Fluttering Butterflies
2025-07-01 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
Search for & learn about these beauties
Kids ages 5-6
Two Class Times:
9:00 am – 10:30 am
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Ticket Cost: $10

Fantastic Foxes
2025-07-02 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
About foxes near and far
Kids ages 6-8
Two Class Times:
9:00 am – 11:00 am
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Ticket Cost: $12

Junior Explorers
2025-07-08 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
Learn about orienteering & maps, then navigate through Ballard Nature Center
Kids ages 10-13
Ticket Cost: $12

Bugs & Blooms
2025-07-09 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
Learn about orienteering & maps, then navigate through Ballard Nature Center
Bring a picnic lunch
Kids ages 7-10
Ticket Cost: $15

Fabulous Flowers
2025-07-14 10:00
Come learn about flowers & why they matter! We’ll read The Tiny Seed and have activities, along with taking a walk.
Registration begins 2 weeks prior to the program date. To register: email us ballardnc@frontiernet.net, call us 618-483-6856, or send a private message on Facebook. Once you have registered, if you find that you cannot attend, please let us know since program size is limited.

Night Life
2025-07-16 09:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-17 09:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-18 09:00 - 11:30 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
Constellations and Nocturnal Animals come to life in our darkened classroom
Kids ages 7-10
Ticket Cost: $15

Awesome Possums
2025-07-22 10:00
Love ‘em or not, opossums are really unique creatures! A hilarious book, games, & trail activity are part of this program.
Registration begins 2 weeks prior to the program date. To register: email us ballardnc@frontiernet.net, call us 618-483-6856, or send a private message on Facebook. Once you have registered, if you find that you cannot attend, please let us know since program size is limited.

Fun in the Sun
2025-07-23 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
We’ll craft & hang out in nature – includes ice cream & yard games
Kids ages 7-11
Ticket Cost: $15

Paint an Owl
2025-07-29 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
Come paint an owl with us
Kids ages 8-12
Two Class Times:
10:00 am – 11:30 am
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Ticket Cost: $18

Paint an Owl
2025-07-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
Come paint an owl with us
Kids ages 8-12
Ticket Cost: $18

Slithering Snakes
2025-07-31 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
Snakes aren’t so scary, come see why
Kids ages 6-8
Two Class Times:
9:00 am – 11:00 am
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Ticket Cost: $12

Astronomy Night
2025-08-02 20:00
Join the River Bend Astronomy Club for a night under the stars starting at 8pm. No registration required. For all ages.

Forest Friends
2025-08-05 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
All about forests and the animals that call them home
Kids ages 5-6
Two Class Times:
9:00 am – 10:30 am
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Ticket Cost: $10

Nature Sense
2025-08-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
Learn about sights, sounds, & smells in nature
Kids ages 7-9
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Ticket Cost: $12

Flower Program
2025-08-15 18:30
Learn about some of our common prairie flowers. Then make a little vase and take a walk through the prairie to pick flowers to fill it. Registration required – call, email or private facebook message us. For adults and families. No fee.

Adult Paint Class
2025-09-05 10:00, 2025-09-06 10:00
Paint a fun seasonal picture of a crow & pumpkin. Choose from two days. $5 Pre-registration required.

Fantastic Fungi
2025-09-13 10:00
Join us to learn about these interesting organisms! We’ll look at different mushrooms that can be found in Illinois and go on a trail walk. Games and activities will be part of the fun. Register by phone, email, or Facebook message. Family Program. No fee.

3D Bow Shoot
2025-09-20 07:30 - 16:00
For all ages. Bring your own equipment. Registration from 7:30am-4pm. $30 for adult, $20 for ages 12-18, $10 for 11 and under.

Bow Shoot
2025-09-21 07:30 - 16:00

Senior Day
2025-09-23 08:30 - 12:00
Pre-register via phone, email, or facebook message, particularly for the craft and yoga.

Family Campfire Night
2025-09-26 18:30
Pumpkin fun – interactive story, pumpkin hunt & games, and marshmallow roasting. Pre-register.

Spooky Night
2025-10-04

Fall Fun
2025-10-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40, Altamont, IL, 62411, US
We will paint a fall picture, roast hot dogs & marshmallows, take a hike, and discuss what is happening in nature during the fall season. For kids ages 8-10.

Colors of Autumn
2025-10-13 09:00 - 11:00
We’ll make a craft, play games, and learn all about what makes fall so colorful! For kids ages 5-7.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt
2025-10-18 12:00 - 16:00
Come enjoy an October afternoon with us! Stop by the office to get your scavenger hunt sheet and then take to the trails in search of fall & Halloween items. Open to all, come & go any time during regular nature center hours. No fee or registration required.
