HOME               CONTACT US                    VISITOR INFO                     PROGRAMS                 EVENTS      

Nature Programs, Hikes & Events

 

 



Along Our Trails
Scavenger Hunts

The Nature Center posts
nature scavenger hunts along our trails
for your enjoyment. 
Scavenger hunt maps are available
at the front door of the Nature Center.

DONATIONS WELCOME!





Sunday, St Patrick's Day
March 17
2 pm

St Patrick's Day Early Spring Equinox Hike

This year the spring equinox occurs on Tue, Mar 19, 2024, 11:06 PM. Join us on St Patrick’s Day to get an early start on celebrating the beginning of astronomical spring. Look for signs of green and spring on our trails.

Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-registration required.

To register, click here.




Friday
March 22
7:30 — 9:00 pm

March Madness Owl Prowl & Sap Full Moon Night Hike

Listen and look for barred owls and other nocturnal creatures on a guided walk under a full moon. This moon was known to Native Americans as the full ‘Sap’ Moon, as it marks the time when maple sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins.

Not geared for very young children.

Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-registration required - space is limited.

To register, click here.




Sunday
March 24
1 – 4 pm
Storytime at 1:30 pm

The Frogs of Spring

The wood frogs are waking up from their long winter’s frozen nap and other amphibians will soon be waking up as well. Join us as we celebrate these remarkable creatures. Listen to stories about frogs and salamanders. Take a hike to our vernal pool to listen to their spring ‘quacking’ and make wood frog crafts.

Free with admission to the Nature Center.

No need to pre-register.




Friday, March 29
anytime 10 am — 4 pm

Saturday, March 30
anytime 10 — 4 pm

Sunday, March 31
Trail scavenger hunt only.
Nature Center will be closed on Easter Sunday

Eggs, Eggs, Eggs!
Spring Scavenger Hunt


Spring is the season of eggs – bird eggs, frog eggs, turtle eggs, fish eggs! Learn about the animals that laid them and the nests they have built to hold them. Find the hidden “nests” around the Nature Center, then head out on the trails on a scavenger hunt to see where eggs will be laid this spring. Crafts all day. (Note: this is not an Easter egg hunt)

Free with admission to the Nature Center.

No need to preregister.




Saturday
April 6
7 — 8:30 pm

Vernal Pool Walk / Amphibians Program

Join us for a program on the amphibians that inhabit vernal pools followed by a walk to local wetlands to view nocturnal wildlife.

Not geared for very young children.

Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-reregistration required.

To register, click here.




Monday – Friday
April 8 - April 12
9 am – Noon

Spring Fever!
Vacation Program for Grades K - 5

How do animals know that spring has arrived? Join us for a week of morning fun & exploration in forest, field and pond.

Spend vacation mornings looking for wildlife at Roaring Brook Nature Center.

Pre-registration with payment is required.

To register, click here.







Friday
April 12
7 pm

Turn Out the Lights!
Dark Sky program


A growing body of research suggests that the glow of uncontrolled outdoor lighting is causing serious harm to nocturnal animals, migrating birds, insects, as well as our own health. Join us for an indoor presentation on the impacts of light pollution and learn what you can do to reduce light pollution around your home followed by a guided hike the Werner’s Woods meadow to view the impacts of light pollution.

Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-reregistration required.

To register, click here.


 

Tuesday
April 16
5 — 8:30 pm

Flatbread Pizza Night Fundraiser for the Nature Center

Bring your friends, bring your family for dinner at Flatbread’s at The Shoppes at the Farmington Valley.

A percentage of the pizza sales supports the Nature Center.




Sunday
April 21
1 pm

Earth Day Talk:
Gardening for Wildlife


Your garden is home to many wonderful creatures. Learn about their life cycles, their ecological value, and how to bring life to your garden by planting the right plants, as well as providing shelter and water.

Free with admission to the Nature Center.

No need to preregister.





Saturdays
April 27, May 4 & 18
7 — 9 am

Weekend Bird Walks

An early morning walk through Werner’s Woods provides welcome sights and sounds for beginning birders as well as those with more experience in the field.

Bird walks are not geared for younger children.

Bring binoculars and dress for wet ground underfoot.

Donations welcome.

Pre-registration is not required.




Sunday
May 5
1 – 4 pm

Turtle Derby: A Run for the Strawberries

Join us for an afternoon of turtle races as we release our resident turtles to their outdoor turtle pond enclosures. Will the winner be Tobey, the ornate box turtle; Juliette, the box turtle; or Timber, the wood turtle. Turtle crafts.

