Ballard Nature Center

Night Life
2025-07-16 09:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-17 09:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-18 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

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.

Walking with Llamas
2025-11-02 13:00 - 14:30
Join some 4H kids and their llamas for a walk on the trail. There will also be some yard games and we’ll have the “nature train” running. No fee or registration required. For all ages.

Annual Fundraising Banquet
2025-11-08 17:30

Girl Scout Program
2025-11-15 14:00 - 16:00

Stargazing
2025-11-15 18:00 - 20:00
Join Randy Harrison for a night under the stars. Learn about constellations and more. Come and go – no registration needed.

Thanksgiving Fun
2025-11-28 12:00 - 15:00
Come out for some Thanksgiving-themed activities: scavenger hunt, craft, and games. There will be a book reading (Turkey Trouble) at 1pm and 2pm. Come and go program. No fee.

Holly Jolly Fun
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:00
Have some holiday fun at BNC! Make a holiday themed craft & play some fun games. Trail activity available as well. Come & go as you like any time from 10am-12pm. All activities will be upstairs. No fee or registration required. Family program.

Fun with Otters
2025-12-30 09:00 - 11:30
Come learn about otters and paint a picture of one. For kids ages 7-10. $15. Pre-register by Dec. 27 via phone, email, or direct facebook message.
