Nature Center Programs

Due to the ongoing winter storm, City facilities, including City Hall and all Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, will be closed on Monday, January 6. This is due to the forecasted snow and ice accumulation resulting in dangerous travel conditions.

Read the news release for additional details >>

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Prairie Park Nature Center offers programs for all ages, abilities and interests. You can select from the seasonal programs listed below and click the link to the registration page.

Need help with registration? See our walkthrough for how to enroll online!

Programs vary with each season. Let us know if there is a program that you have a special interest in seeing the nature center provide.

 

WINTER/SPRING PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

WILD ADVENTURES FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND PARENTS
Ages: 2-5. Enrollment Min 2 / Max 15. Join us for weekly sessions of stories, activities, and information about animals and their habitats. Each week, a new topic will be presented, and outdoor activities are planned, so be sure to come prepared. Parents are required to attend with their preschoolers and are encouraged to participate. Registration for the entire session is required in advance, and the program takes place every Tuesday.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

HIP HOP PRAIRIE DOGS & OWLS – YOUTH DANCE WORKSHOP
Ages: 7-13. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 12. Who let the “prairie dogs” out? Who, who, who! Spring time is almost here, and PPNC wildlife is ready to bust a move! This upbeat workshop will explore time, space and energy through games, basic hip hop moves and the artistry of creating an original dance – all while learning fun facts about prairie dogs and owls! Dancers will incorporate nature’s hip style as they express their own personality & moves. A 40 minute hip hop lesson followed by a 20 minute meet and greet with PPNC prairie dogs and the owls.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

PARENT & ME PETTING ZOO – YOUTH DANCE WORKSHOP
Ages: 2-5 with parent. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 12. This unique parent and me workshop is creative movement at its best! Join us as we explore the exciting world of PPNC critters through playful movement, silly songs, fun games and the use of colorful props! Enjoy 40 minutes of animal inspired action, spend the last 20 minutes with a one on one meet, and greet of the PPNC’s finest residents! One dancer per guardian, please.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

TWIRLING TAPPING TURTLES – YOUTH DANCE WORKSHOP
Ages: 6-10. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 12. A one of a kind workshop that will surely bring your dancer out of their shell! Dancers will twirls and tap their feet to the beat, combining basic dance fundamentals with totally awesome turtle facts! Class will create a turtle inspired dance to show off to an audience of none other than the PPNC turtles! A 40 dance lesson followed by a 20 minute meet and greet with PPNC turtles. No tap shoes required, but please wear hard soled, closed toed shoes.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH & ADULTS

ARCHERY
Ages: 7 and Up. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 10. Looking for a fun and engaging activity for the whole family, a group of friends, or a special date night? Consider archery lessons! Whether you’re a beginner or interested in becoming a competitive archer, our classes offer a variety of skill-building exercises and games fun for ages 7 and up. Choose the class that fits your schedule and start your archery journey today!
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

TURTLE YOGA
Ages: All. Enrollment Min 6 / Max 20. Practice yoga while enjoying the company of turtles around you. After the class help feed and learn more about Prairie Park’s turtles. It’s turtletastic fun for all ages!
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

INSECT PINNING WORKSHOP
Ages: 12 and Up. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 15. Learn to create elegant displays of mounted butterflies, beetles, and more through the delicate art of insect pinning. We’ll teach you how to start your own entomology collection so you can preserve your insect finds for a lifetime. Participants will choose their own specimens and create a gorgeous shadow box accented with moss, herbs, and other whimsical décor.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

PADDLE FOR THE PLANET: HELP CLEAN UP MARY’S LAKE
Ages: 6 and Up. Enrollment Min 6 / Max 12. Learn how to canoe while making a difference in your community. Participate in land stewardship work as you assist us in learning litter out of Mary’s Lake. No previous canoe experience required; we’ll teach you all you need to know. Life jackets, paddles and boats provided. No more than three participants per boat. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied in the boat by an adult. This program has been made possible with support from the Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

CANOEIST’S GUIDE TO WETLAND CONSERVATION
Ages: 6 and Up. Enrollment Min 6 / Max 12. Enjoy an evening of canoeing while learning about fascinating conservation topics that will interest folks of all ages! How did invasive jellyfish get into our lakes? What are the dangers of harmful algal blooms? How can I help save endangered aquatic wildlife? Our guides are sure to pique your curiosity while teaching you the basics of canoeing and pointing out local wildlife. No canoe experience is required. Life jackets, paddles, and boats provided. No more than three participants per boat. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied in the boat by an adult. This program has been made possible with the support from the Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

