Ijams Homeschool Days
Explore, discover, and connect with nature through hands-on adventures designed for homeschool families with homeschooler between the age of 5-12! Each month, Ijams offers an engaging themed program led by environmental educators, combining science, outdoor exploration, and creative play.
Cost: $20/student/date
Register for as many dates as you’d like. Each session offers unique content tailored to the topic.
Fall 2026 Classes
August 17, 9:00am-12:00pm
Nature Detectives: The Art of Observation
Become a nature detective! In this class, we will learn how to be little naturalists! Using our senses, practicing looking closely, and discovering the amazing details hiding all around us.
September 28, 9:00am-12:00pm
Better Together: Teamwork in Nature
In this class, homeschoolers will explore how animals, plants, and even tiny insects work together to survive –nature is full of teamwork!
October 19, 9:00am-12:00pm
Tree-mendous Trees
Dig into the world of trees! Learn how they grow, communicate, provide homes for wildlife, and help keep our planet healthy.
November 16, 9:00am-12:00pm
Fantastic Fungi
Step into the mysterious kingdom of mushrooms and fungi. In this class, homeschoolers will explore strange fungal shapes, hidden networks, and the important jobs fungi do in nature every day.
December 14, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Owl Prowling
Whooo's ready to learn about owls? Investigate owl adaptations, discover what they eat, and uncover the secrets of these nighttime hunters. This class will include an owl ambassador presentation, a night hike, and a campfire celebration with S’mores and hot chocolate.
Policies and Information
Please read the following policies carefully when registering. Signing up for Ijams Homeschool Days indicates your understanding and agreement with these guidelines. Our goal is to create a safe, enriching experience for all families!
Age Requirements
Children must fall within the listed age range (5-12) by the date of their first registered session.
Adult Attendance
To help us maintain a quality experience on the trails and in our group settings:
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At least one parent or guardian must remain onsite and accompany their homeschooler for the entire program.
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If possible, we ask that only one adult attend per child to help reduce crowding on narrow trails. However, up to two adults per registered student are welcome if needed.
Younger Siblings
Younger siblings are welcome to tag along as long as they remain under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian at all times. Please note that programming is designed specifically for ages 5–12.
Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Ijams trails are mostly unpaved and may include uneven terrain, rocks, and tree roots. Most are not stroller-friendly. If you plan to bring a stroller or have mobility concerns, please reach out to kpreston@ijams.org ahead of time so we can discuss possible modifications or alternate options.
Parking
You will receive a parking pass prior to each program day so you can enjoy your visit without any additional fees.
Group Structure
Depending on the number of participants, homeschool days may run as one large group or be split into two to three smaller groups, generally organized by age.
If you have multiple children registered who fall into different age groups, you're welcome to stay together as a family unit and choose the group that works best for you. We want your experience to be comfortable, flexible, and fun for everyone!
Cancellation Policy
Enrollment is required in advance as staffing and materials are based on registered students.
Cancellations must be made by 9:00 AM the day before class to receive a refund. For example, for a Monday class, cancellations must be communicated by 9:00am on Sunday to be eligible for a refund. To cancel, you can email kpreston@ijams.org.
Cancellations made after the deadline or failure to attend class are not eligible for refunds or credits, including illness-related absences.
Thank you for helping us keep our homeschool program sustainable for all families.
Please contact Kylie Preston with any questions about Homeschool Days at fieldtrips@ijams.org