Trail Trekkers

Registration for fall programs opens August 15.

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!

Cancellation Policy

To be eligible for a fee refund or transfer, ICNC requires a 48-hour advance notice for all cancellations. Eligible canceled registrations can either be refunded or applied to another registration. All refunded registrations are charged an administrative processing fee of 10%. Only in cases of extreme weather or other extenuating circumstances will ICNC cancel a scheduled program. All programs canceled by ICNC will receive a full refund.

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 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!

2024-2025 Programming

Sponsored by:

Contact us to if you would like to sponsor this program

Sunshine, meadows and buzzing bugs create a special experience as you hunt through the tall grass for insects and butterflies and learn about their characteristics.

For preschoolers with an adult.  Dress for outdoor activities.

Cost: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, adults free.

Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date

Discover the many good things bats do for us. Where do they live? What do they eat? How do these flying mammals hunt? Listen to a story and play a bat game.

For preschoolers with an adult. Dress for outdoor activities.

*Meet at the Penningroth Barn (6665 Otis Rd SE)

Cost: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, adults free.

Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date

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 an adult. Dress for outdoor activities.

Cost: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, adults free.

Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date

Explore stars and constellations without having to leave Earth. Listen to and become a part of constellation stories and create your own.

For preschoolers with an adult. Dress for outdoor activities.

Cost: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, adults free.

Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date

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 an adult.

Cost: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, adults free.

Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date

Explore the fascinating world of our feathered friends and go bird watching with a naturalist. Take a peek at our collection of bird nests and colorful feathers while you learn about their songs, characteristics and habitats.

For preschoolers with an adult. Dress for outdoor activities.

Cost: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, adults free.

Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date

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 an adult. Dress for outdoor activities.

*Meet at the Penningroth Barn (6665 Otis Rd SE)

Cost:$5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, $5 per adult.

Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date

Find out interesting facts about these backyard creatures and what helps them survive in the wild. What makes their teeth so special? Act out the many ways a squirrel can use its tail.

For preschoolers with an adult. Dress for outdoor activities.

Cost: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, adults free.

Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date

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 an adult. Dress for outdoor activities.

Cost: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, adults free.

Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date