Free with admission to the Nature Center.

No need to pre-register.





MOTHER'S DAY,
Sunday, May 12
Talk 1 pm—2 pm
Walk 2 pm—2:30 pm

Annual Mother's Day Wildflower Talk & Walk

Connecticut has a myriad of spring wildflowers. Find out why they bloom in the spring, where to find them, how they got their names and what makes these plants so special.

Join us for a special lecture from 1 pm to 2 pm and at 2 pm for a guided walk through our native plant gardens looking for wildflowers.

Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-registration required.

To register, click here.



Nature Center closed for Memorial Day May 27
Trails open dawn to dusk


Sunday
June 2
1 pm

Gardening for Bees, Butterflies & Other Pollinators

June is National Pollinator Month! Pollinators play a critical role in in the production of most fruits and vegetables and they need our help. Learn about our many native pollinators, their important role in keeping our ecosystems healthy, and how you can manage your garden to provide just what they need.

Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-registrtion required.

To register, click here.



Wednesday
June 19

Snake demonstrations
at 1, 2 & 3 pm

Storytime at 1:30 pm

Slithering Snakes

Drop by Wednesday afternoon to learn about these long, legless reptiles.

Snake demos & crafts.

Event included with admission to the Nature Center.

Pre-registration not required

 




Thursday
June 20
7:45 – 9pm

Almost Full ‘Hot Sun’ Moon Hike

Join us for an evening walk under the Hot Sun Moon, the Native American name for June's full moon during the heat of the summer.

Long sleeves, flashlight & insect repellent recommended.

$11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-registration required.

To register, click here. LINK COMING SOON.




Wednesday
July 3
1– 3:30 pm

Storytime at 1:30 pm

Winged Jewels

Visit the Nature Center to learn aboutCT’s beautiful dragonflies & damsel flies.

Take a hike to Werner’s Pond to find them.

Make a dragonfly craft and visit with “Jewel” our Dragonfly.

Event included with admission to the Nature Center.




Nature Center closed for Independence Day - July 4
Trails open dawn to dusk




Wednesday
July 17
1 – 3:30 pm

Storytime at 1:30 pm

Lady Bug Lunch &  Story Time

Bring a bag lunch or snack and enjoy an afternoon at the Nature Center learning about ladybugs and other insect helpers.

Lady bug crafts & stories

Costumes welcome. 

Event included with admission to the Nature Center.




Thursday
July 18
8 – 9:15 pm

Almost Full ‘Thunder’ Moon Hike

Join us for an evening walk under the Thunder Moon, the Native American name for July's full moon when summer storms are common.

Long sleeves, flashlight & insect repellent recommended.

$11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-registration required.

To register, click here.  LINK COMING SOON.




Wednesday  
July 31
1 – 3:30 pm

Storytime at 1:30 pm

Butterfly Tea Party & Story Time

Dress in your butterfly attire & waltz out to the Butterfly Garden for lemonade & cookies!

Meet our resident butterflies & caterpillars, make butterfly crafts, and attend the storytime.

Event is included with admission to the Nature Center.


Wednesday
August 14
1 – 3:30 pm

Storytime @ 1:30pm

Teddy Bear Picnic & Storytime

Join us for lemonade and a sweet treat.

Bring your favorite teddy bear, make a bear craft, learn what our local bears are doing as summer ends.

Bring a photo of the bears that have visited your yard.

Event included with paid admission to the Nature Center




Thursday
August 15
7:30 – 8:45 pm

Almost Full ‘Corn’ Moon Hike

Join us for an evening walk under the almost full Corn Moon, a time when corn is ripe.

Long sleeves, flashlight & insect repellent recommended. Join

$11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-registration required.

To register, click here. LINK COMING SOON




Sunday
September 1   
1 – 2 pm

Native Plant Hike

Join us for a guided walk through the native plant gardens and along our trails to learn about the importance of our native trees, shrubs, and perennials. Discover why we should plant these in our own yards.

Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.

Pre-registration required.

To register, click here. LINK COMING SOON.




 
 
 
* Family rates apply for two adults and two children (over two years of age)

Click here to learn about more events and programs offered by

 

Classes

DISCOVERY DAYS PROGRAMS

 

Discovery Day Programs

Registration is open for the upcoming Discovery Days, the Nature Center’s enrichment series for children. Four week programs are offered for pre-schoolers and a parent, for students in kindergarten and kindergarten readiness programs and for elemantary age students. For more details, click here.

