Preschool & Early Childhood Programs - Creekside Critters
Creekside Critters programs take children on a learning adventure indoors and outdoors with a naturalist. Stories, hands-on activities, games, crafts or songs will keep children actively involved with the educational program.
Programs are generally 45 minutes long and the fee is $2.50 per child. The minimum fee per program is $25. (Maple Syruping Programs are 1 hour and the fee is $3.00).
There is no charge for adult chaperones with the exception of Maple Syruping programs.
Programs will occur rain or shine! Curriculum is adaptable for inside or outside use. You may schedule programs by calling us at (319) 362-0664.
Creekside Critter programs offered are:
FALL
Meadow Magic: Sun, meadows and buzzing bugs create a special experience as children hunt for insects and learn about their characteristics. Children will also take a peak at the homes of carpenter ants, wasps and bees.
Busy Buzzing Bees: Honey is a sweet treat that the bees work all summer to make. Discover the community of a beehive while a naturalist introduces the drone, worker, and queen bee. Play the "Worker Bee" game and explore a real beehive.
Tree Tales: Do you know that trees tell stories? Come learn the hidden stories in apartment house trees. Learn the parts of a tree and discover the great things trees do for us. Search for leaf shapes, feel bark textures, smell a tree, and make fabulous leaf rubbings to take home.
Spider Safari: Why are there so many spider webs outside in the fall? Learn about this and more as we study these wonderful eight-legged creatures. Discover fun facts about spiders and go on a spider "hunt."
Bat Business: Discover the many good things bats do for our environment. Where do they live? What do they eat? How do these flying mammals hunt? Listen to a story and play a bat game.
Feathered Friends: Explore the fascinating world of our feathered friends. Make your own binoculars and go birdwatching with a naturalist. Best of all, take a peak at our collection of bird nests and colorful feathers while you learn about their songs, characteristics and habitats.
Note: Program available year 'round.
Who Digs Indian Creek? A short walk on the trails reveals tunnels, holes and mounds of dirt. Who made them? How were they made, and why? Meet animals who dig for food, homes and transportation at Indian Creek, and go on a nature hike.
WINTER
Who Walked Here? Creatures that do not hibernate leave their tracks and traces in the snow. Go on a tracking walk, learn about food chains and make an animal track craft!
Birds of Prey: Do you think your wingspan can match that of an eagle's? Can you spot an object up to a mile away? Owls and eagles share their special traits and talents as well as their winter adventures as we discover the
special habits of predatory birds. Children will also enjoy constructing and eagle's nest.
LATE WINTER (Late February – March)
Maple Syruping: This unique, fun activity can only be experienced in late winter! Listen to Native American legends, tap a tree and visit the Maple Sugar House to see how sap is made into delicious syrup. The hour ends with a taste of our real maple syrup on ice cream!
Note: This program is one hour in length. Adults and children are charged program fee of $3.00.
SPRING
Meadow Magic: Sun, meadows and buzzing bugs create a special experience as children hunt for insects and learn about their characteristics. Children will also take a peak at the homes of carpenter ants, wasps and bees.
Busy Buzzing Bees: Honey is a sweet treat that the bees work all summer to make. Discover the community of a beehive while a naturalist introduces the drone, worker, and queen bee. Play the "Worker Bee" game and explore a real beehive.
Tree Tales: Do you know that trees tell stories? Come learn the hidden stories in apartment house trees. Learn the parts of a tree and discover the great things trees do for us. Search for leaf shapes, feel bark textures, smell a tree, and make fabulous leaf rubbings to take home.
Spider Safari: Why are there so many spider webs outside in the fall? Learn about this and more as we study these wonderful eight-legged creatures. Discover fun facts about spiders and go on a spider "hunt."
Bat Business: Discover the many good things bats do for our environment. Where do they live? What do they eat? How do these flying mammals hunt? Listen to a story and play a bat game.
Feathered Friends: Explore the fascinating world of our feathered friends. Make your own binoculars and go birdwatching with a naturalist. Best of all, take a peak at our collection of bird nests and colorful feathers while you learn about their songs, characteristics and habitats.
Note: Program available year 'round.
Who Digs Indian Creek? A short walk on the trails reveals tunnels, holes and mounds of dirt. Who made them? How were they made, and why? Meet animals who dig for food, homes and transportation at Indian Creek, and go on a nature hike.
Sounds of Spring: An exuberant frog chorus welcomes the arrival of spring. Children will learn about tadpoles and go on a frog watching hike.
SUMMER
Meadow Magic: Sun, meadows and buzzing bugs create a special experience as children hunt for insects and learn about their characteristics. Children will also take a peak at the homes of carpenter ants, wasps and bees.
Busy Buzzing Bees: Honey is a sweet treat that the bees work all summer to make. Discover the community of a beehive while a naturalist introduces the drone, worker, and queen bee. Play the "Worker Bee" game and explore a real beehive.
Tree Tales: Do you know that trees tell stories? Come learn the hidden stories in apartment house trees. Learn the parts of a tree and discover the great things trees do for us. Search for leaf shapes, feel bark textures, smell a tree, and make fabulous leaf rubbings to take home.
Spider Safari: Why are there so many spider webs outside in the fall? Learn about this and more as we study these wonderful eight-legged creatures. Discover fun facts about spiders and go on a spider "hunt."
Bat Business: Discover the many good things bats do for our environment. Where do they live? What do they eat? How do these flying mammals hunt? Listen to a story and play a bat game.
Feathered Friends: Explore the fascinating world of our feathered friends. Make your own binoculars and go birdwatching with a naturalist. Best of all, take a peak at our collection of bird nests and colorful feathers while you learn about their songs, characteristics and habitats.
Note: Program available year 'round.
Who Digs Indian Creek? A short walk on the trails reveals tunnels, holes and mounds of dirt. Who made them? How were they made, and why? Meet animals who dig for food, homes and transportation at Indian Creek, and go on a nature hike.
Sounds of Spring: An exuberant frog chorus welcomes the arrival of spring. Children will learn about tadpoles and go on a frog watching hike.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Margaret Wolter at mwolter@indiancreeknaturecenter.org for information.
Call (319)362-0664 to arrange a program
Our preschool staff looks forward to your visit!
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