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All Ages Programs
At Springbrook Nature Center, there is something for everyone! We have regular programming that is great for adults, kids and families. No experience is needed for any of our programs - we'll teach you everything you need to know!
- SnowShoe REntal
- Lantern Light Hike
- Outdoor Adventures
- Friday Night by Firelight
- Animal Feedings
- Bird Banding
- Photo Club
- SUMMER CoNCERT SERIES
Snowshoe Rental
Snowshoes are available to rent at Springbrook through RESERVATION ONLY. Please call the nature center to reserve your pair.
What you need to know:
- Rental fee is $5 per pair of snowshoes, payment is credit card only over the phone.
- There are a limited number of snowshoes available each day (to allow staff time to sanitize snowshoes)
- Three inches of base snow are required for snowshoe rental
- Snowshoe rental times are 11 am - 4 pm. All snowshoes must be returned to the building by 4 pm.
- Snowshoes may ONLY be used ONSITE.
Rental Procedure:
- Call the nature center to reserve your pair of snowshoes and pay over the phone.
- Fill out the google form, which outlines our liability waiver and COVID contract tracing information.
- When you arrive at the nature center, call the mainline (763-572-3588) to let a staff person know you are here.
- Meet a staff person on the back patio of the building to get your snowshoes (this will be where you return your snowshoes when you are finished as well).
- Use either the video, or the instructions sheet to reference how to put on your snowshoes, where you can hike, and other tips and tricks.
- When you are finished, bring your snowshoes back to the patio, put them in the plastic tote next to the door, and let the staff know (call the main line at 763-572-3588) you have returned your snowshoes.
How To Put On (& Remove) Your Snowshoes
You will have access to a laminated copy of pictorial instruction of how to put on and take off your snowshoes. If you would like to learn ahead of time, please take a look at the images below.
Lantern Light Hike
Saturday, February 27 6:30 - 8:30 pm
$5 per person, additional snowshoe rental available for $5 per pair
Bring yourself, a friend or your whole family on an evening stroll through the trails of Springbrook. We’ll guide your way with the cozy glow of lantern light on the trails. If conditions allow, you may rent or bring your own snowshoes!
Reservations are REQUIRED. Space is LIMITED.
Click HERE to register today!
Outdoor Adventures
This private program series is for small family/friend groups consisting of no more than 9 people. There is no age limit for this program, but a parent/guardian must be in attendance for all registrants under the age of 18. Whether you are 5 for 50, we will create an adventure for your group. The program will be entirely outside and will begin at our picnic shelter.
Fees and Availability
Fees: $50, up to 9 people total, regardless of age. Availability: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 11:30 am and 2 pm - 3:30 pm.
Topics
Explore the topics and choose what is best for you! If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call and we will help you build your own adventure!
Survival
See if you have what it takes to build a shelter from scratch and start a fire without matches!
Archery
Learn the basics of archery starting with what came before the modern bow.
Pond Exploration
Learn about the wetlands of Springbrook from inside them! Whether you dip in a hand or jump in with both feet we’ll get an up-close view of our ponds and the creatures inside them.
Insect Discovery
Dive into the secret world of insects within Springbrook’s Prairies. We’ll get up close to the diverse world of insects and how they color our landscapes.
Build Your Own Adventure
If your interests don’t fit any of the adventures above, we’ll work with you to build an adventure that fits your interests.
Booking Your Program
Are you ready to get started with your Outdoor Adventure? Call the nature center at 763-572-3588 and book your program today! Time slots are limited, don’t wait.
Programming Guidelines and Procedures
Click here for the guidelines being used to develop programs with the latest guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.
Friday Night By Firelight
Check back later for details on our 2021 Programs!
Certain Friday evenings in September, Springbrook lights a bonfire and has a guest speaker/performer present to the audience. Family friendly and fun for all ages, topics vary.
Animal Feedings
Sundays
Update: This public program is cancelled for the time being, but if you happen to be visiting you may catch a glimpse of the frogs, toad or salamander being fed by Naturalist Dina.
Have you ever wondered how snakes eat, what’s for breakfast when you’re a turtle, or how a salamander finds a meal? This is the program for you. Watch our exhibit animals enjoy a delicious meal while a naturalist explains their feeding behaviors and taste preferences. Experience the predator-prey relationship in front of your eyes!
There is no charge to attend this program.
Springbrook's Bird Banding Programs
Update:
Bird banding programs have been cancelled until further notice, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page.
7:30 a.m. |
Photo Club
7-9 p.m., once a month
Update: Photo Club is cancelled until further notice. Updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page.
Do you enjoy nature photography? Photographers of all levels and ages welcome to attend this free program!
Discuss photos, new equipment, gear, photography issues, and possible upcoming photography opportunities.
Each meeting has an "assignment," or topic of focus given for the next month’s meeting. Participants are welcome to bring a thumb drive with 5-10 pictures they have taken, usually based on the assignment but not required to be. The pictures are projected on a large screen and discussed. Monthly assignments vary, topic examples include: depth of field, photography issues, "frozen," "spring," or "water". There is a bias toward nature in our subjects, but other picture subjects are welcome as well.
Meeting generally take place on the forth Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m. at Springbrook Nature Center.
Upcoming Dates:
- Please check back at a later date. Photo Club is currently cancelled until further notice due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Summer Concert Series
Please check back with us soon for more information on our 2021 Concert Series.
Each summer, Springbrook Nature Center hosts a free, family friendly summer concert series in our outdoor amphitheater. Typically once a month, these shows are fun for the whole family!