Join us for the opening reception of In the Sky by Kim Wetzel on Thursday, September 10 from 6–8 p.m. The exhibition is on view August 13–September 30. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Create personal projects in clay through basic handbuilding methods. Learn pinch and coil building, slab construction techniques, and how to apply texture and surface decoration to your pieces. Designed for students at a beginner level who have not taken this class more than three times. This class is for handbuilding only and includes materials and firings. $150/six sessions.

Get fired up about the experimental and exhilarating process of raku! Raku is a fast alternative firing technique that comes from ancient Japanese traditions and produces a range of dramatic surfaces, from metallic luster to smoky crackle. During this two-part workshop, learn techniques for handbuilding unique ceramic objects, then the following week, learn how to prepare surfaces for the kiln and collaboratively fire the raku kiln. Quickly raise the kiln to peak temperature, remove the red-hot pots, and place them into combustible materials to create striking, unpredictable effects. No two pieces ever come out alike, making each firing a truly unique experience. No previous ceramics or raku experience required. $75/person.

Bring your date or friend for an evening of fun. Create memories together as you explore things that spin. Begin the night with instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to learn the game and skills of disc golf before playing a round on our portable course. Then art educators from Silverwood will inspire you to put your creative spin towards art that you’ll take home. No art or disc golf experience needed—just curiosity, creativity and a desire to have fun with others. $10/person.

Watch some kooky animal puppets as they stop Trasher the Trash Can from trashing nature. Performance begins promptly at 1 p.m. After the show, try your hand at making an art project related to the show until 3 p.m. Join the Walk with a Naturalist at 2 p.m. for a longer nature hike or stay and make art throughout the afternoon. All ages welcome. Free.

Join guest instructor Sandra Hatzenbuhler (Point & Stitch Embroidery) along with a Silverwood naturalist for a welcoming, hands-on introduction to embroidery in the park for participants of all backgrounds. In a relaxed, social environment, we will learn basic stitching techniques and create a simple note card embroidered on handmade paper with organic wool floss. Designs will be inspired by the coming changes to fall colors and foliage. No experience necessary, all materials provided. $15/person.

In this two-hour session, you will have the opportunity to explore techniques for composing an autumnal arrangement that reflects your personal style. Each participant will carve a gourd to act as the vessel for your arrangement. Through the consideration of the element and principles of art and design, unique blooms, and the history of floristry, each participant will then use seasonal flowers and collected materials from the park to arrange our final compositions. All experience levels are welcome. $20/person.

Join in an afternoon of free art and nature fun for the whole family in celebration of Silverwood Park's 17th anniversary! Shop at the artist market, join hands-on art and nature activities led by Silverwood's instructors and enjoy food from local food trucks. Plus, catch live music from Funk N Spuds at 12:30 p.m. and Yellow Ostrich at 2:30 p.m. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn about the flowers grown in Silverwood's Dyers Garden and the unique natural dye properties they possess. During this series, we will explore methods of natural dyeing with fresh flowers and plants, how to prepare fabric and the science behind these processes. Fabric will be provided for the eco-printing dates; please bring your own cotton/linen/wool (natural fiber) garment for fresh indigo and marigold printing classes. $35/person.

Once a month, learn foundational yoga postures and breathwork in a gentle vinyasa flow class with instructor Stephanie Wyman. Practice moving with breath, correct alignment of postures and sun salutations. Mats and props are available; use of props is encouraged. Registration recommended. Drop-ins welcome. This program is designed to be a primer for the weekly Sunset Yoga class. No experience necessary; all abilities welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes. You are encouraged to use props if available. Straps, blocks, and blankets are options. Music is provided during class. $12/person.

Explore the textures, patterns and stories hidden within the natural world through hands-on discovery and sculptural artmaking. Participants will investigate materials shaped by time, pressure and natural forces while experimenting with texture and form. Participants will learn clay techniques and skills to create sculptural artworks inspired by rocks, fossils and geological forms. $48/student.

Discover the many ways animals move through the world by exploring motion, balance and energy in nature. Participants will investigate how animals jump, glide, crawl, swim and fly while learning how movement helps them survive. Using interactive and moving art techniques, create kinetic artworks that shift, spin and respond to motion. This class blends creativity, engineering and hands-on exploration through playful artistic experimentation. $48/student.

Discover the amazing colors hidden in leaves, flowers and plants as we explore how nature creates color all around us. Participants will learn how plants use sunlight to grow and why different plants display different colors, patterns and textures. Then turn flowers and leaves into bold works of art while experimenting with natural pigments and creating colorful nature-inspired artworks. $48/student.

Explore the exciting world of animals and discover how they use color, patterns and camouflage to survive in the wild. Participants will investigate animal tracks, signs and behaviors while learning how creatures hide, communicate and adapt to their environments. Dive into a wild mix of paper artworks inspired by our discoveries. $48/students.

Take a closer look at the tiny details hidden in the natural world using microscopes, magnifiers, light and shadow. Participants will discover amazing textures, shapes and patterns that are often too small to see with just our eyes. Transform tiny discoveries into glowing shadow art and light-filled creations inspired by the incredible hidden details revealed through magnification and light. $48/student.

Learn the basics of throwing on a potter's wheel or build on your current skills. Demonstrations will focus on cups, bowls, handles and surface options. Class will include free time to practice new skills and explore personal interests. $150/person.

