OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FOR KIDS
Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.
DATES/TIMES: Select Wednesdays • 10–11 a.m.*
*except on September 10 & October 22
LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)
COST: $5 per child per date (ages 4-12)
REGISTRATION: Required; register online at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:45 a.m.
JULY 9 — Beautiful Bobolinks: Retzer welcomes this special bird each spring! Come spot their unique behaviors before they fly away.
JULY 16 — Butterfly Survey Skills: Use cool survey tools (no net needed!) to count butterfly species for science.
JULY 23 — Recycle Raccoon’s Adventure: Join our mascot to explore how Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot help the planet.
JULY 30 — The Beetles: What makes a bug a beetle? Learn about Earth’s most numerous critters!
AUGUST 6 — Squirrels Are Special: Discover the secrets of Wisconsin’s common grey squirrel and other species.
AUGUST 13 — Prairie Plants: Let’s identify Retzer’s prairie plants and explore what makes them so special.
AUGUST 27 — Bats Day and Night: Fall is a great time of year for detecting bats! Learn about them during the day, then register for Bat Night to see them in action. Note: Bat Night is a separate offering on September 10.
SEPTEMBER 3 — Monarchs & Milkweed: Explore monarchs’ lifecycle as they begin their fall migration. Learn how to help them return safely next year.
SEPTEMBER 10* — Bats at Night: As a follow-up to our August 27 program, join us to explore the night sky and detect bats using echolocation equipment. Note: Open to all! Prior attendance at the August 27 program is not required.
*This program is 7:30-8:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 17 — Wood Wide Web and Fungus: Mushrooms and fungi keep our ecosystem healthy! Discover their colors, features, and importance.
OCTOBER 1 — The Life of an Oak: Find out why oaks are a keystone species and learn how to spot them on the trail.
OCTOBER 22 — Outdoor Classroom at Night: Details will be provided soon!
NOVEMBER 5 — Dig In! Soils: What’s under our feet? Learn different characteristics of soils and appreciate life in and under it!
NOVEMBER 19 — Talkin’ Turkey!: Meet a turkey up close, hopefully see some far away, and learn what makes them unique in the bird world!
DECEMBER 3 — Conifers: It’s cold, but conifers are tough! Learn what makes a conifer a conifer and discover their secrets.
DECEMBER 17 — Deer of the Midwest: We’re lucky to have hooved animals in Wisconsin. Learn about these famous holiday creatures and their kin!
JANUARY 7 — Mighty Eagles: Where are they going? What are they doing? Learn about the eagles that soar over Retzer Nature Center!
JANUARY 21 — The Story of Bears: Bears have a special place in our hearts! Explore their cozy dens, fascinating habits, and how they brave the seasons.
NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program is mostly outdoors. In poor weather, full program may move indoors.
For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
