There’s no time to hibernate with great activities for children and families to enjoy this month at the Hickory Knolls Discover Center in St. Charles.
The St. Charles Park District has a great mix of programs for all ages and interests to entertain, inform with the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy nature.
One of the best reasons to visit the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is to celebrate one of its favorite animal ambassador’s birthdays in February. Mopsy’s is a Lionhead rabbit, known for her fluffy, dark fur and as one of the first animals to greet visitors at the nature center. Mopsy’s Birthday Party on Saturday, Feb. 12 will feature all the great elements of a birthday celebration at the nature center with games, bunny crafts, a snack and maybe even time for a bunny hop.
“Mopsy is definitely a well-loved animal ambassador, and we want everyone to celebrate her third birthday,” said Emily Shanahan, nature programs supervisor at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Register early to have a spot at the bunny-themed event.
One of the popular monthly events at the nature center is Wee Wonders, designed for children ages 1-5 and their parent. This monthly program features a seasonal nature topic and includes songs, games, crafts and a nature hike too. Shanahan said watch for a special Valentine theme at the next event Tuesday, Feb. 8 celebrating love and friendships.
“It’s a very popular program,” she said, adding it’s best to register early, space is limited.
For children ages 6-10 check out the monthly Outdoor Explorers. This after-school program is the perfect way to get your children time in the fresh air after a long day of school as they hike, meet animals, play games and enjoy the chance to make some new friends too.
“We created this program to foster friendship and to create a fun place for children who love nature and animals,” Shanahan said. Advance registration required, and the next session meets Thursday, Feb. 10.
Families can gain a behind-the-scenes tour of the nature center with its program Feed the Critters, available select Mondays and Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn more about what it takes to care for the resident animals at the nature center while on a private tour, the perfect time to ask questions about snakes eating habits and learn what the turtles enjoy for a snack.
Drop in to learn more about the animals with Hangin’ with Hickory Friends, available at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday as a staff member hosts a discussion about the resident animals with facts and information and a chance to get an up-close visit with the resident animals.
The park district has great programs available for the next day off school, including a day with nature for ages 5-12. Children will spend the day exploring elements of nature with experiments, crafts and time outside on the trails. The program will group children by age and will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We’ve extended the hours of the program to help working parents,” Shanahan said. “This is a great opportunity for kids to get outside, come meet the animals and even do some science experiments.”
Advance registration required, space is limited.
The nature center is more than a fun place for children as adults will find plenty of ways to enjoy a visit, whether it’s a chance to spend some times watching the Blanding’s turtles swim, sitting by the large windows to watch the birds swoop in for a visit to the outdoor feeder or taking a walk outside and learning the basics of bird-watching with the Winter Birding Hike program, 8-9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23. Nature staff will lead a walk to talk about the featured friends who remain in the area through the winter.
“With the leaves off the trees it’s easier to see the birds,” Shanahan said.
Be sure to dress for the weather and register in advance for this program.
And be sure to tune in each week to hear from the center’s Outreach Ambassador Pam Otto in her popular series the Good Natured Hour from 8-9 p.m. Each week Otto delivers a dose of nature with great topics and interesting facts and more via Zoom. What started during the pandemic has grown to become a popular weekly event. Otto’s talks are free. Register in advance to receive the Zoom link to her weekly presentation.