Youth and Teen Programs

Meet native wildlife, discover the night sky, and explore nature at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

School age students explore Huntington Reservation, learn from wildlife rehabilitation specialists and tour the universe with resident astronomers in the Center’s youth and teen programs. These programs are perfect for students who want to explore and protect our natural world while meeting friends along the way.

Afterschool Programs

Afterschool Adventures

For grades K – 2

Looking for some afterschool nature fun? Dress for the weather and join us for an hour of active nature and science exploration, hikes, games, animal encounters and activities while we investigate the natural world around us!

Fall 2025:

Session 1

Thursdays,
October 2 – October 30

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Fee: $115/session

Session 2

Thursdays,
November 6 – December 11
(No class November 27)
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Fee: $115/session

Dirt Diaries

For grades 3 – 5

Join us for outdoor afterschool fun! We will explore in the forest, learn about animals, and study the stars. We will use nature journals each day to draw and write about what we learn and observe! Dress for the weather, as we will be outdoors as much as possible.

Spring 2026:

Wednesdays,
March 25 – May 13

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Fee: $175/session

High School Programs

High School Naturalist

For grades 9 – 12

Naturalists enjoy learning everything they can about nature and the world around them. In this weekly program, head outdoors to study Huntington Reservation and get up close with Ohio’s natural mysteries. Work alongside our wildlife specialists as we learn about proper care and enriching activities for our resident animals. Become a master of identifying constellations and sharing their stories in the planetarium. Each week is different! You will also have the opportunity to engage with the Center’s visitors and share your excitement for nature and astronomy.

Spring 2026:

Saturdays,
March 21 – May 16
(No class April 4)
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Fee: $350/session

Refund Policy: Notification is required one week prior to the start of a program to be eligible for a refund. A service fee of 5% will be applied to all refunds. Please note there are no refunds for missed classes and make-up classes are not provided.

Upcoming Programs

December 2025

thu11dec3:00 PM4:00 PMAfterschool AdventuresFor grades K-13:00 PM - 4:00 PM

March 2026

sat21mar1:00 PM3:30 PMHigh School NaturalistFor grades 9-121:00 PM - 3:30 PM

wed25mar3:30 PM5:00 PMDirt DiariesFor grades 3-53:30 PM - 5:00 PM