LAKE RESTORATION WORKDAYS
Ages: 12 and Up. Enrollment Min 4 / Max 20. Join us in restoring habitat at Mary’s Lake in the Prairie Park preserve. By removing invasive species and planting beneficial native plants, you’ll get to direcrly participate in local land stewardship work. Learn why healthy shoreline habitat is critical for the health of our aquatic ecosystems while enjoying some time in the beauty of the outdoors. All supplies will be provided. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Long pants and close toed shoes are required. This program has been made possible with support from the Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council. Registration is required.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

ADULT AND TEEN PROGRAMS

HIKE FOR HEALTH WITH A NATURALIST
Ages: 14 and Up. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 15. Get your daily workout in while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. This will be an energetic hike that will get your heart rate up. While this hike will be faster-paced, there will still be a few stops along the way for you to learn about the wonders of your local ecosystem from Naturalist Rachel. Please bring a water bottle and wear your favorite hiking/athletic shoes. Directions for parking will be sent to participants the day before our hike. Locations include Rock Chalk Park (3/10) and Riverfront Park (4/14).
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

MINDFULNESS MONDAY WALK WITH A NATURALIST
Ages: 14 and Up. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 25. Get away from the hustle and bustle of it all on this serene stroll. All ages and fitness levels are welcome on this slower-paced meander through nature. Learn to notice the quiet wonders of the natural world and reflect on poems from authors like Mary Oliver, Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Camille Dungy. Please bring a water bottle, and wear your favorite hiking/athletic shoes. Directions for parking will be sent to participants the day before our hike. Locations include Prairie Park Nature Center (3/31) and Lawrence Nature Park (4/28).
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this fall

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

BIRDS & THE BEES: LOVE IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
Ages: 18 and Up. Enrollment Min 6 / Max 30. Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind night out? How about an evening of learning the intimate habits of Earth’s wilder animals? Join PPNC for a humorous and informative program on romance, dating, and mating in the animal kingdom. Enjoy appetizers, sweets, a photo booth, trivia, and more! Please note that this event is only open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL DAYS OFF

BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS
Ages: 6-13. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 20. Spend a fun-filled morning at Prairie Park Nature Center, where you can learn about the eating habits of animals and enjoy breakfast in the company of your favorite animals. This event includes a live animal program, exciting games and crafts, and the opportunity to feed the animals alongside the PPNC staff. It’s a perfect way to spend a morning off from school!
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

SPECIAL EVENTS

NIGHTTIME AT THE NATURE CENTER
Ages: All. Enrollment Min 10 / Max 50. Ever wonder what happens after the nature center closes? Come enjoy a completely different sensory experience and see how much wilder the animals are after dark! Handheld red lights will be provided to each participant to view the nature center in the dark. Watch the nocturnal animals start their day while the diurnal animals settle in for the night. There will also be opportunities for up-close encounters with some creatures of the night. Children 2 and under are free.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

SNAKES AND SCONES!
Ages: All. Enrollment Min 10 / Max 50. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Prairie Park Nature Center! Come meet our friendly snakes and enjoy some classic British scones. There will be giveaways too! Find a gold coin in the nature center for a small prize or find a miniature leprechaun for a gift card to a restaurant in downtown Lawrence. Bring on the Irish culture with a slithery good time at the nature center! It’s a guarantee you won’t find a celebration like this anywhere else. Children 2 and under are free.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS WITH THE ANIMALS
Ages: All. Enrollment Min 10 / Max 40. Come and join us at Prairie Park Nature Center for a one-of-a-kind family experience! Feast on spaghetti and meatballs while surrounded by your favorite animals. Additionally, you can participate in a live animal program, play games with prizes, and explore the nature center during evening hours. Admission is free for children aged 2 and under.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

ENCHANTED TEA PARTY WITH THE ANIMALS
Ages: All. Enrollment Min 10 / Max 25. Join our woodland animals for an enchanted tea party at the nature center! Wear your favorite princess dress, fairy outfit, or whatever makes you feel magical! We will provide the enchanted animals, cookies, tea, and other yummy snacks. It’s the perfect thing to do with your little ones this Mother’s Day weekend. Children under the age of 2 are free.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring

