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. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience during Junior Keeper or take part in a STEM adventure in the Center’s summer camps. 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 children in grades K – 1
Join us for afterschool fun! We will explore science, ecosystems, wildlife, and space through animal encounters, hikes, planetarium visits, science experiments, and more! Please dress for the weather and outdoor activities. We will provide a nut-free snack at the beginning of class.
Tuesdays
February 7, 14, 21, and 28
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
4-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $100/child
Dirt Diaries
For children in grades 3 – 5
Join us for outdoor afterschool fun! We will be exploring the forest, animals, and stars, while recording our discoveries in our journals. Dress for the weather, we will be outdoors as much as possible.
Wednesdays
March 1 – April 5
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
5-week session: Classes take place weekly
Fee: $175/child
Wildlife Experiences
Junior Keeper
For ages 8 – 16 with one adult
In this 2 ½ hour program, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside our wildlife staff and experience first-hand how we care for our resident animals. Behind the scenes, you will learn about native and domestic animals while providing food, clean housing and training. There will be plenty of photo opportunities and close encounters with our animals!
Fee: $175. Adult chaperone is required and included in program cost.
Wild Clues
For ages 8 – 16
Which animal will you meet? Solve the puzzles, follow the clues, decode the lock. As animal keepers, we problem solve and multi-task daily. Can you use these skills to unlock the answer? Once you solve the mystery, our Keeper will bring out the animal for you to enjoy an up-close encounter with plenty of time to take pictures, interact and learn about the Center’s resident wildlife.
Fee: $50/child
Owl Encounter
For ages 8 and up with one adult
This is your opportunity for an up-close and hands-on experience with an owl! In a small group setting, meet the Center’s resident owls, hear their stories, and learn about the unique traits of these nocturnal beauties. Then get your camera ready and capture the experience of YOU holding an owl!
Fee: $100. Adult chaperone is required and included in program cost.

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is a registered service provider of the Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) educational savings account program. The Ohio ACE program provides funds for students and families to use on various enrichment and educational activities, including tutoring, day camps, music lessons, study skills services and field trips. Learn more at aceohio.org.
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.
Upcoming Programs
february 2023
march 2023
april 2023
may 2023
june 2023
july 2023
august 2023