Trails Open Daily 9am – 7:30pm | Visitor Center is currently closed

Sprouts

Spring has arrived, and nature is budding with fresh beginnings! Our Sprouts program is perfect for young children aged 3 and under, with their caregiversto explore, climb, get messy, observe, build, craft, and tell stories while fostering an early love of nature. Each session will have a small group size of 12 children with a caregiver. Dress for the weather! Please register for either the morning or afternoon session—the program will be the same for both. 

 

Homeschool: Wander and Wonder 

Thursdays, April 16, and May 21
1:30-3:30 pm

Come explore the great outdoors at the Kalamazoo Nature Center! Each month, homeschool students ages 8–12 will dive into a new theme through guided hikes, engaging storytelling, hands-on nature observation, and creative journaling. With a blend of writing and artwork, students will sharpen their observation skills while building a deeper connection to the natural world.  Participants should have foundational reading and writing skills. 

April theme:  Birds of Michigan 
May theme:  Incredible Insects 

Homeschool: Explorations 

Thursdays, March 5, and May 7
1:30-3:30 pm

This drop-off program is designed for ages 5–9 and brings learning to life through nature-based activities. One month you might dig into our gravel pit while uncovering Michigan’s natural resources, and the next you could meet KNC’s amazing Animal Ambassadors up close!  

March theme:  Maple Sugaring
May theme:  Incredible Insects

Outdoor discovery for all ages at KNC

Sprouts

at KNC’s Stryker Nature Preserve
for Ages 3 & under

Our Sprouts program is perfect for young children aged 3 and under, with their caregiversto explore, climb, get messy, observe, build, craft, and tell stories while fostering an early love of nature. Each session will have a small group size of 12 children with a caregiver. 

child painting a gourd birdhouse with paintbrush

Workshops & Events

Learn about the ancient tradition of wreath making. Paint a gourd birdhouse to bring home for a feathered friend. Head to the forest to gather materials for a hand-crafted meal using foraged delicacies.

At KNC, we invite people of all ages to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover your creative voice, no matter your experience level. Check out the calendar for a variety of upcoming programs!

Explore More at the Kalamazoo Nature Center!