Events & Programs
CLICK HERE to view the Nature Center's Events & Programs Calendar SHOPPING CART
For Kids & Teens
Unplug your kids with these nature-based programs
The following programs are designed to meet the needs of school-age children in a safe outdoor setting. All programs will be held outside. In the event of severe weather predicted for program times, Cincinnati Nature Center will cancel the program two hours in advance.
Please bring your own mask. Whether indoors or outdoors, individuals grade Kindergarten and up are required to bring a mask to all Cincinnati Nature Center programs. Masks will be worn outside when participants are not able to consistently be spaced 6 feet apart during tranquil or sedentary activities. Masks are also required to be worn while inside all facilities (for example, Rowe Visitor Center, restrooms, etc.).
Please scroll down to view Children's Saturday Programs.
CLICK HERE to view the Events & Programs Calendar.
CLICK HERE to sign up and be notified for various upcoming programs.
After-School Nature Club
Designed for Grades 1 – 5!
Select Thursdays from 4:30-6:15 pm
Session 1 – March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15
Session 2 – April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13
Inclement (Severe) Weather Make-Up Date: Thursday, May 20
Join a small group for weekly after-school adventures in the natural world! Guided by passionate hike leaders, children will experience the joys of nature which support their minds, bodies, and mental wellness. Each meeting will have a new theme/activities through both sessions. Preregistration is required. All programs will be held outside. In the event of thunderstorms or severe weather predicted for program times, Cincinnati Nature Center will cancel the program two hours in advance, as this is an outdoor-only program. Series Pricing (Series includes 4 classes in session): Members $95; Nonmembers $100. (All pricing includes daily admission.) Please note registration for these programs takes place in UltraCamp. If you do not have an UltraCamp account, you will be prompted to make one.
Wild with my Child
Designed for ages 1-2 years with a caregiver!
Select Thursdays from 10–-11 am
Session 1: April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22 -- SOLD OUT
Session 2: April 29, May 6, May 13, May 20
Inclement (Severe) Weather Make-Up Date for both sessions: Thursday, May 27
During each hour-long session, caregivers and young children can discover nature together using simple sensory experiences and fun outdoor play. We’ll meander the trails and explore small wonders together while practicing social distancing with other pairs of adults and children. New activities, sights and sounds will be explored each meeting. Series Pricing Only (Series includes 4 classes in session): Members $60 per child (1 adult free per child); Nonmembers $70 per child (1 adult free per child). (All programs include daily admission).
Wizarding Fun in the PlayScape
Saturday, April 3, 11 am-12 pm -- SOLD OUT
Saturday, April 3, 2-3 pm -- SOLD OUT
Explore magic in our Nature PlayScape by decorating wands, making unicorn food, and mixing nature-powered potions! All ages welcome. Members free; nonmember adult $9 and nonmember child $4 (includes daily admission).
Kindergarten Curiosity Hikes
Designed for current Kindergarteners.
Select Fridays from 9–11 am OR 1–3 pm:
Session 1: April 9, April 16, April 23, April 30
Session 2: May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28
Inclement (Severe) Weather Make-Up Date for both sessions: Friday, June 4
For Kindergarteners looking for a small flock of nature friends this fall, this program offers a first step into a before/after-school experience without their caregivers. Our enthusiastic hike leaders will lead children through sensory fun on the trails, games, hands-on experiences outdoors, and finding “curiosities” in the world around them. Each meeting will have a new theme/activities through both sessions. Preregistration required and includes full series of four meetings. Each small group will meet together weekly. Series Pricing Only (Series includes 4 classes in session): Members $95; nonmembers $100 (includes daily admission). Please note registration for these programs takes place in UltraCamp. If you do not have an UltraCamp account, you will be prompted to make one.
Family Field Trip: Busy Spring Birds
Monday, April 12, 9:30-11:30 am
As we hike with a naturalist, we will search for signs of nesting and clues to what birds are eating as we learn about how birds build nests and find food for their young. Members $7; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission.)
Mind and Body Hike Series
Designed for children 9-13 years!
Select Wednesdays from 4:30-6:15 pm: April 14, April 21, April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19
Inclement (Severe) Weather Make-Up Date: Wednesday, May 26
Does your child have a case of cabin fever? We’ve got the cure! During this hiking series, we’ll focus on both physical and mental fitness on the trail. Short cardio challenges will blend with mindfulness practices like yoga, deep breathing, journaling and more. We’ll provide everyone a Hike for Your Health passport to start during this series. We’ll divide into small, age-appropriate groups and tackle each day with new challenges. Preregistration is required and includes all six sessions. In the event of thunderstorms or severe weather predicted for program times, Cincinnati Nature Center will cancel the program. Series Pricing Only (Series includes 6 classes in session): Members $95; nonmembers $100 (includes daily admission). Please note registration for these programs takes place in UltraCamp. If you do not have an UltraCamp account, you will be prompted to make one.
