Summer Preschool Program in Newton, MA
Summer at ACNS is relaxed, playful, and full of fun! Children enjoy outdoor and water play, nature activities, arts and crafts, games, stories, music, picnic lunches, and special activities inspired by our weekly themes.
Our four-week summer program is for children ages 2.9–5, with flexible scheduling so families can choose the weeks and days that work best for them.
Summer Program at a Glance
Each week has its own playful theme, bringing something new to explore and enjoy. Themes may include nature, animals, sports, camping, ocean adventures, and more.
Summer should feel like summer — with plenty of time to play, explore, create, and be with friends.
- Ages: 2.9–5
- Program Hours: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Choose: 2, 3, or 5 days per week
- Enrollment: Choose one week, several weeks, or all four
- Flexible Daycare Hours: 8:00–9:00 AM and 1:00–5:30 PM
Summer Program Fun for Little Ones
Our summer program brings the best parts of summer to preschoolers, sized just right for children ages 2.9–5. Mornings are filled with outdoor adventures, splashy water play, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, sand, and plenty of running, climbing, and laughing with friends. Children who are new to ACNS get a gentle taste of school, while returning families enjoy a relaxed season with teachers they already know.
Every day balances active play with calm moments. Children gather for songs and stories, dig into hands-on art, build with blocks, and explore our playground in the warm weather. A picnic lunch together on the playground is one of the favorite parts of the day — a chance to slow down, chat with friends, and enjoy the sunshine.
Families from Newton, Auburndale, West Newton, Waltham, and Wellesley choose ACNS for summer because it feels warm, familiar, and fun. Our Mass EEC-certified teachers keep the pace easy, so every child can join in, try new things, and head home tired and happy.
Weekly Themes Kids Love
Olympics Week
Relay races, ribbon dancing, balancing games, and a medal ceremony where every child is a champion.
Safari Adventure
Animal pretend play, jungle crafts, binoculars made from recycled tubes, and stories about creatures near and far.
Under the Sea
Ocean sensory bins, fishy art, water play, and songs about whales, crabs, and octopuses.
Camping Out
Pretend campfires, cozy tent stories, nature walks, and bug hunts in our own backyard.
Dinosaur Dig
Fossil hunts in the sandbox, dino stomps, and giant footprints to measure and compare.
Superhero Week
Capes, kindness missions, and obstacle courses that celebrate being brave and helpful.
Learning Through Summer Play
Summer at ACNS is all about fun, but a lot of learning happens along the way. Pouring and scooping at the water table builds early math and science skills. Racing, jumping, and climbing during Olympics Week grow strength and coordination. Pretend play on safari or under the sea sparks new words, big imaginations, and teamwork.
Children practice sharing, taking turns, and solving small problems with friends — the same social skills that help them thrive in the fall. Just like during the school year, our program follows a play-based philosophy: children learn best when they are curious, engaged, and having a great time.
For children heading into our preschool program in September, summer is a wonderful way to meet teachers, learn the routines, and start the new year with confidence.
A Sunny Summer Morning at ACNS
Children arrive at 9:00 and ease into the day with free play, greeting friends and choosing from art tables, puzzles, and building toys. A morning circle introduces the week's theme with a story, a song, or a special surprise — maybe a treasure chest of seashells for Under the Sea or a stuffed lion for Safari Week.
Next comes outdoor time, the heart of our summer days. Children splash in sprinklers and water tables, fill buckets in the sandbox, ride bikes, and join theme games like Olympic relay races or a jungle animal parade. Shady spots and plenty of water breaks keep everyone cool and comfortable.
Late morning brings a theme project, from painting paper-plate jellyfish to building a class campsite. After a picnic lunch together, children wind down with stories and songs before pickup at 1:00 — or stay on for flexible daycare.
Why Families Love Summer at ACNS
For more than 45 years, Auburndale Community Nursery School has been a trusted part of the Newton community. Our summer program offers the same caring teachers, small groups, and cheerful classrooms that families count on all year long.
Parents tell us their children come home with sandy toes, paint on their hands, and big stories about their day. That is exactly what summer should be! Ready to see it for yourself? Request a tour or call us to learn about this summer's dates.
Flexible Weeks for Busy Summers
We know summer calendars fill up fast with vacations, visits, and family plans. That is why families can pick one week, a few weeks, or all four, and choose 2, 3, or 5 days per week. Children can enjoy their favorite themes without committing to the whole summer.
Need a longer day? Flexible daycare hours are available before and after the summer program. It is a great option for families who want extra time while their child stays with the teachers and friends they know.
Save Your Child’s Spot for Summer
Call (617) 527-0723 or email info@acnsnewton.org — we’d love to help you choose the weeks that fit your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages can attend the summer program?
Children ages 2.9 through 5.
Can we choose just some weeks?
Yes — choose one week, several weeks, or all four, on 2, 3, or 5 days per week.
What are this summer's weekly themes?
Themes change each year and may include Olympics Week, Safari Adventure, Under the Sea, Camping Out, and more. Contact us for this summer's lineup.
What should my child bring?
A lunch, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes for water play. We will share a full list when you enroll.
Is the summer program located in Newton?
Yes. We are at 230 Central Street in Auburndale, a village of Newton, MA, close to West Newton, Waltham, and Wellesley.
How do I register?
Contact us for registration information.
Contact Us
We would love to meet your family. Call, email, or send us a note to request a tour of our Auburndale classrooms, ask about openings, or learn more about preschool, Pre-K, and flexible daycare in Newton, MA.
- 230 Central Street, Newton, MA 02466
- (617) 527-0723
- info@acnsnewton.org
- Preschool 9:00am–12:00pm, Mon–Fri · Flex childcare 8:00am–9:00am and 12:00pm–5:30pm