Registration for fall programs opens August 1.
Trail Trekkers
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dress for the outdoors in all seasons. We can’t wait to see you at the Nature Center!
Preschool Trail Trekkers takes children and their adults on learning adventures with experienced naturalists. Hands-on activities, games, crafts, stories and songs make learning about nature interactive and fun. This program is for children ages three through five and must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Dress for the outdoors in all seasons. Registration is required.
Note: This program is NOT intended for daycare or childcare groups! These groups should inquire about scheduling private preschool programming. Thank you!
2023-2024 Programming
Sponsored by:
Call 319-362-0664 if you would like to sponsor this program!
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.
For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities.
Cost: Preschooler $5 (ages 3-5); Siblings (ages 0-2) and Adults are free.
Do you know that trees tell stories? Come learn the secrets of trees. Become the parts of a tree and discover the great things trees do for us. Search for leaf shapes, feel bark textures, smell a tree, and explore forest habitats at the Nature Center.
For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities.
Cost: Preschooler $5 (ages 3-5); Siblings (ages 0-2) and Adults are free.
Hibernation, migration, and adaptation are the words of the day as we explore what different creatures do to get ready for winter! We’ll play animal games to see how well you can hibernate, and see who we can find still active outside.
For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities.
Cost: Preschooler $5 (ages 3-5); Siblings (ages 0-2) and Adults are free.
Shine some light into nocturnal happenings. Who stays awake at night and sleeps during the day? Play games, listen to stories and explore the creatures of the nighttime.
For preschoolers with adult. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities.
Cost: Preschooler $5 (ages 3-5); Siblings (ages 0-2) and Adults are free.
Investigate the wonders of water—snow and ice—in the winter. How does snow actually help plants and animals? Make sure to dress for the weather as we plan to spend time outside enjoying this beautiful season.
For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities.
Cost: Preschooler $5 (ages 3-5); Siblings (ages 0-2) and Adults are free.
Creatures big and small leave their tracks and traces in the mud and snow — birds, squirrels, deer, rabbits, mice and more! Go on a tracking walk, learn about food chains, and make an animal track craft.
For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities.
Cost: Preschooler $5 (ages 3-5); Siblings (ages 0-2) and Adults are free.
This unique, fun activity can only be experienced in late winter! Listen to Native American legends, tap a tree, and visit the sugarhouse to see how sap is made into delicious maple syrup. The hour ends with a taste of our real maple syrup!
For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities.
*Meet at the Penningroth Barn (6665 Otis Rd SE)
Cost: Preschooler $5 (ages 3-5); Siblings (ages 0-2) Free; Adults $5
Warm up all of your senses – smelling, feeling, looking, listening and even tasting. Use your scientific detective tools to explore the nature center in the spring time!
For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities.
Cost: Preschooler $5 (ages 3-5); Siblings (ages 0-2) and Adults are free.
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.
For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities.
Cost: Preschooler $5 (ages 3-5); Siblings (ages 0-2) and Adults are free.