Wildlife  •  Education  •  Planetarium
Contact Us | Directions | Hours of Operation

education

child and family programs

programs for children

Please note that many of our wonderful classes and programs require pre-registration. We encourage you to call ahead to confirm availability: 440-871-2900.

NEW: Weekend Wildlife Wonders
Date: Every Sunday, March - May Time/Duration: See Description
  For all ages Fee: See Description
Creature Features  
Sundays at 1, 2  and 2:30 p.m.
Surprise the family with a hands-on and close-up animal encounter - each programs lasts 20-30 minutes - weather cooperating? We may even venture outdoors! (Topic changes monthly)
Fee: $2/person (children 1 and under FREE)

Seasonal Notes   
Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
What's up in The Great Outdoors? We'll start inside with a 15-20 minutes presentation, then head outside and keep our eyes peeled for emerging plants and animals and visible seasonal changes. Each show will be a slightly different experience as we watch the seasons developing around us. Total program runtime: 45-50 minutes. Come dressed for the weather!
Fee: $/3 person (children 1 and under FREE)
___________________________________
Tickets are available at our Welcome Desk on the day of the program and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are not sold in advance for these public programs, which are limited to 25 participants each.


Earth Day
Date: Monday, April 22 Time/Duration: See Description
  For all ages Fee: See Description
11 a.m. Twinkle Tots - an introduction to the planetarium for children under 3 years old.
Tickets are $1/person.

11:30 a.m. Mainly Mammals - a live, 25-minute animal encounter for all ages.
Tickets are $2/person.

Noon Stellar Stars - a star show that’s best for kids 3 - 7 years old.
Tickets are $2/person.

12:30 p.m. Reptile Revue - a live, 25-minute animal encounter for all ages.
Tickets are $2/person.

1 p.m. The You-niverse - our newest star show! Have fun under the night sky - during the day - identify constellations, find the planets and much more. Tickets are $2/person.

1:30 p.m. The You-niverse - our newest star show! Have fun under the night sky - during the day - identify constellations, find the planets and much more. Tickets are $2/person.

2 p.m. Animals, Animals - a live, 40-minute animal encounter for all ages.
Tickets are $3/person.

2:30 p.m. The You-niverse - our newest star show! Have fun under the night sky - during the day - identify constellations, find the planets and much more. Tickets are $2/person.

3 p.m. Animals, Animals - a live, 40-minute animal encounter for all ages.
Tickets are $3/person.

3:30 p.m. The You-niverse - our newest star show! Have fun under the night sky - during the day - identify constellations, find the planets and much more. Tickets are $2/person.

4 p.m. Animals, Animals - a live, 40-minute animal encounter for all ages.
Tickets are $3/person.

Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the show.


Grandparents Day
Date: Sunday, April 21 Time/Duration: 1 - 2:30 p.m.
  For grandparents and their grandchildren, ages 0 - 7 Fee: $5/person (children 1 and under free); FREE to Members (register before April 18, please!)
Join us for a special afternoon devoted to grandparents and their grandchildren! Enjoy engaging, hands-on, Earth Day-themed activities, meet some of the animals that share the earth with us and get a view of the earth from space with a planetarium show.

Pre-registration required.


Family Fishing Day
Date: Sunday, May 12 Time/Duration: 1 - 4 p.m.
  For families with children ages 5 and up Fee: $7/person; $35/family of 5 or more
Ever wanted to take your family fishing, but didn’t know where to start? Tory Gabriel, Ohio Sea Grant Extension Educator, is ready to lead the way! Learn about basic fishing equipment, how to cast, where to fish and what kind of fish you’ll catch in different locations. We’ll start at the Center and then head to Lake Erie to do some real fishing! All equipment will be provided. Adults and teens (ages 16 & up) who wish to fish must possess a valid fishing license. One adult must accompany every 2 children registered for this program.


