For the Kids

(ALL AGES)

It is FUN to be outside in the wintertime! Take a hike or snowshoe down to the pond for a fun exploration then make S’mores.

Fee: $5/person. Register by Thursday, Dec 28  Read more about S'more Nature Fun

(ADULTS; CHILDREN AGES 8 AND UP WITH ADULT)  

Drop in to watch and record winter birds on our trails or at our feeders. Enter your sightings using the eBird app or hand-write a list for the naturalist. Double the fun by renting a pair of snowshoes for $5/pair (if 6” snow on ground)!

FREE! Drop-in Program.  Read more about December Brrrrd Count

Walk when the Moon is full to listen and look for these flying mousetraps! Great horned and barred owls make the nature center home. Back inside, dissect an owl pellet to identify the teeth and bones of the creatures they eat. Learn to identify 5 owl calls and practice calling, too! Bring a mug for a hot beverage afterward! Small scout or youth groups welcome.

Fee: $5 per person, Register online by Tuesday, December 10. Read more about Full Moon Walk

Learn how to read weather radar for your home, drive, and for events planning.  Learn more about what those forecasts really mean, and what to watch for during Minnesota Winters.  Learn about cloud formations and take home your very own cloud chart. This program is great for folks who have just moved to Minnesota, AND life-long Minnesota dwellers alike!  Learn winter preparedness tips and tricks from the Naturalist including how to keep warm and stay safe in winter.  Read more about Wild Weather in Minnesota With Pete Boulay

Make and take a scented bath bomb using simple, environmentally friendly ingredients. Add a few dried flower petals for some extra pizazz! Bring home two bombs (one for you and one for a gift), a recipe, handouts and a mold. Wear old clothes, bring an ice cream bucket or large bowl, large stirring spoon and a Ziploc bag to transport your creations home.

Fee: Prepay $8/person by Wednesday, November 20. Read more about I's the Bomb!

(AGES 7 AND UP WITH ADULT, SMALL SCOUT TROOPS WELCOME!)

Meet a snake and salamander, and learn where Minnesota’s wild reptiles and amphibians go in the winter. You can share your stories about real wild animal encounters, if you choose! Try a wild animal craft to take home too!

Fee: Free. Register by Friday, November 15  Read more about Walk When the Moon is Full

Bring the kids over to meet cool live turtles, native to Minnesota and nearby habitats. Interact with snapping turtles, painted turtles and more! Turtles brought to you by Emily of Snake Discovery.

Pretend to be a turtle and make a turtle craft.

Pre-pay $5/person. Read more about Terrific Turtles

Learn basic shapes, drawing and shading techniques inside, then bring your sketch notebook outdoors to capture autumn’s splendor. Bring your favorite sketchbook, drawing pencils, kneaded erasers or pastels. Dress for the weather and wear shoes suitable for hiking!  Lawn chairs recommended!

Fee $10.00 per person, register by Oct 2.  Read more about Autumn Art in Nature

Make nature discoveries and get resources to explore and protect your world together. Kids will look, sing, touch, sort, craft, and play, and adults learn to identify at least five native trees in this session! Parents stay with their children during the entire class. Classes are taught in collaboration with a Naturalist and School district 622 Early Childhood Education staff. Fee, $5/child. Preregister by Sept 12, 2019. Read more about Acorns & Animals - Nature Family Fun with ECFE

Rock out with the Shaw Brothers or grab your kids for a pontoon ride. Read more about Lakefront Days in Prior Lake