Winter is a time of survival and our cold blooded animals are experiencing a special type of hibernation. Meet the animal ambassadors and learn how each species approaches this winter challenge. You will have a chance to see amphibians out of their tanks from 1–2 p.m. and reptiles from 2–3 p.m. All ages welcome. Free.

Sit with a naturalist and enjoy a warm fire. Examine furs and other body structures animals use to survive the winter cold. All ages welcome. Free.

Discover which mammals stay active in the winter and how they survive the cold temperatures. Touch and compare different types of fur. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Check out animal skulls up close, and learn how teeth and other features can tell us about what an animal eats. All ages welcome. Free.

Beavers have amazing bodies and behaviors! A family of beavers built a dam not far from the nature center. Stop by to learn about Minnesota’s largest rodents, try to build a mini dam and head out on Eastman's trails with a map to where beavers have been active to hunt for signs that they have been busy. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Become a nature detective with a naturalist's toolbox! Explore what's happening in the park using thermometers, hand lenses, binoculars and your own sharp observation skills. Look closely, discover amazing plants and animals, and see how nature changes with the seasons! All ages welcome. Free.

Get out on the trails for a self-guided fall scavenger hunt. Choose from several options and complete your hike to earn a prize! Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Join us as we prepare for our Winter Solstice Luminary Walk on December 21 by decorating a luminary bag. Color, draw, punch holes and make art! We will use these bags to decorate our trail. Come back on December 21 and see if you can spot the luminary bag you created out on the trail! All ages welcome. Free.

Drop in at any time to meet a few of our live animals up close and discover what makes these critters unique! All ages welcome. Free.

Winter is coming and a quiet stillness appears to cover the land. However, that is just an illusion. Enjoy a fire to warm up by as we explore the tiny things around Eastman with microscopes. Have you seen the beauty of soil magnified? Can you find something that's small and still alive? All ages welcome. Free.

A nature mandala is a circular design created using natural materials such as leaves, flowers, stones, seeds, bark or shells. It combines art, mindfulness and learning, allowing participants to explore symmetry, patterns and geometry while engaging with the natural environment. Come create your own on a fall day! All ages welcome. Free.

Make flowers, turtles, butterflies, hopping frogs and more from paper you fold yourself. Fold a boat to send down the Mississippi River. See live animals and use them to provide inspiration to decorate your origami animals. All ages welcome. Free.

Stop by and make a nature ornament. An optional outdoor nature hunt will be available afterward. Free.

Come play outside! Every month we will explore a different area of the park and do seasonal activities. All ages welcome. Free.

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.

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.

Take a self-guided poetry walk near the river. Let the river inspire you to write your own "river of words" using paper and pencil or magnetic words. You can also add your ideas and sketches to our community poem. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn about local mammals by touching and looking at their skulls and furs. Play a matching game to match the skulls and fur. Ask a naturalist questions about the furry animals that live in the park. All ages welcome. Free.

Make your own stomp rocket out of recycled materials and experiment to see what makes it fly the best. All ages welcome. Free.

Love an oak tree, thank a squirrel! Hunt for acorns, discover squirrel facts, touch some unique artifacts and try your hand at the squirrel obstacle course. All ages welcome. Free.

Stop by the fire pit to listen or to share! Whether it be a poem, short story, picture book or a memory, if it's all-ages appropriate and has to do with a lake, a river or the ocean they all empty to, it belongs at this water-themed "open mic." All ages welcome. Free.

Learn the ways of our wild turkeys in Minnesota with a few indoor activities. Then, take a short trot/walk outside to look for evidence in our park. All ages welcome. Free.