green twist. We provide re-useable tableware and compostable goods, as well as offer eco-friendly favors for an additional fee.

A variety of programs for all age groups. From animal adventures to herbal tea parties, there’s something for everyone.  Price and guest limit vary based on chosen party theme. Additional charges may apply. An environmentalist level membership ($100) or higher is required to book a party. Membership may be added at booking.

Event Details

Booking a birthday party at RNC will entitle you to 2 hours of fun! Three-year old parties are limited to 1.5 hours to maximize the fun, please also be aware that the party parent/adult must present for additional supervision throughout the entirety of the birthday party.

Hour 1: An experienced FRNC educator will provide your child and his or her friends with a program of your choice. See below for details.

Hour 2: This is time for your child and his or her friends to enjoy refreshments, food and activities of your choice. RNC will provide tables, chairs, reusable plates, forks, cups, spoons and napkins. FRNC does not provide food, cake, beverages or decorations. We encourage parents to limit the number of decorations. We do not allow non-eco-friendly decorations including balloons, noisemakers, streamers and piñatas.

Cost & Cancellation Policy

Birthday Parties are a member-only benefit at the environmentalist level ($100) or above. Membership may be added on the day of booking.

The base party fee of $400 includes is for up to 20 children. The group size is limited to 15 children for three-year old parties. All children aged 3 and over (including siblings) are included in this count. Up to 5 additional children may be added to the party for a $10 fee per child. The party may not exceed 25 children. Certain party themes have a lower guest limit and added components (campfires, crafts, etc.) will incur additional fees; see "party themes" below for more information.

Full payment (cash or check) is required within three days of booking.  Membership is non-refundable. Payment is refundable less a $50 processing fee if cancellation is requesting in writing 30 days prior to party date. No refunds are available less than 30 days prior to event.

Open hours: 
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Rye Nature Center offers classes throughout the year: Mommy & Me, Forest Kindergarten, Wilderness Encounters (Grades 1-3). Other classes and camps include Forest Preschool, Preschool Ecology, June Bugs, Summer Camp, and Paddle Adventure Camp.