Exhibit Tour
Date: Wednesdays
May 1 and 15		 Time/Duration: 6:30 - 8 p.m.
  For families with children ages 5 and up Fee: $12/person; members $10/person
Come for an in-depth look at our live animal exhibits, both indoors and out. Director of Wildlife Dave Wolf will lead you on a journey, recounting fascinating stories and histories of the exhibits and the animals that call them home. Experience firsthand how the exhibits are maintained, watch the venomous snake exhibit as it is cleaned (carefully!) and find out how our waterfowl can even impersonate goats! Plus, go "Behind-the- Scenes" into areas where resident animals are cared for and discover how their meals are prepared. This program will be sure to give you "insider knowledge" of our exhibits and enhance your future visits.

Pre-registration required.


Animals a la Mode
Date: Fridays
May 3 or June 14		 Time/Duration: 6:30 p.m.
  For families with children of all ages Fee: $5/person (children 1 and under FREE)
Live animals (and maybe YOU) take center stage in this upbeat, interactive and educational presentation. The whole family will be captivated by our collection of furry, feathered and scaled creatures. And the fun doesn’t stop there - cap it all off with a serving of delicious ice cream! Program lasts about 30 minutes.

Pre-registration required.


Meet an Animal
Date: Select Saturdays and Sundays Time/Duration: 3 p.m.
  For all ages Fee: $5/person (children 1 and under FREE)
The Turkey Vulture: Buzzard, Bird-Of-Prey or Stork?
Saturday, March 23
With the help of our live Turkey Vulture, we’ll explore the misconceptions and fascinating truths about this commonly misunderstood animal. Director of Wildlife, Dave Wolf will explain how this animal suddenly changed ancestors. We’ll also discuss vomiting, bed-wetting, even nose-picking! Are we talking about children or wildlife? Not for the weak of stomach but everyone welcome!  

Rabbits
Sunday April 28
Hop on in to hear about all kinds of fascinating “bunny business”. With the help of our live domestic rabbits we’ll explore much about the fascinating lives of rabbits in the wild.  

Spring Special: True & False
Saturday, May 4
Come attend the Center’s very own “game show.” Find out what you know... and might not know… about wildlife as we join Wildlife Director Dave Wolf to look at some of the Center’s animals. Audience participation is encouraged with T & F answer cards as we explore common facts and fallacies surrounding local wildlife.  

The Striped Skunk
Saturday, May 25
Experience a LIVE up-close meeting with this often-misunderstood animal. As skunks become more common in our backyards, it becomes more beneficial for us to understand them. This program promises to be a “sweet smelling” time!  

Snakes Alive!
Saturday, June 29
So many misconceptions about snakes...and so little time! Come ready to touch and be touched by these wonderful animals. We will look at snakes from here and afar, as well as see skins, skeletons and talk about venomous snakes.  

Ohio’s Eagles
Saturday, July 27
This program will take a look at Ohio’s largest bird of prey; the Bald Eagle. We will discuss their history and current status in the state and other interesting tidbits about this awe-inspiring bird.  

The Opossum
Sunday, August 25
Come and visit with one of our most interesting educational animals. The lives of these ubiquitous, trash-eating suburban animals are poorly understood by most. After listening, seeing and touching, you will leave with a newfound appreciation for these unique animals.  

Hawks
Saturday, September 28
Come and be awed by the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s daytime birds of prey. We’ll look closely at the live birds and discuss fascinating facts. Experience the rapture of raptors!  

Spineless, But Awesome!
Saturday, October 26
This live animal program will feature two of our “spineless but awesome” animals, the Tarantula and the Madagascan Hissing Cockroach. We’ll move past the “eewww” and learn some fascinating facts about each of these invertebrates.  

Wise Wings of the Woods
Saturday, November 23
This program features our collection of live owls. Come for a daylight, up-close look at these mysterious denizens of the woods. We’ll talk about “who cooks for you”, silent flight, and other “head-turning” facts about owls.    

Wildlife in Winter
Saturday, December 7
BBRRRRR!!!! Find out what wildlife is doing while we’re warm and cozy in front of our fireplaces. We will see a variety of live animals up close and discuss ways that they cope with the winter.  