National Alliance on Mental Health Minnesota (NAMI MN) and Silverwood Park partner to offer a monthly arts-integrated support group for anyone experiencing a mental health condition. This support group is dedicated to helping participants build resilience through creative experiences, facilitated peer discussion and reflection, and connection to the natural world. Phone Number to register (651) 645-2948. Free.

Presenting their summer 2026 show, 'Tales of Hoffman'. Follow the wild adventures of traveling poet, Hoffmann, as he seeks love and creative inspiration in a world overrun by technology. He meets ghosts, robots, magicians and shape-shifting demons in this lively fantasy. With a mix of 1990s grunge and R&B, the Pickup Truck Opera is a one-of-a-kind mix of classical opera and pop tunes you'll love. All ages welcome. Free.

Explore the natural world and what is happening outdoors at the park. Explore plants and how they connect the sun's energy to food webs. Then, use light sensitive paper, plant materials, and pH to create dreamlike plant prints with cyanotype. One registration includes art materials for two projects. One family can register multiple times for more materials. $16/group max 4 people. Ages 7-12 plus adult.

Explore the natural world and what is happening outdoors at the park. Learn about spiders, how and why they create different kinds of webs and how they adapt to their environment. Then, create your own autumnal flat weaving using fiber and natural materials. This program is for ages 7-12 plus an adult. Groups can be up to four people. $16/group.

Each month, join us for an hour of reading and making! We will read a book about prairies and make a colorful ceramic project inspired by our discoveries. $18/pair.

Join us for a once monthly program exploring the creative arts and natural world. Cozy up for a story or song, head on a hike to observe the wild surroundings and create an art project inspired by what you find. This program will occur primarily outdoors with access to the indoors for restroom breaks and when necessary for some artmaking activities. $7/person. Ages: 2-6 plus adult. Siblings under age 2 are free but must register.

Join us for an evening of reading and making! We will read a book about bats and make a colorful ceramic project inspired by our discoveries. This program is for ages 3-6 with an adult. $18/pair.

Independently navigate clay through handbuilding or wheel throwing. Limited instruction provided; participants must have at least two years of clay experience and be self-sufficient in skills. Registration includes firings and one 25-pound bag of clay; additional clay is available for purchase. $150/six sessions.

Join us for the opening reception of "Blue Collar" by Rachel Breen on Thursday, October 8 from 6–8 p.m. The exhibition is on view October 8–November 30. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Join us for the opening reception of Creatures in the Playing Field by Xavier Tavera on Thursday, September 10 from from 6–8 p.m. The exhibition is on view September 1–30. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Join us for the opening reception of "Every Piece Belongs" by Laura Ruprecht on Thursday, October 8 from 6–8 p.m. The exhibition is on view October 8–November 30. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Each week through the fall, we will enjoy stories, creative play, explore the outdoors and make art inspired by what we find in nature. All activities will take place outdoors with access to indoor space for art making, restrooms and in the event of inclement weather. $180/child for 10 sessions.

Explore the fascinating world of Minnesota’s turtles through both science and art. Learn how these remarkable reptiles are adapted to thrive in a variety of habitats and why they are important to healthy ecosystems. Discover the unique features and behaviors of several turtle species found throughout Minnesota. Then, create your own turtle-inspired mosaic artwork using colorful patterns and designs. $8/person.

Freshwater mussels are some of Minnesota's most important—and most overlooked—river residents. Discover how these remarkable animals are built, the surprising ways people have used mussels throughout history and the vital role they play in keeping our waterways healthy. Then, take inspiration from the shimmering iridescence of their shells as you create a colorful piece of artwork. $8/person.

Silverwood OnStage invites you to enjoy a special project bringing together some of the Twin Cities finest songwriters - Molly Brandt, Amy Hager, Jacob Mullis and Eric Carranza - they blend elements of folk, country, Americana, and indie songwriting with intricate arrangements and lush vocal harmonies. Performances take place from 6:30–8 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater or inside the visitor center Great Hall in the case of inclement weather. All ages welcome. Free.

Lace up your skates or blades and roll into the park for an afternoon of fun on wheels. Glide around the smooth, paved trail and take in the natural sights and sounds of the prairie and shoreline. Cruise by the Visitor Center to join in artmaking activities and show off your moves with a dance party in the amphitheater. Free skate rentals provided by Twin Cities Skaters or bring your own gear; all wheels are welcome! Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Practice sound meditation with Waking Nomad. The session begins with an introduction to the active practice of sound meditation to cultivate awareness and use sound as a tool for going inward. They will guide you through movement and breathwork designed to release tension and reset the nervous system. After preparing the physical body, a 60-minute sound meditation begins. The rich sounds of the instruments pull you into the present moment. Give yourself permission to enter a liminal state, connecting with the sounds and vibrations of the instruments through a process of listening and attention training. Lean into your joy, vulnerability, compassion and strength.

Explore the simple beauty of nature, the joy of art making and how they enrich our lives. Each month features a new topic about the current season or the gallery show on display. The formal program lasts from 10–11 a.m., the last 30 minutes will be for continued socializing, outdoor time or art making. Free

Laura Singh has taught yoga for over a decade and practiced since 2007. Her unique classes offer a dynamic blend of breath work, traditional postures, structured sequencing, strength building and steady movement. She adapts the practice to meet all abilities and guides students with encouragement, humor and music. Register in advance or drop-in day of. Reservations recommended. $12/person.