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Youth Programs
We have regular and seasonal programming that are designed for kids! Join us for our Nature Camps each summer, Breakfast Nature Santa in the winter and more!
Looking for more programming? Check out our All Ages programs page.
- Dear Naturalist
- Polliwogs - Home Edition
- COLORING PAGES
- Get Curious (Get It Thru 8/20)
- Playful Polliwogs
- Summer Camps
- Nature Buddies ECFE
- 4-H ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB
- Brunch with Nature Santa
Dear Naturalist
Nature is a place of wonder and mystery! Wouldn’t it be nice if there was someone who could help you solve those mysteries? Naturalists’ favorite tasks is to help children navigate nature mysteries. While we can’t solve all of them, we can sure try! We will answer every single question but every Thursday we will answer one by live video.
Send us your Questions!!
There are two ways to send your questions.
1. You can write a letter (make sure you include an email address we can send our response to). Mail it to : Springbrook Nature Center 100 85th Ave NW Fridley, MN 55432
2. Submit your question online by clicking the link below.
Polliwogs - Home Edition
Let the naturalist staff at Springbrook guide you through entertaining ways to engage your little ones in what’s happening outdoors. Weekly, we will be posting a video and instructions for a polliwogs experience you can do at home. Let your backyard be a playground of discovery!
Springbrook Coloring Pages
Thanks to naturalist Emily, we are able to provide you with fun coloring pages inspired by the places and things you might find on a trip to Springbrook. Enjoy!
We’d love to see your creations! If you choose to color any of these pages, please share them with us on the Springbrook Nature Center facebook page #ColoringSpringbrook.
Click on any of the pictures below to get a printable PDF.
Get Curious
A brand new weekly series of online activities for kids in grades K-5
Check back here each Thursday through May to find engaging and educational activities for curious kids and their grownups. These activities might start as a video, online presentation, or a set of instructions for you to try something cool at home.
Content will be available for free through August 2020.
Get Curious K-2nd Grade
Get Curious K-2nd Grade Dandelion Days
Get Curious K-2nd grade Clouds
Get Curious K-2nd grade Sticky Situation
Get Curious K-2nd grade Nature’s Colors
Get Curious K-2nd grade Shadows and Shapes
Get Curious K-2nd grade Feathered Friends
Get Curious K-2nd grade Mud Play
Get Curious K-2nd grade Movement
Get Curious 3rd-5th Grade
Get Curious 3rd-5th Grade Bird Nest Challenge
Get Curious 3rd - 5th grade Campfire Cooking
Get Curious #rd - 5th grade Trees
Get Curious 3rd - 5th grade Rotten Color
Get Curious 3rd-5th grade Curious Colorations
Get Curious 3-5 grade Buggin Out
Get Curious 3-5 grade Buggin Out Additional Resources
Get Curious 3-5 grade Sidewalk Geology
Get Curious 3-5 Grade Sidewalk Geology Additional Images
Get Curious 6th-8th Grade
Get Curious 6-8 Grade Nature Journal 2.0
Get Curious 6-8 Grade Artist Andy Goldsworthy
Get Curious 6-8 Grade Observation and Nature Journals
Playful Polliwogs - Temporarily Suspended due to COVID-19
**Due to the ever-changing nature of COVID-19, and its affect on vulnerable populations, we will be cancelling all in person classes through June 2020. We will continue to monitor the situation and will update this page and our social media if we choose to extend this suspension. Thank you for your patience during this uncertain time.
Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m.
Explore nature fun! Specially crafted for kids 2-5 years and their adult companions, this hand-on, fast-paced weekly class will get your creativity flowing.There will be both indoor and outdoor activities planned each week.
***Daycare groups, please call the nature center for other options for nature programs.
Online Registration (pre-registration closes at 11:59pm each Sunday prior to event date) is $4 per child . Click here to sign up!
Day-of Walk In Registration is $5 per child.
Adults do not need to register.
No refunds.
Upcoming 2020 Dates:
January 7
January 14
January 21
January 28
February 4
February 11
February 18
February 25
March 3
March 10
March 17 - CANCELLED
March 24 - CANCELLED
March 31 - CANCELLED
COVID-19 Update: After careful consideration, Springbrook Nature Center has made the difficult decision to cancel 2020 summer day camps. We understand that this decision impacts many families in the community, and we appreciate your understanding. This decision was made based on guidance from the State of MN and CDC with the safety of campers and staff in mind.
Staff will be working on providing full refunds to those enrolled in camps. This process may take several weeks, so we appreciate your patience. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Director Mike Maher at Mike.Maher@FridleyMN.gov or 763-572-3588.
Everyone at Springbrook will miss our campers this summer, and we look forward to seeing you all again in the near future. Trails at the Nature Center remain open, and we hope to announce virtual/at-home programming soon. Thank you!
Nature Buddies ECFE
Mondays 1-2:30 p.m.
Engage your child's wonder and curiosity about nature in this 3-session series. Learn to guide your son or daughter in nature play through exciting hands-on learning experiences at the newly remodeled Springbrook Nature Center. Each session will highlight the natural world in a different season. Live animals, lessons by the naturalist and indoor/outdoor activities will enhance the learning each week. Please dress appropriately for the weather. During a portion of each class period, parents will meet with a family educator to discuss topics of interest. The class is designed for preschool children but younger children are also welcome.
Registration is required.
Class fee: $50 per session per child; scholarships are available.
NO sibling care is available.
Academic Year 2019-2020
Session 1: Signs of Autumn – Sept 16 - Oct 28
No class Oct 14 & Oct 21
Session 2: Signs of Winter – January 6 - February 10
Session 3: Signs of Spring – March 23 - April 20
Register with Spring Lake Park ECFE at 763-600-5900 or visit the Spring Lake Park program listing here.
4-H Environmental Club
This NEW club is for youth in K-one year post high school and will explore environmental education through interactive learning experiences that engage youth in environmental topics! These experiences will connect youth to nature and give them tools to make meaningful impacts in their community and the world. Older youth will be engaged in meaningful leadership roles. E-Club participation is FREE!
This club is based out of Springbrook Nature Center, meaning we will be able to explore the great outdoors! Club activities may include snowshoeing and hiking, learning about recycling and composting, native plants and pollinators, animals, and more Topics will be guided by club interest, so if you have something you are passionate about, bring it to the club to share.
SPRINGBROOK NATURE CENTER CLUB DATES: 2nd Saturdays*, 10:30-NOON, (*Note: December and February E-Clubs will be on Sat Dec. 7th and Feb. 1st)
November 9
December 7
January 11
February 1
March 14 - CANCELLED
April 11 - CANCELLED
May 9 - CANCELLED
June 13 - CANCELLED
July 11
August 8
Download and print the flyer here!
Brunch with Nature Santa
Saturday December 14 10 am - noon
Tuesday December 17 10 am - noon
Nature Santa is on his way to Springbrook Nature Center and he wants to meet YOU! Enjoy a story and activities with Nature Santa and a delicious breakfast. Parents, bring your camera, this is a photo opportunity you won't want to miss.
This program is intended for children ages 2-5 and their adult companions.
$7 per person, children under 2 are free.
Registration will be open beginning November 1, 2019.