Fun For All

Fun for All!

Preregistration is required for most programs. For programs requiring registration, please register online well in advance of the class start date to ensure placement. Cincinnati Nature Center may update the status or format of programs based on conditions at the time of the program. 

Click on the program dates for pricing, registration information, and full descriptions.

CLICK HERE to view the Events & Programs Calendar.

CLICK HERE to sign up and be notified for various upcoming programs.

Photo of naturalist with a snake

Visitor Center Nature Moments

Join us at the Rowe Visitor Center for interactive programs presented by a naturalist. No registration necessary for these drop-in programs. 

Members free; nonmember adult $10 and nonmember child $6 (includes daily admission). 

Upcoming:

Native Fish and Red-eared Slider Turtle Feeding
Tuesday, March 1910 am
 
Resident Raptors
Tuesday, March 19, 1 pm  
 
The Bert & Ernie Show! (Turtle Tales)
Thursday, March 2111 am
 
Wild Senses
Tuesday, March 26, 11 am
 

Click here to view all upcoming dates!

 

Finding Frogs and Salamanders  

In early spring, when the weather is just right, salamanders and frogs move to ponds and vernal pools to breed. Discover what to look and listen for, and then we'll head outdoors to search for these amphibian creatures. Member adult $8; nonmember adult $14 (includes daily admission). 

 

A photo of the full moon

Full Moon Walks

Witness the night's magic transform the trails as we marvel at the full moon and reveal natural history happenings on this guided hike. Full Moon Walks provide rare opportunities to hike Nature Center trails when we’re normally closed. These nighttime walks utilize level upland trails—we avoid steep hills, steps, and stream crossings for safety. Recommended for 12 and up. Preregistration required. Members $7; nonmembers $13 (includes daily admission).

House wrens on nest box with young.

Make and Take Birdhouse for Chickadees or House Wrens 

Learn the basics of how to provide nesting spaces for birds in this fun, hands-on class. We’ll explore the fundamentals of bird habitat spaces in your yard, then you’ll construct your own bird house to take home. Preregistration required. Members $15; nonmembers $21 (includes daily admission). 

Total solar eclipse.

Solar Eclipse Viewing  

Join us as we witness this rare event together! During the peak of the eclipse, 99% of the sun will be obscured by the moon. Preregistration required. Members $6; nonmembers $12 (includes daily admission). 

Green pawpaw fruits hanging in pawpaw tree.

Pawpaw Planting Project at Long Branch Farm & Trails

Saturday, April 13, 6-7:30 pm

Sunday, April 14, 6-7:30 pm

Celebrate Earth Month by giving back. During this family-friendly, learn-by-doing volunteer project, you’ll help plant hundreds of baby pawpaw trees “way down yonder” by O’Bannon Creek at Long Branch Farm & Trails. Participants will receive pawpaw seeds or baby trees to take home to grow their own trees. Preregistration required. Fees help fund this project. Members $7; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission).

Krippendorf Lodge with yellow daffodils in the foreground.

Stroll with a Naturalist 

Join a front desk naturalist for a Sunday stroll and learn what’s happening in the natural world. The stroll may take you back in time as you visit different parts of the Krippendorf Lodge. Preregistration required. Members $6; nonmembers $12 (includes daily admission). 

Barred owl perched in the forest.

Hootin’ in the Holler 

Whoooo’s hootin’ tonight? Learn the different species of owls in our area and take a hike to visit our neighbors down in the holler. RAPTOR Inc. will provide us with a behind-the-scenes tour of their beautiful home for birds of prey. We’ll take a challenging night hike and learn to “call” our feathered friends. It’ll be a hoot! Preregistration required. Members $20; nonmembers $30 (includes daily admission). 

Three terra cotta pots.

Plant a Pot for a Buck 

Saturday, April 20 and Sunday April 21, 10 am–4 pm 

Choose from 10–12 native species of ready-to-grow seed, fill a pot with soil, sprinkle your seed, insert a plant label, and experience the joy of growing it yourself. Cash only—bring your dollar bills. One species per pot. Each pot is only $1. No registration necessary for this drop-in program. Free admission for all for Earth Day Weekend. 

American toad sits inside of an overturned terra cotta pot in the mulch.

DIY Upcycled Toad Abodes 

Did you know a single toad can eat 10,000 insect pests every summer? During this program, we’ll build one-of-a-kind toad abodes to welcome these insect-gobbling amphibians to your garden. We’ll give old containers a second life and adorn them with natural materials and lost treasures. Participants are welcome to bring their own plastic containers or broken pots, but options will be provided.

This program is perfect for adults and/or families with children aged 8 and up. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $16 (includes daily admission).  

Noel walking down trail with hiking stick.

Make a Hiking Stick 

Grab a pre-harvested honeysuckle branch and craft it into a hiking stick with our hand tools. Use our leather stamping set and brass tacks to embellish your new hiking companion. Preregistration required. Members $8; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission). 

Pink cone flowers in garden

2024 Garden Tour: Noteworthy Natives

Saturday, June 22, 9 am–5 pm

Join us for Cincinnati’s premier garden tour, presented by Wimberg Landscaping Company, featuring 10 magnificent gardens that incorporate native plants in unique and creative ways.  Locations include North Avondale, Blue Ash, Loveland, and Indian Hill.

This program is open to adults, as well as interested children 13 years and older (with an adult). Member adult $45; nonmember adult $45.