Public Programming
Bird Banding at the Barn
Join ornithologist Dr. Neil Bernstein for a special bird banding program. Be our guest and drop in at Penningroth Barn (6665 Otis Rd) anytime to watch Dr. Bernstein net, band, and release birds from Nature Center property. You’ll get a chance to see the equipment he uses, observe the banding process, and learn about the...
Hike it Baby!
Parents and their children from birth to school age are invited to join the Cedar Rapids Hike It Baby chapter for a family-friendly hike at the Nature Center! Hike It Baby is a national non-profit organization that offers new parents an opportunity to connect and get into nature with their young children. Dress appropriately for...
Animal Explorers Preschool Camp – SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT! All new registrations will be added to the waitlist. This preschool camp experience is for all children ages 4-5. Campers must be potty independent and able to use restroom with adult assistance Open to all children, including BOTH students from Creekside Forest School AND children that have not attended or enrolled in Creekside...
Practice in the Prairie: Free Summer Yoga Series!
Take your practice to the prairie as some of Cedar Rapids’ best instructors teach a different style of yoga or Pilates each week to keep you on your toes! Bring a yoga mat and dress for the outdoors. Class is held on the Amazing Space patio, and in case of rain, will need to be...
Animal Explorers Preschool Camp – SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT! All new registrations will be added to the waitlist.- This preschool camp experience is for all children ages 4-5. Campers must be potty independent and able to use restroom with adult assistance Open to all children, including BOTH students from Creekside Forest School AND children that have not attended or enrolled in Creekside...
Animal Explorers Preschool Camp – SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT! All new registrations will be added to the waitlist.- This preschool camp experience is for all children ages 4-5. Campers must be potty independent and able to use restroom with adult assistance Open to all children, including BOTH students from Creekside Forest School AND children that have not attended or enrolled in Creekside...
Evening “Campout!” Creek Camp (K and 1st Grades) – SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT! All new registrations will be added to the waitlist. Campers must have completed the grade listed All sessions are drop off only Dinner is provided Camp Description: Join us for a “campout” at the nature center! We’ll start the evening with fun and games, then have our dinners by the campfire before setting...
Messy Play
BinSpire Messy Play is inviting families to come and play. Paint, water, mud, shaving cream, and more will be set up for your little ones to get messy. Child-led, open-ended play encourages creativity, builds confidence, and helps children experience new textures and practice social skills. And the best part? The clean up will be taken...
Family Nature Experience
During this program your whole family will participate in a hands-on activity under the guidance of a summer naturalist, like pond dipping, sweep netting for insects, a fossil dig, or a nature hike. Come dressed for the weather, as you’ll have fun outdoors no matter the conditions! This is a family-friendly program for all ages....