Summer Programs
Learning about nature doesn’t stop in the summer! In fact, the Nature Center is brimming with insect and animal activity. Indian Creek Nature Center offers field trip programs in June, July, and August for a variety of ages and groups. All programs take place on our Amazing Space campus in SE Cedar Rapids.
Middle & High School
Program Duration: 1.5 hours
Fee: $5 per person ($50 minimum)
Capacity: 20 students and 8 adults per session
Geocaching (Grades 6-12)
Geocaching is a recreational activity that requires creative thinking, patience, and teamwork. The objective is to hunt for and locate a hidden object using GPS coordinates. You will work together and locate hidden objects, while enjoying the natural beauty of the prairie and trails at Indian Creek Nature Center.
NGSS: Varies by trails selected
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Team Building (Grades 6-12)
Communication, working together and patience are important life skills. Get ready to put these skills to the test as you attempt many fun challenges and cooperate to reach common goals. We discuss the importance of clear communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Come dressed and prepared to enjoy the great outdoors in all weather.
NGSS: Varies by activities
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Elementary
Program Duration: 1.5 hours
Fee: $5 per person ($50 minimum)
Capacity: 40 students and 8 adults per session
Critters and Jaunt (Grades K-5)
Get an up close look at the animals that call the Indian Creek Nature Center home. A variety of animals will be shown and touched before heading outside for a short hike on the trails.
Insect Safari & Nature Center Explore (Grades K-5)
Hike the trails though the prairies of Indian Creek Nature Center to see what kind of insects you can find. Insects will be collected, viewed and returned to nature. A brief tour through the Nature Center and a quick look at the pond will round out this fun adventure.
Wetland Exploration (Grades K-5)
Search the wetland to see what kind of critters you can capture with dip nets. Get a first-hand look at life cycles and have fun using magnifiers to help identify the unique ones.
Preschool
Learning doesn’t stop in the summer! In fact, the Nature Center is brimming with insect and animal activity. Summer Group Experiences take place June through August.
Program Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $5 per person ($50 minimum)
June Capacity: 20 students and 8 adults per session
July-August Capacity: 30 students and 8 adults per session
Busy Buzzing Bees (Honey Bees)
Honey is a sweet treat that the bees work all summer to make. You will learn all about it as you observe the community of a beehive firsthand in the Nature Center’s observation hive. Get to know the drone, worker, and queen bee. How do bees find nectar? How do they communicate with each other? Play a buzzing bee game.
IELS: 8.3 Small Motor Movement, 9.1 Curiosity and Initiative, 9.4 Play and Senses, 10.3 Relationships with Adults, 10.4 Relationships with Children, 11.1 Language Understanding and Use, 12.3 Shapes and Spatial Reasoning, 12.4 Scientific Reasoning, 13.2 Music, Rhythm, and Movement,13.3 Dramatic Play, 14.3 Awareness of the Relationship between People and the Environment in which They Live
Creature Feature
Get to know Iowa’s wild animals! Use your senses to discover fun facts about their fur, their tracks, what they like to eat, and how they choose to live. Get moving with interactive animal games. Go for a hike to explore their habitats and enjoy the great outdoors.
IELS: 8.2 Large Motor Movement, 8.3 Small Motor Movement, 9.1 Curiosity and Initiative, 9.4 Play and Senses, 10.3 Relationships with Adults, 10.4 Relationships with Children, 11.1 Language Understanding and Use, 12.4 Scientific Reasoning, 14.3 Awareness of the Relationship between People and the Environment in which They Live
Meadow Magic (Insects)
Sun, meadows and buzzing bugs create a special experience as you hunt through the tall grass prairie for insects and learn about their characteristics. Explore the homes of butterflies, ants, grasshoppers, bees and more while enjoying the great outdoors at the Nature Center.
IELS: 8.2 Large Motor Movement, 8.3 Small Motor Movement, 9.1 Curiosity and Initiative, 9.4 Play and Senses, 10.3 Relationships with Adults, 10.4 Relationships with Children, 11.1 Language Understanding and Use, 12.1 Comparison and Number, 12.4 Scientific Reasoning, 14.3 Awareness of the Relationship between People and the Environment in which They Live
Sounds of Spring (Frogs)
As the weather warms up, so does the frog chorus! Listen for frogs at the wetlands. Learn about the frog life cycle and special frog features, sing frog songs, and go on a frog watching hike.
IELS: 8.2 Large Motor Movement, 9.1 Curiosity and Initiative, 9.4 Play and Senses, 10.3 Relationships with Adults, 10.4 Relationships with Children, 11.1 Language Understanding and Use, 12.4 Scientific Reasoning, 12.5 Scientific Investigations and Problem Solving, 12.6 Measurement, 13.2 Music, Rhythm, and Movement, 14.3 Awareness of the Relationship between People and the Environment in which They Live
Field Trip Details
Your program fee includes access to our exhibits and use of picnic areas. We welcome groups of all ages. For more Information on field trip policies, click here.
Our calendar fills quickly, so use our online booking system to reserve your date now!