Ballard Nature Center

Ponds & Fish
2026-06-11 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
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.

Almost Campout
2026-07-17 18:00 - 20:30
For kids ages 8-11. Join us for yard games, a scavenger hunt, and a campfire meal of hot dogs & s’mores.

Kitchen Chemistry
2026-07-21 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-22 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-23 10:00 - 13:00
For kids ages 7-10. Explore science through fun, hands-on experiments! Bring a picnic lunch.

Bushy-tailed Bandits
2026-07-28 10:00 - 11:00
Join us as we learn all about raccoons. A craft, games, and trail walk are all part of the fun. Family program. Registration begins July 14. Call or email us to regiser.

Pond Birds
2026-07-29 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-30 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 6-8. Duck are not the only birds that live and hunt at our ponds. We’ll learn about ducks and their feathered neighbors.

Loveable Otters
2026-07-31 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-31 13:00 - 15:00
For kids ages 8-11. Learn about these fun animals and paint an adorable otter picture.

Chomp, Chase & Survive
2026-08-04 09:00 - 10:30
For kids ages 7-9. In nature it’s eat or be eaten! Learn all about predators, prey, and food webs.
