Ballard Nature Center

Spooky Night
2025-10-04

Fall Fun
2025-10-10 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

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.

Birds & Beans
2026-01-29 09:00
Enjoy coffee & donut holes as you learn about our winter birds. Also included is a fun bird bingo game to test our identification skills. Pre-register by phone or email. Adult program. No fee, donation accepted.

Valentine Program
2026-02-14 13:00 - 15:00
Valentine’s Day is a great time to explore our feelings toward wildlife. Why do rabbits & butterflies elicit positive reactions from most people while spiders & snakes do not? With games & a special trail activity, you will learn that all animals are special, even if you wouldn’t want to hug some of them. A book reading at 2pm.
Family program. No registration required, a come-&-go program. No fee.

Hoot Hike
2026-02-27 18:30
Come learn about our local owls, make an owl lantern, and then us the lantern on a trail hike. For all ages. No fee. Registration required via phone, email, or private facebook message.

Night at the Races
2026-03-07 17:30

Legendary Creatures
2026-03-14 13:00 - 14:00
Have you ever wondered whooo inspired a ghost story? Join a naturalist from the World Bird Sanctuary for a program all about the ways animals inspire myths and legends across the globe. Presentation includes live birds! For all ages. Registration required: email, phone, or facebook message.

UKC Shed Dog event
2026-03-20 08:00 - 2026-03-22 15:00
The United Kennel Club is holding the Elite Shed Dog Nationals. Some of the trails will be closed to the public during this event. This is a competition in which dogs search for placed deer antlers. The public can come watch, but please abide by the signage for trail closures.
