Seed Starters: Mini Greenhouses
All ages
In this family workshop, we will make mini greenhouses out of milk and water jugs and sow some native seeds! After constructing the houses, select the species that will work best in your yard and learn how these amazing plants are adapted to the cold Ohio weather. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 15
Preschool Nature Series: HiBEARnation
Ages 3 – 5 with adult companion
Bring your favorite teddy bear and we will learn how their wild counterparts, black bears, spend the year. We will then venture outdoors and take a short walk on the paved path. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 16
Cocoa & Cookies
Ages 6 – 10
Kick off winter break with cocoa and cookies with Katie Blauser from Eat Pretty Darling! Children will bake cookies and make hot cocoa to enjoy during the class. They will also make it as a gift in a jar! Please note: all major food allergens could be present in this class.
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 11
Evergreen Artists
All ages
Families will have fun creating works of art using elements of these amazing evergreen trees. Along our artistic journey, we will discuss why some trees do not lose their leaves and the adaptations they have to prevent water loss in this dry season. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 18
Welcoming the New Photographer
Ages 14 and up
Join local artist and educator Heather Ballard to explore the frosty features of Grant Park. Learn the basics of exposure, camera settings and composition. Bring your fully charged camera and memory card. This class is open to photographers with all types of cameras — from DSLRs to smartphones!
Registration deadline: Sunday, December 14
Little Critters Camp
Ages 3 – 5
Calling all little ones for a morning of winter camp! We will learn about winter wildlife through games, songs, crafts and stories! Campers will play outside throughout the day, enjoying winter in the park.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 15
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 15
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 16
Snowflake Cafe Book Club
Ages 7 – 12
Sundays December 28, January 28 & February 22
We will start off with storytime led by park staff, followed by some quiet crafting and games. Wrap up the night with some quiet reading time! Bring a book, cozy up in a warm spot, and enjoy a hot chocolate or apple cider bar as you read. Don’t have a book? A selection of nature-themed books will be available to borrow for this series. Quiet coloring stations will be available as well.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 22
Little Critters Camp
Ages 3 – 5
Calling all little ones for a morning of winter camp! We will learn about winter wildlife through games, songs, crafts and stories! Campers will play outside throughout the day, enjoying winter in the park.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 22
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 22
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 23
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 24
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Friday, December 26
Styrofoam Recycling Event
Volunteers will unload your vehicle — you won’t even need to get out of your car! This event is open to the public, regardless of where you live.
Please make sure you are following the guidelines listed below:
* Styrofoam must be clean
* Clean food containers will be accepted. These must be scrubbed out.
* No stickers or tape
At this event, we will also accept batteries and holiday string lights for recycling.
Registration is not required, but registered participants will receive an email reminder before the event.