Nature Programs Connecting Kids with Nature
No Child Left Inside Today’s children have become disconnected from nature; some call it “nature deficit disorder.” Instead of spending hours outside riding bikes and climbing trees, they’re playing video games, surfing the web, watching TV and texting. No Child Left Inside is an initiative by the Fox Valley Park District that encourages children to unplug from technology and get outside to enjoy all the recreational resources and outdoor activities available to them – the fresh air and fun of the great outdoors!
Tracks, Scat and What’s That?!
Bird Nest Egg Hunt
Explore the woods searching for the animals that stick around in winter even when it’s freezing outside! Find clues like tracks and scat that prove they’re here. Dress for the weather, because we’ll be going outside! (MG)
No need to buy an Easter basket for this hunt! Participants will create their own baskets using natural/recycled materials just like the birds do, then head out to the woods searching for different eggs, learning along the way how camouflage helps birds hide their eggs from predators. All egg hunters should be dressed appropriately for the weather. Adults are welcomed and encouraged to attend but don’t need to register. (MG)
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
6Y to 7Y
$4(R) / $6(N)
MIN: 6 / MAX: 15
Red Oak Nature Center
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
59639
Sa
Feb. 23
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Extreme Explorations Spring Club Red Oak’s new afterschool club will open opportunities for new discoveries in the great outdoors. The Extreme Explorers Spring Club will meet once a month from March through May to explore the outdoors and experience exciting nature activities such as orienteering, fishing and canoeing. Registration ends March 11 at 5 p.m. (MG) Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
9Y to 12Y
$48(R) / $72(N)
MIN: 6 / MAX: 12
Red Oak Nature Center
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
61767
W
March 20, April 17, May 15
3:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Spring Night Hike Spring has arrived! It’s time to kick off those winter blues and go on a nocturnal adventure in the woods to see what’s waking up from the long winter sleep and who might be back from the south. Participants should dress for the weather and meet inside Red Oak. (MG) Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
5Y and up
$3(R) / $5(N)
MIN: 4 / MAX: 20
Red Oak Nature Center
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
61766
F
March 22
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Green Tip!
Ant control alternatives As spring arrives, so do pesky ants. But instead of using toxic pesticides, you can use safe, natural solutions to deter ants from entering your home. Spray white distilled vinegar or lemon juice around doorways and windowsills. You also can sprinkle mint, cinnamon, chili powder or black pepper in areas frequented by ants. 58
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
5Y to 8Y
$3(R) / $5(N)
MIN: 4 / MAX: 20
Red Oak Nature Center
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
61760
Sa
March 30
10 to 11 a.m.
April Fools Adventure Does a milk snake really drink milk? Do skunks eat skunk cabbage? Find out about these and more of Mother Nature’s puns and jokes on a special first-time-ever April Fools’ Day hike at Red Oak Nature Center. Can you separate the fakery from the facts? Get ready for some light-hearted fun on this fools hike. Dress to be outside. (MG) Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
5Y and up
$2(R) / $4(N)
MIN: 4 / MAX: 20
Red Oak Nature Center
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
61761
M
April 1
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Woodcock Adventure As the sun sets the woodcock begins its dance. In the last dim rays of sunshine ‘peent, peent’ can be heard, and through the grass a small shadow rises up. As he climbs higher and higher, he vanishes from view. When it seems to be all over, the show has really just begun! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should meet at the Lippold Outdoor Recreation Center and dress to be outside. (MG) Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
8Y and up
$2(R) / $4(N)
MIN: 8 / MAX: 20
Lippold Outdoor Recreation Center
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
61773
Sa
April 27
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Check it out! Check out nature programs for children ages 6 and younger on page 83