Environmental Activities
and Events for Kids
Explore Your World!

• Nature Events and Activities
  

• Learn a New Skill

• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 -
  • Nature Poetry for Families. Local poet Gerald Bertsch will present an evening program of his nature poetry. Bring the family and learn to appreciate more deeply the private and public lives of animals. Amphitheater. 7-7:30 p.m.
  • Search the Sky With the Naked Eye. Join star enthusiasts Joe and Mary Glover for an evening learning to read the night sky without the use of a telescope. The entire family is welcome. Bring chair or blanket and flashlights; dress for cool lakeside temperatures. Beach adjacent to bathhouse, or Nature Center in case of inclement weather. 7 p.m.

• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through Kindergarten and their parents. Please dress the children for outdoor play. 10 a.m.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail -
  • Venture Into the Night Hike: Nighttime Insects. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your insect repellent and sense of adventure. Zillmer Trailhead. 8-9:30 p.m.
  • Nature Storytime: Slow-moving Snails. Silvery trails in the morning light tell us where the snails have been. Join us as we explore the world of the snail. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6- year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Merrick State Park, Fountain City, (608) 687-4936 - Universe in the Park. Presented by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Astronomy Department. 8:30 p.m.

• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Owl Prowl. Take a walk on the wild side and prowl with the owls. A short program for all ages on Wisconsin owls, followed by a stroll in search of these nocturnal creatures. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
• Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 or e-mail - Canoeing Venture. This nature program takes place at the Connors Lake Picnic Area. 1-2 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail -
  • Drop In at the Beach: Birds of a Feather. Have you ever wanted to fly? Drop in to learn about the unique adaptations birds possess that help them to fly and survive in a great variety of habitats. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. 1-4 p.m.
  • Family Concert with Ken Lonnquist. An entertaining evening of music and merriment. Ken is a musician for all ages who is sure to delight the entire family. This is an outdoor concert, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter, or in case of inclement weather, the Ice Age Visitor Center. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 -
  • Shoot for the Stars - Farewell to Summer. Join Rustic Skies Astronomy, Sheboygan Astronomical Society and the Glovers for a day of hands-on events, crafts, solar viewing, and a movie premier of Seeing in the Dark, followed by nighttime telescope observing. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30-10:30 p.m.
  • Search the Sky With the Naked Eye. Join star enthusiasts Joe and Mary Glover for an evening learning to read the night sky without the use of a telescope. The entire family is welcome. Bring chair or blanket and flashlights; dress for cool lakeside temperatures. Beach adjacent to bathhouse, or Nature Center in case of inclement weather. 7 p.m.
• Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - Universe in the Park. Presented by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Astronomy Department. 8:30 p.m.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Drop In at the Beach: Birds of a Feather. Have you ever wanted to fly? Drop in to learn about the unique adaptations birds possess that help them to fly and survive in a great variety of habitats. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon - 3 p.m.
• Military Ridge State Trail, Ridgeway, (608) 437-7393 or e-mail - Depot Open House. Sponsored by the Friends of the Military Ridge State Trail [exit DNR]. In conjunction with the Ridgeway Labor Day Celebration there will be an open house at the Ridgeway Depot along with caboose and museum exhibits. 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262)  878-5600 - Animal Detectives. Hike the trails to search for clues to uncover the secret lives of animals. Visitor Center. 10-11 a.m.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Ladybugs Everywhere!. Ladybugs are friendly beetles that are a help to gardeners and farmers. Find out what these tiny insects do that is of such importance to all of us. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Program: Art in Nature. The fall leaves, a spider web, and even a ladybug can be an inspiration for an art projects. We will paint with watercolors and do some natural weaving. Join us for a morning of artistic creation as we use nature as inspiration. 10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Eight Legs and Silk. Spiders are found in almost every environment on earth. Unravel some cool facts about these eight-legged silk spinners. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920)451-4080 -
  • Hiking the Appalachian Trail. In January of 2007 Tom Brown started on a through hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Join him for an evening of fun as he talks about the experience of long distance hiking. He will show slides and display equipment needed for his journey. Best for those age 8 and up. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
  • Universe in the Park. The Astronomy Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison presents a 20- to 30-minute slide talk covering a broad overview of astronomy or recent astronomical news. At the end of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will go outdoors to set up telescopes and let park visitors view whatever astronomical objects are available. Question-and- answer period takes place around the telescope. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 8:30 p.m.

• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Monarch Migration. Discover why monarch butterflies migrate and how they unlocked the secrets of that migration.  Dress to be outside because you will try to capture and tag the park’s monarchs! Visitor Center. 10 a.m. - noon

• Sandhill Wildlife Area, Babcock, (715) 884-6335 - Wild Plants for Food, Medicine, and Survival. Join survivalist expert Jason Faunce on a hunt for common plants and their not-so-common uses. After a short classroom session, you'll spend much of the day in the field learning first hand about the everyday plants beneath our feet. Bring your own lunch and refreshments. Dress appropriately for outdoor activity and be ready for walking and the weather. Registration is limited to 15 people,  first-come, first-served . Mail $20 per person fee (check payable to DNR-Skills Center) to DNR Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center, Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413, by August 28. Outdoor Skills Center. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• State Game Farm, Poynette, (608) 635-8120 - Pheasant Field Day A free “Pheasant Field Day” to celebrate pheasant hunting in Wisconsin, including topics related to ring-neck hunting and grassland habitat management. Wildlife professionals will discuss the day-old chick and stocking program, Farm Bill programs for landowners, habitat management and the fall hunting season forecast. There will also be guided tours of the State Game Farm pheasant production facility, BB gun and archery ranges, a dog training seminar and more. Cosponsored by Mazomanie Grounds Association, Pheasants Forever, and the Friends of Mackenzie Center. From Hwy 51 in Poynette, take County Hwy CS east for about .7 mile, turn right on Bohling Rd. for 1e mile, turn left onto Stebbins Rd. and end at the State Game Farm campus. Registration is at 8 a.m.

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: In Search of Dragonflies. You won’t believe what a baby dragonfly looks like! Join us to find out how an ugly baby becomes a beautiful adult! Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.

• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Adopt a Highway. Join us to clean up the highway in front of park.  All equipment provided.  You must be at least 12 years old to participate. Visitor Center. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-High Naturalist. Bring your 3-5 year old to this fun and involving nature program. A new topic every month! Dress to be outside. Space is limited; please call to pre-register. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association www.bongnaturalistassociation.org. Visitor Center. 10:-11:30 a.m.

• Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail; - Get Outdoors! There are lots of ways to Explore the Outdoors!  Join us in activities, hikes, and demonstrations that feature a variety of outdoor interests:  wildlife watching, camping, fishing, bird hikes, nature exploration hikes, outdoor cooking, monarch tagging, hunt dog demonstrations, compass course, outdoor games, learning the night sky, live animals (reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey). 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Meet the Resource Managers of the Kettle Moraine. Learn what's in the works for the coming year and beyond for the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Resource managers will provide insights into the issues surrounding the multitude of recreational uses in the forest and the management of its fish and wildlife populations. They will also give updates on future development projects and proposed timber sales. Ice Age Visitor Center. Open house 6:30 p.m., program 7 p.m., questions and comments until 9 p.m.

• Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail; - Get Outdoors! There are lots of ways to Explore the Outdoors!  Join us in activities, hikes, and demonstrations that feature a variety of outdoor interests:  wildlife watching, camping, fishing, bird hikes, nature exploration hikes, outdoor cooking, monarch tagging, hunt dog demonstrations, compass course, outdoor games, learning the night sky, live animals (reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey). . 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Animals of Darkness. Whooo's awake during the hours of darkness? Join us as we delve into the world of nocturnal animals. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 -
  • Squirrel Wars. Join volunteer naturalist Jim Mohr as he discusses and demonstrates the various methods he has tried in his attempt to feed the birds rather than the squirrels in both his backyard and on camping trips throughout the state. Bring the entire family to this entertaining hour-long presentation. No pets allowed Sanderling Nature Center. Noon.
  • Solar System Walk. Join Solar System Ambassador Kevin Koski on a hike of our solar system.  Learn fun and fascinating facts about the planets in our solar system.  Please wear comfortable shoes for the hike on the beach. Hike is best for those age 8 and up. Sanderling Nature Center. 3 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Candlelight Hike. Bring the family for fall fun by candlelight.  Hike the two-mile trail on your own or join us for a shorter guided hike or do both! There will be a bonfire for marshmallows. Visitor Center. 7-9 p.m.

• La Crosse River State Trail, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 or e-mail - Always on a Sunday: Prairie Walks [exit DNR]. Here's your chance to learn about native wildflowers and grasses on this remnant of railroad prairie. These are leisurely walks on level terrain. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat to block the sun. Enjoy the afternoon along the trail with local columnist and naturalist, Bob Lee! Meet at the trail crossing on Commercial St. (County Hwy J) in Rockland. 1:30 p.m.

