Children and their parent or guardian are invited to come out and play! A new nature theme is chosen every program with hands-on activities that may include a story, games, dancing, art, a hike, other outdoor activities and more! There will be a variety of group and free play.

Join us monthly for nature-themed programs geared toward 3-5 year olds. Hands-on activities may include a hike, story, games, music, art and more. Be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities. We encourage experiencing all types of weather, rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.

Here is an opportunity for you to make a difference! Learn about plastic pollution and then spend some time making a difference cleaning up our shoreline.

What are amphibians? What kinds of frogs, toads and salamanders live in Thorn Creek Woods? What sounds do they make? Why do they live in water? Visit the nature center and take a hike to discover the answers to these questions and more relating to the transformative lives of these creature.

Earth Day is a great time to come out and give back to Mother Earth! Join us in a special project dedicated to making this planet better for us and future generations. Once you’ve had your fill of giving back, enjoy some snacks and build a birdhouse of your very own.

Build a hotel for your garden’s buzzz-iest workers! Check out the traveling exhibit “Pollinators: Little Helpers, Big Results” and visit the on-site pollinator garden for inspiration while we learn about the solitary bees that help gardens flourish. Create a tiny bee hotel to take home.

Make a real impression on nature with this fun craft! Play with clay and other natural items to make impression ornaments to take home. Try making creative designs using leaves, rocks, pine cones, shells and more.

Even in shady Thorn Creek Woods, there is a unique bouquet of wildflowers that thrive there. Join us on a hike to discover which species are in bloom, learn their names and examine their physical appearance.

Do something special with your mother this Mother’s Day! Take time to stop and smell the wildflowers. Hike and explore with a naturalist through Messenger Woods, which is famous for its flower diversity and abundance in the springtime.

All pollinators are important, but there is a special place in our hearts for honeybees. Learn about this tiny insect that makes important contributions to our lives.

Join us monthly for nature-themed programs geared toward 3- to 5-year olds. Hands-on activities may include a hike, story, games, music art and more.

Spring is all around us! This guided adventure will highlight spring by listening to and identifying some really cool sounds of nature. Who is the first frog to sing in spring? Can you identify the famous kee-ka-re-kee?

Celebrate World Turtle Day by painting turtle-inspired kindness rocks. Along the way, discover why North America is called Turtle Island and the legend behind it. Spend time with our resident Blanding’s turtles.

Drop by to learn about Native American longhouses, one of several types of dwellings used by the Potawatomi. Our longhouse will be set dressed and open for viewing. Learn about the daily lives of a Potawatomi and discover how longhouses were built and used by the Native people.