Winter Special: True & False
Saturday, December 14
Come attend the nature center’s very own “game show.” Find out what you know... and might not know… about wildlife as we join Wildlife Director Dave Wolf to look at some of the Center’s animals. Audience participation is encouraged with T & F answer cards as we explore common facts and fallacies surrounding local wildlife.

Program topics are subject to change without notice.


Junior Naturalists: Level 1
Date: See description Time/Duration: Saturdays, 9 a.m. - Noon
  For children in Grades 5 - 8 Fee: Fee per program: $40/child; members $30/child
Get closer than ever to our Center animals, learning about their needs and habits in-depth. Get outside to explore Huntington Reservation and learn to recognize and identify the plants and animals that thrive here.

Shadow our Wildlife Staff and high school Naturalist Assistants (NAs) behind the scenes of our Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation program and be some of the first to experience our new rehabilitation facility!

Build on your knowledge at each level and gain the tools you need for a deeper understanding of our natural world. Previous "graduates" of the program are encouraged to sign up for this year’s new topics!

Completing all 3 levels of the Junior Naturalist program has the potential to raise your application to volunteer at the Center to the "top of the pile." (Children ages 13 & up eligible for volunteer service.)

Level 1 2012-13 School Year Programs:

FALL          September 8: Explore the Center & Huntington Reservation, Past & Present
                    October 6: Forest Ecosystem, Trees of Northeast Ohio

WINTER    January 5: Seeing Animal Signs 1: Tracks
                    February 23: Planetarium 1: A Trip to the Moon
 
SPRING     March 23: Birds 1 – Raptors / NA Shadowing 
                    May 4: Botany 1 – Wildflowers  

Instructor: Christine Cain; Shadowing supervised by Center Wildlife Staff

Pre-registration required.


Junior Naturalists: Level 2
Date: See description Time/Duration: Saturdays, 9 a.m. - Noon
  For children in Grades 6 - 8 Fee: Fee per program: $40/child; members $30/child
Get closer than ever to our Center animals, learning about their needs and habits in-depth. Get outside to explore Huntington Reservation and learn to recognize and identify the plants and animals that thrive here.

Shadow our Wildlife Staff and high school Naturalist Assistants (NAs) behind the scenes of our Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation program and be some of the first to experience our new rehabilitation facility!

Build on your knowledge at each level and gain the tools you need for a deeper understanding of our natural world. Previous "graduates" of the program are encouraged to sign up for this year’s new topics!

Completing all 3 levels of the Junior Naturalist program has the potential to raise your application to volunteer at the Center to the "top of the pile." (Children ages 13 & up eligible for volunteer service.)

Level 2 2012-13 School Year Programs:

FALL          September 22: What's in a Name? Animal & Plant Classification
                    October 13: Seeing Animal Signs: Scat, What's That?!

WINTER    February 2: Ohio Wildlife and Endangered Species; Shadowing

SPRING     April 27: Birds 3 - Song Birds 
                    May 11 and 19: Prepare and Present Animal Program

Instructor: Christine Cain; Shadowing supervised by Center Wildlife Staff

Pre-registration required.


Junior Naturalists: Level 3
Date: See description Time/Duration: Saturdays, 9 a.m. - Noon
  For children in Grades 7 - 8 Fee: Fee per program: $40/child; members $30/child
Get closer than ever to our Center animals, learning about their needs and habits in-depth. Get outside to explore Huntington Reservation and learn to recognize and identify the plants and animals that thrive here.

Shadow our Wildlife Staff and high school Naturalist Assistants (NAs) behind the scenes of our Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation program and be some of the first to experience our new rehabilitation facility!

Build on your knowledge at each level and gain the tools you need for a deeper understanding of our natural world. Previous "graduates" of the program are encouraged to sign up for this year’s new topics!

Completing all 3 levels of the Junior Naturalist program has the potential to raise your application to volunteer at the Center to the "top of the pile." (Children ages 13 & up eligible for volunteer service.)

