Nature Creators

Nature Creators: Art Inspired by the Outdoors. Unleash your creativity in the great outdoors! Over three weeks, young artists will explore nature, discover its colors, textures, and patterns, and transform what they see into unique works of art. Each session combines outdoor exploration with hands-on projects using natural materials, drawing, and mixed media. Learn to observe, sketch, craft, and express your ideas—all while connecting with the natural world.


4-4:45

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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 11 - 15
Fees
$36 (R) $40 (NR)
Wed: Jul. 08 - Jul. 22
4:00 pm: 1h
View
18954
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 11 - 15
Fees
$36 (R) $40 (NR)
Wed: Aug. 05 - Aug. 19
4:00 pm: 1h
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Mini Camp - Creepy Crawly Critters

Dive into the fascinating world of invertebrates! Kids will explore bugs, worms, insects, and other tiny creatures. Each type of critter has it’s unique habitats, lifecycles, and adaptations. Through hands-on activities, playtime, and crafts, young naturalists will discover just how amazing these small but important creatures really are.

18946
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$42 (R) $45 (NR)
Jul. 14 - Jul. 16
9:30 am: 2h
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Mini Camp - Pond Explorers

Dive into the hidden wonders of pond life! Discover the amazing plants and animals living in and around the pond. Use nets and buckets to safely catch, observe, and release critters. Kids will enjoy hands-on exploration, playful games, and nature-inspired crafts.

This program is generously sponsored by the Huebner Fishery Management Foundation

18947
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 6 - 10
Fees
$36 (R) $38 (NR)
Jul. 21 - Jul. 23
9:30 am: 2h
View

Tie Dye Bandanas

Add some color to your day in this fun, hands-on Tie-Dye Bandana program! Participants will learn classic tie-dye techniques and experiment with bold colors and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind bandana. All supplies are provided. Step-by-step instruction make this program great for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Wear your finished bandana or gift it to someone special—either way, you’ll leave with a vibrant creation and a splash of creativity!

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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 9 - 14
Fees
$8 (R) $10 (NR)
Sat: Jul. 25
10:00 am: 1h
View

Mini Camp - Stream and Lake Explorers

Stream & Lake Explorers: Hands-On Water Ecology

Grab a paddle and put on your explorer hat! Join us for a three-day adventure studying the world of lakes and streams. Kayak in the lake to test water quality. Visit Fairfield Park to hunt for tiny critters and assess stream health. Learn how plants and animals live in freshwater habitats. Fun, hands-on activities and outdoor exploration make this the perfect program for curious young scientists ages 10–13.

18948
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 10 - 14
Fees
$36 (R) $38 (NR)
Jul. 28 - Jul. 30
9:30 am: 2h
View

Mini Camp - Insect Investigators

Insects are all around us—but are they friends or foes? Join us to explore the fascinating world of these tiny creatures! Search for insects, learn about their life cycles and amazing adaptations, and discover the important roles they play in nature. Enjoy hands-on crafts, playful activities, and lots of outdoor fun as you become an insect investigator.

18950
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 6 - 10
Fees
$42 (R) $45 (NR)
Aug. 04 - Aug. 06
9:30 am: 2h
View

Mini Camp - Reptiles and Amphibians

Meet a few of the amazing creatures that call the Prairie Grass Nature Museum home! Discover which critters are reptiles and which are amphibians and learn about their fascinating life cycles. Discover the unique adaptations that help them survive in wetland habitats. Hands-on experiences and up-close encounters make learning fun for all ages.

This program is generously sponsored by the Huebner Fishery Management Foundation.

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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$36 (R) $38 (NR)
Aug. 11 - Aug. 13
9:30 am: 2h
View

Nature Explorers: Homeschool Adventure Series

Join us for a fun outdoor program for homeschool families! Nature Explorers invites children ages 2–10, along with a caregiver, to connect with the natural world through hands-on discovery, play, and guided exploration. Step outside the classroom and into the wonders of the natural world, where curiosity leads the way!

