Get ready for an unforgettable science adventure! Hunt for insects like an entomologist, spot wild birds and meet Richardson’s resident raptors like an ornithologist, and explore the colors, shapes and textures of plants like a botanist. Get hands-on with reptiles and amphibians like a herpetologist, and uncover the secret lives of mammals through tracks and clues like a mammologist. At the end of the week, showcase your discoveries at our very own research symposium.

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of science! Track down insects like an entomologist, spot wild birds and meet Richardson’s resident raptors like an ornithologist and dive into the world of plants like a botanist. Handle reptiles and amphibians up close like a herpetologist, and uncover the hidden lives of mammals by following tracks and clues like a mammologist. Then hop into a canoe and explore the pond like a real ecologist, observing the entire ecosystem from the water. At the end of the week, showcase your discoveries at our very own research symposium.

Learn about nature at your own pace through hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required. Free.

Learn about nature at your own pace through hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required. Free.

Learn about nature at your own pace through free, hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required.

Learn about nature at your own pace through free, hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required.

Learn about nature at your own pace through free, hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required.

Learn about nature at your own pace through hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required. Free.

Learn about nature at your own pace through free, hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required.

Learn about nature at your own pace through hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime. No registration required. Free.

Learn about nature at your own pace through free, hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required.

Experience the joy of summer camp and spending family time together in nature. Learn all about the animals that call Minnesota home. Hike the trails to search for animal homes, hideouts and clues they have left behind. Get up close, touch and help feed the animal ambassadors living at Richardson Nature Center. $36/person.

Experience the joy of summer camp and spending family time together in nature. Explore the three major habitats of Richardson Nature Center within Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Hike the oak forest and search for signs of animals. Sweep the tallgrass prairie with nets to catch and identify insects. Paddle a canoe on Turtle Basking Pond for a closer look at wildlife. Spend the day outside together exploring all parts of this beautiful park. $36/person.

Experience the joy of summer camp and spending family time together in nature. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the park and learning wilderness skills. Discover wild edibles, try building a campfire, roast a hot dog, create a campfire dessert and paddle a canoe at dusk. $40/person.

Join a naturalist in the Wildlife Viewing Room as we learn about the birds visiting the bird feeders. View birds through a spotting scope and binoculars, while using bird guides to identify the birds you are seeing. Other activities include bird-themed coloring sheets, puzzles and puppets. No reservations needed; drop in anytime.

Celebrate Earth Day with us. Make an earth-like seed bomb, filled with wildflower seeds, to bring home and spread pollinator-friendly plants in your own space. Explore the park on your own, take a hike, play in the Nature Exploration Area or view Richardson's animal ambassadors indoors. No reservations needed; drop in anytime.

Celebrate the Big Year of Rivers by exploring a group of animals that rely on clean water throughout their life cycles. Meet Richardson Nature Center’s resident amphibians up-close. Learn about their natural history, explore and examine a variety of animal artifacts and get a chance to touch live amphibians. No reservations needed; drop in any time.

Spring is popping up all around us, come see what’s blooming! Learn about Minnesota’s early-blooming wildflowers and explore plant biofacts up close. Take a self-guided hike to look for ephemerals and other signs of spring along the trail. No reservations needed; drop in anytime.

Uff-da! From loon calls to Paul Bunyan, discover what makes Minnesota so Minnesotan. Make your own muddy “hotdish”, look for the state insect in the prairie, and explore state symbols and folklore through song, art and outdoor discovery.

Celebrate May Day with a creative afternoon at the nature center! Craft your own May Day basket using colorful paper, pom-poms, washi tape, stickers and a variety of other materials. Add a few special nature treasures to take home, then share your basket with a friend, neighbor or teacher—or keep it as a cheerful gift for yourself.

Get muddy and messy through crafts and outdoor adventures! Jump in puddles, catch and release pond critters, and play in a "mud kitchen" using natural materials to make mud pies and other creative concoctions. Hunt for slimy slugs and slippery worms in the forest. Catch interesting insects in a tallgrass prairie, and meet captive reptiles and amphibians. Ready to get your hands dirty?

Discover the natural world with your preschooler through free play, a craft and a naturalist-led hike. Learn how spring rain helps flowers and other plants grow. Reservations required. This program is designed for ages 2-6 and an accompanying adult. Both adult and child must register and pay. $6/person. Ages: 2–6 plus adult.

Discover the mystery of the monarch butterfly and its migration. Catch and tag monarchs before they fly to Mexico. Search the prairie for insects and make fun monarch crafts. Designed for children who have not completed kindergarten. $34/person. Siblings welcome with registration.