Level 3 2012-13 School Year Programs:

FALL          September 29: Lake Erie Shore Ecosystems
                    October 27: Fish and Reptiles; Shadow Wildlife Staff and NAs

WINTER    January 26: Planetarium 3: Looking Out Into the Universe - Deep Sky Objects
                    February 9: DNA & Genetics; Winter Survival
 
SPRING     April 27: Birds 3 - Song Birds 
                    May 11 and 19*: Prepare and Present Animal Program 
                                               Graduation  

Instructor: Christine Cain; Shadowing supervised by Center Wildlife Staff

*Note: This program is for graduating Level 3 students only. The Animal Presentation and Graduation will take place on Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m.

Pre-registration required.


Nature Nuts
Date: Winter classes take place weekly from November 26 through the week of February 18, EXCEPT for the 3-week Winter Break, beginning the week of December 17. (Classes resume the week of January 7.)

Spring classes take place weekly from March 4 through the week of May 13 EXCEPT for Spring Break, the week of April 1.*		 Time/Duration: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. OR 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
  For children ages 3 - 5 Fee: 10-week Winter 2012-13 session:
$300/child; members $250/child

10-week Spring 2013 session:
$300/child; members $250/child

20-week Winter/Spring 2012-13 session:
$600/child; members $500/child

Join us for a fun-filled introduction to nature and science! Encounter live animals, hike outdoors, learn to focus with our latest dance moves, get used to the “dark” in the planetarium and have plenty of time to play! Enjoy games, stories, crafts and a new nature topic each week! Enroll as an exciting alternative or supplement to traditional preschool.
Children must be potty trained.

Instructor: Teece Lester

Pre-registration required.

*Spring program registration begins in January.


After School Art & Nature Club with BAYarts
Date: Winter classes alternate locations weekly:
Meet at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center on January 9 & 23 and February 6 & 20. Meet at BAYarts on January 16 & 30 and February 13 & 27.

Spring classes alternate locations weekly*:
Meet at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center on
April 10 and 24, May 8 and 22.
Meet at BAYarts on April 17, May 1, 15 and 29.		 Time/Duration: Wednesdays, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
  For children in Grades 1 - 4
 Fee: 8-week Winter 2012-13 session: $125/child
(includes all art supplies and materials)

8-week Spring 2013 session: $125/child
(includes all art supplies and materials)

Art and nature meet in this new offering for school age students. Meet at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center on the first day for some time in the great outdoors. Meet a few of the Center’s resident animals and learn about the natural history of our region through hikes and activities. The following week, meet at BAYarts to extend the natural lessons into creative works of art!

Enjoy a pizza celebration on the last day!

Instructor: Christine Cain and BAYarts Staff

Registration takes places at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center ONLY.

Pre-registration required.

*Spring program registration begins in January.


Log Cabin Explorers Club
Date: Winter classes take place weekly from November 26 through the week of February 18, EXCEPT for the 3-week Winter Break, beginning the week of December 17. (Classes resume the week of January 7.)

Spring classes take place weekly from March 4 through the week of May 13 EXCEPT for Spring Break, the week of April 1.*		 Time/Duration: Wednesdays: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Fridays: 9 - 11 a.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.
  For children ages 5 and 6
 Fee: 10-week Winter 2012-13 session:
$275/child; members $225/child

10-week Spring 2013 session:
$275/child; members $225/child
Grab your backpack full of gear and investigate Huntington Reservation: look at bugs up close and identify native Ohio birds and mammals! Star shows, crafts, science experiments, live wildlife encounters and journaling also help to build important school skills, whether you’re preparing for or already in Kindergarten.

Choose from five backpack colors while supplies last: forest green, red, navy blue, light blue or pink. Indicate your color choice at time of registration.

Instructor: Annmarie Slyman

Pre-registration required.

*Spring program registration begins in January.


