Introducing the Little Years series, designed for today’s busy families with children ages 2 to 5 and held at all three of our family of attractions. Featuring expertly designed grown-up-and-child experiences at three St. Louis-area sites—the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Butterfly House and the Shaw Nature Reserve—this series places the focus squarely on your child, you and the wonders of nature while preparing your child for preschool and kindergarten. Your child will learn and put into practice skills such as taking turns, listening to the teacher and their friends, sharing, making choices and following routines and class rules. All while providing an opportunity for your child to gain independence and interact with other children.

While distinct in themes and activities, all classes in the Little Years series share common traits such as quality grown-up and child interaction, hands-on creating, active time outdoors and take-home ideas and inspiration to extend learning.

At the Garden Little Sprouts Ages 2–3	At the Butterfly House Little Bugs Ages 2–4	At the Shaw Nature Reserve Little Nature Explorers Ages 3–5