Each session will include a mix of activities such as nature walks, sensory play, simple crafts, and seasonal investigations that spark curiosity and creativity. Children will have the opportunity to build social connections with peers while developing a sense of wonder and appreciation for the outdoors. From searching for bugs under logs to splashing in puddles, building with sticks, every experience encourages creativity, confidence, and a love for the outdoors.

This relaxed, family-friendly program encourages learning through experience—whether we’re searching for insects, observing changing seasons, or simply enjoying time together outside. Come dressed for the weather and ready to explore!

Registration required. Adult participation is required for all children.

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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 2 - 11
Fees
$28 (R) $32 (NR)
Thu: Sep. 03 - Sep. 24
11:00 am: 1h
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19198
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 2 - 11
Fees
$28 (R) $32 (NR)
Thu: Oct. 01 - Oct. 22
11:00 am: 1h
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19199
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 2 - 11
Fees
$24 (R) $28 (NR)
Thu: Nov. 05 - Nov. 19
11:00 am: 1h
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Outdoor Adventurers

Explore, examine, and discover! Join the Nature Museum team for an outdoor trek through Hart's Woods. We’ll walk the trails and investigate the wildlife that calls these woods home. From native plants to local critters, there is always something new to see. Don't forget to dress for the weather!

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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
Thu: Sep. 17
4:00 pm: 30m
View
19212
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
Thu: Oct. 22
4:00 pm: 30m
View
19213
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
Thu: Nov. 19
4:00 pm: 30m
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Fall Nature Fun

Celebrate the magic of fall. This fun, family-friendly nature adventure will uncover the hidden wonders of fall. This program invites children and adults to explore the sights, sounds, and colors of the season together. Discover why leaves change color, search for animal signs, and learn how plants and wildlife prepare for winter. Enjoy a guided short nature walk, connect with the outdoors, and create a simple nature craft, while enjoying crisp autumn air. Perfect for all ages—come dressed for the weather and ready to explore, learn, and make lasting memories together!

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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 5+
Fees
$6 (R) $8 (NR)
Sat: Oct. 03
1:00 pm: 1h30m
View

DIY Household Products

Create a healthier, more sustainable home while saving money and reducing your reliance on harsh chemicals. In this hands-on, two-part series, you’ll learn how easy it is to make your own natural household and personal care products. Walk away with practical skills, recipes, and products you can feel good about using every day.

Session 1: Craft simple, effective laundry soap and everyday home cleaners.
Session 2: Make nourishing skin lotion and soothing lip balm using natural ingredients

19220
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 14+
Fees
$18 (R) $22 (NR)
Wed: Nov. 04
6:00 pm: 1h
View
19221
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 14+
Fees
$18 (R) $22 (NR)
Sat: Nov. 07
10:00 am: 1h
View

The Power of Native Plants

What’s the big deal about "going native"? Beyond their natural beauty, native plants are the backbone of a healthy ecosystem, supporting local pollinators and requiring less water and maintenance. Join us to learn how these hardy species can transform your landscape. We’ll help you discover which plants best fit your specific yard conditions, from sun-drenched patches to deep shade.

19225
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 14+
Fees
$15 (R) $18 (NR)
Thu: Nov. 12
6:00 pm: 1h
View

Winter Break Camp

Winter is here! Join our nature camp and uncover the surprising ways plants, animals, and insects survive the cold. From hidden shelters to amazing adaptations, we’ll explore the wonders of winter and see nature in a whole new light!

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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 6 - 10
Fees
$28 (R) $32 (NR)
Dec. 21 - Dec. 23
10:00 am: 2h
View
19224
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Aquatics Center and Nature Museum
Age: 6 - 10
Fees
$28 (R) $32 (NR)
Dec. 28 - Dec. 30
10:00 am: 2h
View