Log Cabin Samplers
Date: 3-week Winter 2012-13 Session:
Thursdays, December 6. January 10 and February 7

3-week Spring 2013 Session*:
Thursdays, March 7, April 11 and May 9
 Time/Duration: 9 - 11 a.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.
  For children ages 4 - 6 Fee: 3-week session:
$90/child; members $60/child
Become a nature detective as you explore the hiking trails and gardens, encounter an animal, sing and dance to music or listen to a story. Fun themes and activities await your discovery during each program that takes a slice from our Explorers Club!

Instructor: Annmarie Slyman

Pre-registration required.

*Spring program registration begins in January.


Frogs & Polliwogs
Date: Winter classes take place weekly from November 26 through the week of February 18, EXCEPT for the 3-week Winter Break, beginning the week of December 17. (Classes resume the week of January 7.)

Spring classes take place weekly from March 4 through the week of May 13 EXCEPT for Spring Break, the week of April 1.*

 Time/Duration: Mondays: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesdays: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
or 11 a.m. - Noon
Wednesdays: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
or 11 a.m. - Noon
Thursdays: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
  For children ages 18 - 36 months with ONE adult Fee: 10-week Winter 2012-13 session:
$150/child; members $120/child

10-week Spring 2013 session:
$150/child; members $120/child

20-week Winter/Spring 2012-13 session:
$300/child; members $240/child
Hands on activities, music, games and simple crafts are just the beginning of a different nature or science-based theme every week. Get ready for live animal encounters and come dressed for the weather as we head out on mini-explorations!

Instructor: Andrea Schwartz

Pre-registration required.

*Spring program registration begins in January.


Weekend Wild Things
Date: Spring Saturdays
March 2, April 13 or May 25

Summer Saturdays
June 15, July 20 or August 10		 Time/Duration: 10 - 11 a.m.
  For children ages 1 - 5 years with ONE adult
Fee: Fee per program: $15/child; members $10/child
Explore the wild things of your backyard and beyond! Each Saturday, you will meet an animal, make a craft and get wild with nature.

Instructor: Maggie Watson and Andrea Schwartz

Pre-registration required.



Wild Things!
Date: Spring Session I: March 1, 8 and 15
Spring Session II: April 12, 19 and 26
Spring Session III: May 10, 17, and 24		 Time/Duration: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. - Noon
  For children ages 1 - 5 years with ONE adult Fee: Fee per session: $45/child; members $35/child
Explore the wild things of your backyard and beyond! Each week you will meet an animal, make a craft and get wild with nature. Choose one or more sessions.

Instructors: Maggie Watson and Andrea Schwartz

Pre-registration required.


Nightfall
Date: See Description Time/Duration: 6 – 8 p.m.
  for all ages Fee: $7/person; $35/family of 5 or more
Spring Equinox
Thursday, March 21
After a long winter inside, it is time to migrate your family back outdoors. The weather will be getting warmer and soon signs of spring will be all around us as trees start to bud and animals begin building their new summer homes. Join us for a hike in this brisk weather to search for signs of spring, work with your family to put together a small birdhouse and head into the planetarium to warm up and learn all about the Spring Equinox. Get your tickets early, registration closes on March 19.

Showers & Flowers
Thursday, April 18
Grab your umbrellas and learn why April Showers bring May Flowers. We will kick things off by preparing a home for some special spring flowers and enjoy some cool weather demos. Then we will head outside, rain or shine, to look for some early spring blooms. Wrap it all up by planting some seeds in their new home and visiting with some creatures that love plants, maybe even more than we do! Get your tickets early, registration closes on April 16.

Mystery and Mayhem a la Mode
Thursday, August 15
Encounter mesmerizing wildlife 'Animals a la Mode' style during this exciting evening of Mystery and Mayhem. You and your family will become a super sleuth team, exploring the Center and wildlife garden in search of clues. Collect stickers at each location to uncover the identity of our Mystery Animal and win fun kids prizes. And the fun doesn’t stop there – top it all off with a serving of delicious ice cream! Get your tickets early, registration closes on August 13.




View Next Season's Programs

Back to Top