Fun for Tiny Tots & Pre-K

Join our naturalists for hands-on adventures designed just for little ones, because even in winter there’s plenty of nature fun to explore.

Long Branch Nature Center

• Tiny Tot: Night Sky - Wed., Mar 25, 11-11:45 a.m. $7 (622910-I)
• Pre-K: Frog Hop - Fri., Mar. 13, 10-11 a.m. $7 (622910-R).
• Pre-K: Frog Hop - Wed., Mar. 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $7 (622910-T)

Gulf Branch Nature Center

• Pre-K: Animal Noses - Thur., Mar 26, 11-12p.m. $7 (622810-U)
• Tiny Tot: Birds - Thur., Mar., 26, 10-10:45 a.m. $7 (622810-I)

Family Programs

Long Branch 

Wake Up: Amphibians in Spring

It’s time for our slimy skinned, jelly egged creatures to start waking up… maybe. Any warm winter day or evening may cause an awakening of wood frogs and other amphibians as they emerge, try to avoid predators, and finally lay their eggs. Join us to find their hiding spots before the predators do!

Fri., Mar 27, 5-6 p.m. $7 (622950-DD)

Owl Prowl & Cocoa 

Join us for an evening nature hike when the leaves aren’t on the trees, making owls easier to spot. Give a hoot… literally as we learn about and try to call to our native nocturnal raptors. Dress for the weather.

Sat., Mar 28, 7:30-9 p.m. $9 (622950-X) 

Gulf Branch 

Nocturnal Animal Hike 

Learn about the animals active at night (nocturnal) and try to find some! There will be a short introductory presentation in the nature center followed by a hike outside around the park. We will stay on the walking paths; dress for the weather. 

Fri., Mar 13, 7:30-8:30 p.m. $7 (622850-K)
Fri., Mar 27, 7:30-8:30 p.m. $7 (622850-L)

Pet Responsibly 

Do you love animals? Have you thought about welcoming a pet into your home some day? Come learn about what goes into caring for an animal and meet some of our scaly friends.

Fri., Mar 20, 3-4 p.m. Free (622850-V)

Adult Programs 

Spring Buds Abound 

Spring has sprung and so have some wildflowers. As they breach the frozen ground, come search for their hidden beauty. Thur., Mar 19, 12-1 p.m. Long Branch Nature Center $7 (622940-S)

Spring Wildflowers and Their Stories

Though roses haven't started to emerge, spring wildflowers are popping up all over Bon Air Park and they have some amazing stories to tell. Medicines, food, folklore and tales of life, love and survival. We'll start at the Rose Garden and explore the entire park. Teens ages 12 and up are welcome to attend with a registered adult.

Fri., Mar 20, 11-12 p.m. Bon Air Park $7 (622940-U)

Spring Ephemerals Hike 

Join us for a guided nature walk to discover the beauty of spring ephemerals—those fleeting, early blooming wildflowers that appear before the forest canopy fills in. These native plants make the most of early spring sunlight and play a vital role in supporting pollinators emerging after winter. Come learn how these short-lived blooms help bring the forest to life! Teens ages 12+ are welcome to attend with a registered adult.

Sat., Mar 28, 11-12 p.m. Gulf Branch Nature Center $7 (622840-H)