Ballard Nature Center

Rabbits
2022-04-14 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a fun program all about rabbits. We’ll have games, a craft, and even a visit by a pet rabbit. For kids ages 6-8. Pre-registration required.

Fairy Walk & Spring Craft
2022-04-09 12:00 - 15:00

Pinch Pots
2022-03-30 10:00
This class is designed for adults who like creating things with their hands. Come make and decorate a pinch pot out of air-dry clay. Hang out with others and have some fun. Easy & Enjoyable. Adult program. Pre-register.

Spring Sounds
2022-03-25 18:00
Enjoy an evening outdoors as we listen and look for signs of early spring happenings. We’ll learn the sounds of our common frogs with a fun activity. Family program. Pre-register.

Birds & Beans
2022-03-18 09:30
Sip on coffee and snack on cookies as you learn about our common birds and get tips on how to identify them and attract them to your yard. A suggested donation of $2 per person. Registration required.

Nature Tales
2022-03-17 10:00 - 11:00
“Froggy Fun” Program includes a book, games, craft and walk. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required.

Nature Tales
2022-03-16 10:00 - 11:00
“Froggy Fun” Program includes a book, games, craft, and walk. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required.

Horse Race Fundraiser
2022-03-04 18:00
Ballard Flyer 2022 Horse Race.docx

Gourd Painting
2022-02-21 10:00 - 11:30
Learn about birds that nest in bird boxes or tree holes. Paint a birdhouse gourd. For kids ages 8-11. Registration required.

Birds in Your Backyard
2022-02-19 10:00
Adult program. Learn how to recognize the birds at your feeder & in your yard. Door prizes. Registration required.

Nature Tales
2022-02-15 13:00
We’ll learn about unhuggable animals and have some valentine-themed fun. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. 1pm

Nature Tales
2022-02-15 10:00
We’ll learn about unhuggable animals and have some valentine-themed fun. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. 10am

Art Show
2022-02-08
Art from local artists of all ages will be on display in the visitor center Feb. 8-26.

Art Show Entries Due
2022-01-28

Animals in Winter
2021-12-29 13:00 - 15:00
Come learn about the different ways animals cope with winter. Lots of activities. For kids ages 8-11. $5. Registration required.

Paint Class
2021-12-28 13:00 - 15:00
Come paint a snowman picture, learn about snowflakes, and play some games. For kids ages 7-9. $5. Registration required.

Nature Tales
2021-12-15 10:00
We’ll read the book, Stick Man, and make a craft using sticks. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Pre-registration required, call or email.

Luminary Walk
2021-12-12 17:00 - 19:00
Follow a trail of candlelit luminaries, many different types. There will also be a fire to enjoy. No fee, but donations accepted.

12 Days of Christmas Fun
2021-12-01 - 2021-12-31
Follow this special trail and take part in the 12 days of Christmas—Ballard Nature Center style. Fill in blanks on a paper with the animals that you see on signs along the trail. Turn in your paper for a chance to win a prize. This is set up along the Ridgetop Trail.

Holiday Tree Trek
2021-12-01 - 2021-12-31
This scavenger hunt is for adults (but kids can help them). Decorations are tied to 3 trees along the main woodland trail. There is also a sign attached to each tree with two Christmas trivia questions. Find the trees and answer the questions to get entered into a prize drawing. Full details are on a sign posted at the beginning of the trail.

Nature Tales
2021-11-23 13:00
For kids 3-5 with adult. This fun program is all about turkeys and includes a silly story, craft, and games. Call or email us to register

Annual Banquet
2021-11-13 17:00
This fundraiser is our main source of income. Enjoy appetizers, wine tasting, dinner, auctions and raffles.
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Nature Tales
2021-11-10 10:00
For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Why do leaves change color? Come find out, make a craft, and take a walk. Pre-register by messaging or calling.

Spooky Campfire Night
2021-10-29 18:30
Gather ’round a fire for stories & songs. Learn about spooky animals, look at animal skeletons, and go on a hike in the dark woods. Pre-registration required.

Spooky Night Hike
2021-10-23 00:00
Walk a decorated trail and beware, there are spooks along the way. We will also have fun Halloween themed yard games. Pre-registration is required. Hike times are 6:45, 7, 7:15, 7:30 and 7:45. Group sizes will be kept small. $2 per person.

Pumpkin Craft
2021-10-17 13:00
Adults will have fun decorating a real pumpkin with colorful duct tape and buttons. Plus, fun facts about pumpkins and we’ll enjoy eating roasted pumpkin seeds and drinking apple cider. $5 per person. Registration and payment due 3 days before class.

Family Fun Day
2021-10-16 13:00 - 16:00
An afternoon filled with outdoor games, nature train rides, fishing, scavenger hunt, and crafting. Come and go. No registratin required.

Purple Snake
2021-10-11
Choose 9-10:30 am or 1-2:30 pm. Class designed for grandparent(s) and their grandkid(s). After listening to the story, Lunchtime for a Purple Snake, participants will paint a picture together. Also, enjoy a presentation including fun facts about snakes and a fun game. $5 per group. Pre-register at least 3 days before class.

Astronomy Night
2021-10-09 19:00 - 21:00
Join the River Bend Astronomy Club to learn about the night sky. Several members will be bringing telescopes and will help you get great looks at planets, stars, etc.

Nature Tales
2021-10-07 10:00
A puppet show about squirrels; then activities, craft and hike. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Pre-register by noon on Oct. 6.