Get ready for a playful adventure with your child to learn about animals with paws and claws. Discover what makes them unique through stories, crafts and free play. Explore different habitats in search of animal tracks and homes, and maybe even see a few furry surprises along the way! Designed for children who have not completed kindergarten. $34/person. Siblings welcome with registration.

Learn alongside your preschooler through imaginative play, nature artifacts and movement. Then, watch a silly puppet show! Try a self-guided nature activity after the show. $5/person. Ages 2-6 plus adult.

Join naturalists for a twilight hike to learn about crepuscular wildlife, animals that are most active at dawn and dusk. We'll look and listen for signs of deer, rabbits, beavers and owls. The hike will be moderately paced along rolling turf and woodchip trails. All ages welcome. $6/person.

Bre-e-e-p! Croak! Hike through forest and wetlands listening for the symphony of songs from toads and frogs as they emerge from their winter hibernation. Learn about the toads and frogs that call Minnesota home, including how to identify their calls. The hike will be moderately paced along rolling turf and non-paved trails. Reservations required by two days prior.

Tromp through the tallgrass prairie and adventure off-trail. Scoop in the pond and search for frogs along the shore. Use your imagination while playing in a mud kitchen, climbing in forts and playing with sticks. This camp encourages child-led free play as we explore various habitats together.

Get ready for summer adventures! Put your survival skills to the test with shelter building and fire-making. Step back in time with historical games like spear throwing. Practice your precision and archery skills with a compound bow. Try your luck at baiting a hook and reeling in a fish at Bush Lake. Take to the water and enjoy a canoeing adventure on scenic Turtle Basking Pond. Learn essential outdoor skills and cool tricks from seasoned experts to prepare for your future adventures. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Get ready for a playful adventure to learn about animals with paws and claws. Discover what makes them unique through stories, crafts and free play. Explore different habitats in search of animal tracks and homes, and maybe even see a few furry surprises along the way!

Join us in celebrating the Big Year of Rivers! Walk to a nearby pond to scoop in the water and look for aquatic insects, tadpoles, frogs and turtles. Observe these critters up close and learn how pond habitats connect to rivers in a watershed. Meet one of Richardson's resident pond-dwelling animal ambassadors.

Drop off your preschooler to discover the natural world through art, songs, play, live animals, hikes and more. Enjoy a snack brought from home and listen to nature stories. Each session is taught in English with an introduction to the Spanish language. $68/four sessions.

Drop off your preschooler to discover the natural world through art, songs, play, live animals, hikes and more. Enjoy a snack brought from home and listen to nature stories. Each session is taught in English with an introduction to the Spanish language. $51/3 sessions

Get an up close look at some of nature's most powerful and fascinating birds-raptors! You'll meet two live birds of prey while learning what makes these hunters so unique. Discover the key traits all raptors share, explore their incredible adaptations, and pick up tips for spotting and identifying them in the wild. Open to all ages, but designed for ages 7+. $6/person.

This collaborative camp brings together naturalists from Richardson Nature Center and the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Richardson Nature Center hosts the first day of camp. Activities include meeting resident raptor ambassadors, discovering their natural history and behaviors, learning the requirements to care for and train birds in captivity, and exploring habitats to search for wild birds. The second day includes a field trip to The Raptor Center. Campers will learn how the veterinary clinic rehabilitates and cares for injured birds and will get a behind the scenes tour of The Raptor Center’s education department to see many different species of raptors up close. Bus transportation to and from The Raptor Center will be provided.

Get ready for summer adventures by developing essential skills under the guidance of outdoor experts. Practice building shelters and small survival fires. Try reading maps, searching for edible plants and spotting poison ivy. Meet Richardson's animal ambassadors and learn what to do when you encounter animals in the wild.

Use nets, trowels and jars to catch and observe the critters that crawl, hop and fly. Discover insects, arachnids and other amazing arthropods found in the park. Play games, make bug-themed art and meet animal ambassadors with a connection to bugs.

Grow as an artist and use nature as inspiration. Collect natural materials from the park for your projects. Experiment with painting, drawing, mixed media and nature printing with individual and community art projects. Show off your creations to family and friends at an open house art exhibition on the last day.

Our littlest explorers will step into the magical world of nature as we hunt for the tiny wonders hiding all around us! We will search for miniature marvels like mushrooms, acorns, seeds, pebbles, flowers and insects. Campers will become explorers, discovering the tiniest treasures in nature and creating their own miniature garden using tiny nature items, along with some extra magical touches, to bring home.