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Do Some Leaf Rubbings. September is a wonderful time to look at leaves! Do some leaf rubbings inside to make an identification booklet. Then, head outside and identify some trees. Environmental Awareness Center. Drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon. No admission sticker required.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Chattering Chipmunks. With cheeks filled with nuts, chipmunks are a comical sight. Uncover what these "chatter boxes" do with all those gathered nuts and seeds. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or e-mail - After Summer Candlelight Hike. Take a candlelight hike along the Lake Michigan beach and Quarry Lake. Telescopes for the public to view the night sky will be provided by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. Meet at the Ansay Welcome Center and Puckett's Pond. Sponsored by the Friends of Harrington Beach and the Northern Cross Science Foundation. Candlelight hike 7-10 p.m., public viewing of the night sky 6-11 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Sssnakes. September is the time snakes find a place to hibernate. Learn about the snakes that live in Wisconsin, play a snake survival game, make your own snake to take home with you, touch a live snake, and lots more. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to discover cool things about nature through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts, games, and picture books. Environmental Awareness Center. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Sensational Seeds. From as tiny as a dust fleck to larger than a softball, seeds come in all shapes and sizes. Learn how seeds help plants to grow and thrive. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Military Ridge State Trail, Riley, (608) 437-7393 or e-mail - Eco-Tour. Sponsored by the Friends of the Military Ridge State Trail [exit DNR]. Take a nature hike on the Military Ridge State Trail led by Jerry Wilson. The hike begins at the Riley trailhead and will focus on seasonal observations found along the trail. 10 - 11 a.m.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Trail Run Along the Willow. Walk or run on one of the designated trails to support the OWLs group and the park. Many other fun activities, too. Sponsored by Willow River OWLs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Listen to Nature. Nature has much to share with us when we listen. Take a quiet walk with us to hear some of nature’s musicians and storytellers. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.

• Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 or e-mail -
  • National Public Lands Day. Join us in America's largest hands-on volunteer effort to clean up public lands. Volunteers will be planting trees in areas disturbed by our new road construction, and cleaning trails. Meet at the Park Office. 9 a.m. - Noon.
  • Fall Color Hike and Geocache Hunt. Explore and enjoy the fall colors at the park on a marked trail hike or bring your GPS unit and see if you can find our special event caches hidden in the fall foliage. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Governor Thompson State Park. Events will start at the park office in the Woods Lake Picnic Area. Noon - 4 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Adapted for Survival. Each animal has its own special features or adaptations to help it survive. We'll uncover the more unique adaptations of the animals living in the Kettle Moraine. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Search the Sky With the Naked Eye. Join star enthusiasts Joe and Mary Glover for an evening learning to read the night sky without the use of a telescope. The entire family is welcome. Bring chair or blanket and flashlights; dress for cool lakeside temperatures. Beach adjacent to bathhouse, or Nature Center in case of inclement weather. 7 p.m.

• Council Grounds State Park, Merrill, (715) 536-8773 or e-mail - Candlelight Hike. Walk among 500 candles illuminating a 2.5 mile stretch through Council Grounds. Parking is provided at the park entrance. 7-10 p.m.

The Department of Natural Resources offers several classes to help you learn how to safely participate in many of Wisconsin's favorite sports. Simply click on the title of the sport listed below to find out more about it. These links leave EEK! and go to the main DNR pages.

• Upcoming Activities at Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center (Leaves EEK!)
• Angler Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Boating Safety Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Bowhunter Education (NBEF Certified) (Leaves EEK!)
• Hunter Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Snowmobile Safety Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Trapper Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Waterfowl Hunter Education

Beginner Waterfowl Hunting Workshop at Sandhill
This one-day DNR workshop in early September has demonstrations on decoying, duck calling, hunting with dogs and goes through the basics of duck identification. Participants can also practice shot gunning on the range. This class is for kids age 12+ and is co-sponsored by Ducks Unlimited and Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. A $15 fee includes lunch and refreshments. Please see the Sandhill Wildlife Area Web page for more details on the workshop or call 715-884-2437.

Waterfowl Hunter Education
Want to get started in the fine art of waterfowling? Here's your chance to get started or brush up on your waterfowl hunting and identification skills. This course covers waterfowl identification by looking at bird wings, ecology and management, hunting ethics, waterfowling history in Wisconsin, duck and goose calling, decoy and blind use, hunting dogs and training, boating safety skills, wading and waterfowl clothing, and field dressing and cooking preparation of the bird. Free classes are provided by the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. They recommend that you be at least 12 years old to participate. Contact their office for class schedules at 1-800-524-8460.