Time to stomp in muddy puddles, poke around for worms and explore the outdoors.
Children and families can venture out with some great spring programs at the St. Charles Park District’s Hickory Knolls Discover Center.
“We’re so excited to offer these great programs that get everyone out enjoying time in nature,” said Emily Shanahan, nature programs supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
There are just a few spots left to register for the multi-week Nature Playschool, where children ages 3 to 5 explore the outdoors with instructors. The class meets Tuesdays from 12:30-3 p.m. March 14 to May 30 and there are different themes each week, from learning about plants and animals to insects and other seasonal aspects to nature.
“This class is wonderful as an introduction to an independent class children can take without a parent, or as an additional program for those already in morning preschool,” Shanahan said.
The goal is to spend as much time outdoors, so it will be a perfect time to wear rainboots and enjoy some hands-on time at the nature center.
“We offered this for the first time last spring and it was really popular,” Shanahan said.
In the Wee Wonders program, children ages 1 to 5 and their caregiver can register to enjoy an hour and half of nature fun with songs, crafts and even time to meet some of the animal ambassadors that live at Hickory Knolls. Select one or all three classes this spring.
“This is a great class because siblings can attend together with a caregiver and we love seeing the friendships that blossom between children and the caregivers as well,” Shanahan said.
The whole family can enjoy some time outdoors in Maple Magic, an annual event returning Saturday, April 18. Meet at Pottawatomie Community Center and take a bus ride to Delnor Woods where participants will visit different stations to learn how sap from maples becomes maple syrup.
After visiting the different stations, participants will return to Pottawatomie to satisfy their sweet tooth with some delicious pancakes from Colonial Café and maple syrup.
“Families can register for a time slot and enjoy the experience together, especially the pancakes,” Shanahan said.
For those still looking for activities during spring break, the St. Charles Park District offers No School Nature Days for children ages 5 to 12. With these programs children will have plenty of time outdoors as well as learn about nature with science experiments, play and meet new friends.
Spring break is a great time to visit the nature center to walk along the outdoor trail, check out the outdoor play area or time your visit to catch the Hanging with Hickory Friends, daily Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to meet one of the animal ambassadors and have a chance to ask the nature staff lots of questions.
And now is the best time to secure a spot in the Nature Camps hosted by the St. Charles Park District. Find a full list of all the park district camp and summer programs online at stcparks.org.