Nature Royalty in the PlayScape
Sunday, April 18, 11 am-12 pm -- SOLD OUT
Sunday, April 25, 11 am-12 pm -- SOLD OUT
Transform into the ruler of a natural kingdom by creating a scepter, crown, and crest adorned with gathered treasures fit for royalty! Ideal for ages 5 and up. Members free; nonmember adult $9 and nonmember child $4 (includes daily admission).
Spring Sunshine Crafts in the PlayScape
Capture the sun and the colors of spring by gathering natural materials to create a one-of-a-kind suncatcher. All materials provided. Members free; nonmember adult $9 and nonmember child $4 (includes daily admission).
Family Field Trip: Aquatic Adaptations
Trekking with a naturalist to the stream and pond is one way to find out what makes some animals better adapted to pond life when others can make the stream a perfect home. Members $7; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission).
Little Gifts from Mother Nature in the Nature PlayScape
Explore the Nature PlayScape while collecting natural materials. Then, using what you find, make a special bookmark and a nature woven card for an important person in your life! Members free; nonmember adult $9 and nonmember child $4 (includes daily admission).
Early Childhood Mind and Body Hike
Designed for ages 2-7 years with a caregiver!
Sunday, May 23, 10:00-11:15 am
Do you and your young child have a case of cabin fever? We’ve got the cure! During this hike, we’ll focus on both physical and mental fitness on the trail. Short cardio challenges will blend with mindfulness practices like simple yoga and deep breathing to help care for our minds and bodies. Preregistration is required. In the event of thunderstorms or severe weather predicted for program times, Cincinnati Nature Center will cancel the program. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Family Field Trip: Constructive Mud
Searching in diverse habitats with a naturalist, families will explore the ways that animals have adapted to use mud, from construction material to source of nutrition. Members $7; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission).
Saturday Programs For Children
Designed for children ages 1-13, these programs blend outdoor skills training, purposeful nature exploration, and guided off-trail forays to provide unique educational experiences at Rowe Woods.
- Member discounts on children's programs require Family Membership level or above, active during date(s) of program.
- Program fees are refundable with more than two weeks notice.
- Preregistration is required for each title below and includes the full series of classes listed.
Click on the program dates for pricing, registration information and full descriptions.
2021 Children's Saturday Programs
Registration opens December 1 at 9 am.
In an increasingly virtual world, Children's Saturday Programs offer your child the opportunity to be immersed in hands-on, in-person learning in an idyllic outdoor setting. Stroll through the forest, collect maple sap, hunt for newts in the pond, and savor signs of spring. Designed for ages 3-13, these programs inspire children to learn about nature while encouraging curiosity, exploration, and wonderment. Registration for these programs takes place in our UltraCamp system. If you do not already have a log in, you will need to create one.
Nature Sprouts
Ages 3-4
Does your child love being outdoors?! Join us as we explore the woods around the Early Childhood building. We will search for caterpillars, investigate the pond, keep track of the birds we see, and discover how animals get ready for the upcoming winter. Preregistration required and includes the full series. Members $90; Nonmembers $105 (includes daily admission).
Session A - Click here to register. — SOLD OUT
Saturdays, 9:15-11:45 am
- February 13
- March 13
- April 10
- May 15
Session B - Click here to register. — SOLD OUT
Saturdays, 9:15-11:45 am
- February 20
- March 20
- April 17
- May 22
Little Hikers
Ages 4-5
Saturdays, 10:30 am-1 pm — SOLD OUT
Now that your child is getting older, they can bring their lunch to this session for a picnic and hike a little further than their younger siblings. Finding toads, snails and newts are just a few things your child may encounter at Rowe Woods. Children experience a longer hike and discover treasures in nature while learning how animal habitats are important. Preregistration required and includes full series. Members $90; nonmembers $105 (includes daily admission).
- February 27
- March 27
- April 24
- May 29
Saturday Nature Squad
Ages 5-13
Join our squad of fellow nature enthusiasts, and each month we’ll discover the wonders of the natural world together! Guided by passionate program leaders and surrounded by other youth who love the outdoors, children will have hands-on experiences in nature and explore seasonal changes on this monthly adventure. Children will be split into smaller, age-appropriate groups upon arrival. Preregistration required and includes full series. Members $90; nonmembers $105 (includes daily admission).
Session A — SOLD OUT
Saturdays, 9:30 am-12 pm
- February 13
- March 13
- April 10
- May 15
Session B -- Click here to register. — SOLD OUT
Saturdays, 9:30 am-12 pm
- February 20
- March 20
- April 17
- May 22
For Your Children’s Teachers
Are you interested in resources to help your child’s school with outdoor learning this year? We offer custom trainings for teachers on Zoom or in their schoolyards to help them make the most of their schoolyard spaces. Contact msabo@cincynature.org to learn more.