Ballard Nature Center

Homeschool Class
2026-04-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
For students ages 9-12. $5 fee. Register by April 10 via phone or email.

Dive into pond life studies:
Use nets to catch creatures from the pond.
Use microscopes to observe pond life.
Assemble pond ecosystem food webs.
Learn about aquatic animal adaptations.

World Bird Sanctuary
2026-04-19 14:00 - 15:00
Come enjoy a presentation that includes live birds. For all ages. No fee. Registration required via email or phone.

Summer Camp Registration
2026-04-28
Registration begins for our kids’ summer camps. See complete schedule on the summer camp page.

Winged Things
2026-06-02 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 6-8 years old. Birds, bats, and insects will be studied. We’ll even catch insects to examine up close.

Winged Things
2026-06-03 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 6-8 years old. Birds, bats, and insects will be studied. We’ll even catch insects for close up viewing.

Awesome Ants
2026-06-04 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:30
For kids ages 5-6 years old. They may be small, but they are mighty! Learn all about these interesting insects.

Campfire Night
2026-06-05 19:00 - 20:00
Gather ’round the fire for songs, activities, and more as we learn about nocturnal creatures. A hike is part of the fun. Family program. Registration for this program starts May 22. Call or email us to register.

Ponds & Fish
2026-06-09 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-10 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-11 09:00 - 11:30
For kids ages 7-10. We’ll use nets to explore pond life up close and learn more about fish. Bring a pair of rubber boots or shoes that can get muddy/wet.

Dive into Pond Life
2026-06-12 09:00 - 10:30
For kids ages 10-12 years old. Catch creatures from the pond, use microscopes to observe them, and learn about aquatic food webs.

Colorful Chameleons
2026-06-16 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-16 13:00 - 14:30
For kids ages 5-6 years old. Learn about these fascinating reptiles and what colors they can turn and why.

Animal Engineers
2026-06-17 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-18 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 9-12 years old. Which animals are the best architects? We’ll have our own building challenge!

Hoppy Frogs
2026-06-19 10:00 - 11:00
A puppet show with related activities and a trail walk. Family program. Registration begins June 5. Call or email us to register.

Secret Life of Bobcats
2026-06-23 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-23 13:00 - 15:00
For kids ages 6-8 years old. Learn about the elusive bobcat and its relatives.

Nature Powers
2026-06-24 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-25 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 7-9 years old. Learn about some of the most incredible animal adaptations, AKA superpowers.

Animal Athletes
2026-06-29 10:00 - 11:00
Run, jump, climb, and fly! We’ll see how different animals move and learn who would win the gold medal in animal Olympics. Family program. Registration begins on June 15. Call or email us to register.

Signs Left Behind
2026-07-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-02 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 8-11. Become nature detectives and learn how to read signs that animals leave behind, like tracks.

Trail Activity
2026-07-06
Details to come.

Scurrying Squirrels
2026-07-08 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-08 13:00 - 14:30
For kids ages 5-6. Learn all about these quick little creatures and their relatives.

Slithering Snakes
2026-07-10 10:00 - 11:00
We will have ssso much fun learning about the snakes of BNC. A meet and greet with our wildlife ambassador, Cora, is included. Family program. Registration begins June 26. Call or email us to register.

Birds of Prey
2026-07-15 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-16 09:00 - 11:30
For kids ages 7-10. Whooo belongs in this group of special birds? We’ll find this out and much more.