SNAIL TERRARIUM WORKSHOP
Ages: 4 and up. Enrollment Min 6 / Max 18. Get ready to dive into the delightful world of snails with our hands-on Snail Terrarium Workshop at the nature center! This class will guide you through creating your very own mini-ecosystem, complete with adorable snails, live plants, and lush moss. By the end of the class, you’ll have a beautiful, whimsical terrarium to take home, along with all the knowledge needed to keep your new snail friends and their cozy environment happy and healthy. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature and bring a little piece of it into your home. Sign up today and let your snail adventure begin! All supplies provided. Children ages 4 to 8 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

VALENTINE’S POSSUM GRAM
Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a unique Possum Gram for your loved one! Package includes delivery of a personalized card, flowers, chocolate, and an up-close animal encounter with our possum ambassador, Teacup! To place an order, please register for an expected delivery time frame and then email your card message, recipient’s name, and delivery address to naturecenter@lawrenceks.org. Our naturalists can deliver to residences or workplaces within the Lawrence city limits. Please ensure permission and access to the delivery location email, especially for business locations. Note that we do not deliver to schools. For any inquiries, please contact Prairie Park Nature Center at (785) 832-7980.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

NATURE TRIPS

NIGHTTIME AT THE NATURE CENTER
Ages: All. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 12. Learn how your favorite pancake topping, syrup, is made. Did you know that other trees besides maple can be used to make a delicious syrup? We will show you how to identify native trees to tap for sugar making, the tools needed, how to make the final products and enjoy samples.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

DUCKS, HERONS AND EAGLES, OH MY!
Ages: All. Enrollment Min 4 / Max 12. Embark on an unforgettable winter birding expedition. Bundle up and let us take you on a journey to spot some of winter’s most fascinating and resilient feathered friends. Stand-out visitors include both migratory and resident species such as snow geese, a diversity of ducks and birds, trumpeter swans, pelicans, bald eagles, herons and more. You can also view resident wildlife such as deer, beavers, muskrats, and turtles. Our guide from the Prairie Park Nature Center will bring viewing scopes and assist with identifying the wide array of species. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and cameras to capture the perfect shot. Please dress warmly and wear appropriate shows for possible short hikes at our beautiful birdwatching location(s).
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

MUSHROOM FORAY FIELD TRIP
Ages: All. Enrollment Min 5 / Enrollment Max 12. Have you heard the hype behind the mushroom boom? Hop on the shuttle and venture out with a mushroom specialist and discover the diversity of our local fungi. Our instructor will teach you easy, convenient ways to identify native mushrooms. Learn which fungi are edible and which you should not touch with a ten-foot pole. Pre-registration is required. Our instructor will e-mail information regarding trip location before the program. Please note that a registered adult must accompany children under 16.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter

EDUCATION BY RESERVATION

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Group Visits: To ensure the quality of your visit, visiting groups must schedule dates and times with the nature center by calling (785) 832-7980. For more information, please contact the Nature Center at (785) 832-7980. You can also find information on the lprd website, www.lprd.org.

PRESCHOOL FIELD TRIPS
Prairie: Park Nature Center offers specialized programs for preschools. Preschool students will enjoy live animals, stories, songs, art, rhymes and other appropriate early childhood activities.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL FIELD TRIP
Prairie Park Nature Center offers a wide variety of one-hour programs and two-hour field trips designed for school and organized groups. Contact the nature center for more information at 785-832-7980.


Picture of Children hiking at Mary's Lake

Mary’s Lake

Mary’s Lake is just a short walk from the education building and is open for public fishing. This lake participates in State Community Lakes Fishing Program and is stocked with fish by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism throughout the spring and summer.

A state fishing license is required for people ages 16 to 65. Limits are posted at the lake.

View the Map of Trails at Prairie Park Nature Center»

Directions

Prairie Park Nature Center is located on the east side of Lawrence. Find us in the neighborhood via 27th Street off of Haskell Avenue.

Group Visitation Policy

Visiting groups from other facilities or organizations of 8 or more people (including children) who have not booked a program should schedule their visits in advance. This will insure that their visit does not overlap with other scheduled groups or large programs.

This will assist the nature center staff in making sure that all visitors have a good experience.

The nature center reserves the right to ask unscheduled groups to delay their visit if the building is busy.

Groups may schedule their visit by phone: 785-832-7980.

Our Mission

Dedicated To Building Connections With Nature

The mission of the Prairie Park Nature Center is to promote an appreciation of the importance of conserving the natural world through hands-on environmental and conservation education.

The nature center is free to all visitors.