The Tiffin Centre offers enjoyable outdoor activities and learning opportunities for pre-school children.
Program Flyer: 
NVCA Tiffin Early Childhood Programming
Educational Programs
The following programs are half-day unless otherwise indicated.
Animal Amble
All Seasons
Grouped with an adult leader, students travel through a well-marked interpretive trail learning about animals that live in the forest. This fun, orienteering scavenger hunt develops student understanding of basic map reading skills.
*This program best succeeds with 4 adult volunteers to assist with supervision of children.
Life in the Pond
Spring, summer and fall
Following an interactive introduction to pond ecosystems, students will explore the fascinating world within ponds as they dip net in search of aquatic life. Through close-up observation and hands-on discovery, students will investigate and compare common characteristics of various pond plants and animals.
Living Landscape
All Seasons
Become inspired by the natural beauty of the Tiffin Centre through guided outdoor landscape drawing sessions.
Habitat Exploration: Nature Discovery Hike
Spring, summer and fall
After identifying the location and function of their sense organs, children will explore nature through experiential activities aimed to heighten awareness of the world around them. Children will also compare the use of senses in various animals and investigate ways in which animals respond and adapt to environmental and seasonal changes.
Predator-Prey
All Seasons
This half-day program introduces students to the ecological food web. Through role play, students experience what life is like for all of the creatures that make their home in the Tiffin Forest.
The Sweet Taste of Spring
Spring
This program focuses on the basic ecology of the maple tree and the production of maple syrup. An experiential tour of a working sugar bush displays the indigenous, pioneer and modern-day methods of making maple syrup through stories, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
Winter Watch Hike
Winter
After identifying the location and function of their sense organs, children will explore nature through experiential activities aimed to heighten awareness of the world around them. Children will investigate the forest in search of clues to help them understand how nature adapts to the challenges of winter. After our hike, children can warm up with a hot chocolate.
Booking Your Trip to Tiffin
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About our Facilities
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Fees for Early Childhood Education Programs
Half Day: $9/student
Teachers and adult volunteers attend free-of-charge.
Minimum—20 students per program, or a minimum fee of $180 for a half day, or $125 for a one-hour maple syrup tour.
- Steps to Book your Visit
- Cancellation - Please see our booking page for information on our cancellation policy (fees may apply if adequate notice is not provided).
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Transportation - Teachers are to arrange their own transportation. Our transportation partners offer 15% off the cost of busing. NVCA's education staff can provide you with the contact information.
Kids Can Play!
The Hive - Free Play Forest
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Our free play space allows children of all ages to explore the wonders of the forest!
One hundred-fifty sections of cedar rail fence snakes through our forest creating a well-defined labyrinthine space for free play in nature. As a build-it-yourself loose parts playground, students transform the Hive using child size rails, logs and planks. Free play forest is a place for imagination, exploration and problem solving through open-ended play.
Thanks to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for their financial support of this project!