SUMMER PROGRAMS




Roaring Brook Nature Center's
SUMMER 2021 Programs
offer your child a unique blend of
education and recreation
that takes advantage of the
curiosity and sense of wonder
that all children feel toward the natural world.  

Click here to learn more and to register online

Click here for our
SUMMER PROGRAMS 2021brochure

 

Home School Programs

 

The Nature Center can create special programs
for your home school group. 

Explore the wonders of our
woods, fields, and stream.

Each class will investigate a different aspect
of a central theme, complete with
hands -on experiments &
plenty of time outdoors.

Classes comply with
CT State Sceince Standards for
Pre-K to Grade 2

To learn more or to schedule a program,
email us at rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org
or call 860.693.0263

Click here to learn about
Homeschool programs offered by
The Children's Museum in West Hartford

Guided Nature Walks

Nature Walks

During July and August, group nature walks may be scheduled by individuals, families or by organized groups on selected weekday afternoons. Walks may be general or may focus on a specific topic of interest.

Call the Nature Center for additional information.

The Werner Woods trails are open year-round for self-guided tours.  Trail guide books are available in the Nature Center store for $2.00.


Volunteers Needed!
  • Volunteers interested in working with the Nature Center's Raptor Care Program (must be over 18 years of age), please call the Center (860) 693-0263. Whatever time you can offer will be appreciated.
For more information on our volunteer needs, click here.

 


Birthday Party Opportunities

During the school year, the Nature Center offers birthday parties on Saturdays (morning parties from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, afternoon parties from 1:30-3:30 PM) and on selected weekday afternoons from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

During July and August, the Nature Center will offer birthday parties on selected weekday afternoons from 1:30 – 3:30 PM. (Please note that birthday party availability is subject to the Nature Center’s summer program schedule of classes and public events).

For more information, click here. To make a reservation call the Center at (860) 693-0263.


Sunday before Thanksgiving
Noon - 4:00 pm

Holiday Craft Fair

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS! 
Are you interested in being a part of our Holiday Craft Fair?  We welcome vendors who have produced hand-made gifts and/or natural products to sell as 'gifts' during the holiday season.

For an registration form, please contact Margery Winters at mwinters@thechildrensmuseumct.org or 860.693.0263


Scout Programs

Leaders of Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout Troops, as well as Cub Scout Troops, will find that numerous badge requirements may be fulfilled by a visit to Roaring Brook Nature Center. To learn more, click here.

          HOME               CONTACT US                    VISITOR INFO                     PROGRAMS                 EVENTS      

Nature Programs, Hikes & Events

Paws, Claws & Jaws
Until August 31

The Bear Facts
Until September 31

 

 

Along Our Trails
Scavenger Hunts

The Nature Center posts
nature scavenger hunts along our trails
for your enjoyment. 
Scavenger hunt maps are available
at the front door of the Nature Center.

DONATIONS WELCOME!





Friday
August 4
1:30 - 3 pm
Storytime at 2 pm

Look Whooo's Celebrating
International Owl Awareness Day

Join us at the Nature Center to celebrate International Owl Awareness Day with stories and crafts.  Visit our resident owls
and listen to stories about our native owls.

Event included with paid admission to the Nature Center.

 

 




Thursday
August 10
1:30 - 3 pm
Storytime at 2 pm

Teddy Bear Picnic & Storytime

Bring your favorite teddy bear, make a bear craft, learn what our local bears are doing as summer ends. Bring a photo of the bears that you might have seen in your yard.

Event included with paid admission to the Nature Center.

 




Sunday
August 27
7:30 - 8:45 pm

(Almost) Full Corn Harvest Moon Hike

Join us for an evening walk under the Hot Sun Moon, the Native American name for the late summer moon when the corn is ripening. 

$11 each / $36 family of four

Pre-registration required

Click here to register


 

Nature Center closed for Labor Day, September
Trails open dawn to dusk

 

Saturday
September 9 & 23
7:30 - 9 am

Saturday Morning Birdwalks

Join us as we wnader the trails through Werner's Woods during the fall migration season.  Binoculars and footwear for wet ground conditions are all you will need. 

Geared for all levels of birding experience, but not for very young children.

Donations requested.

Pre-registration not required.


Saturday
September 23
10 - 11:15 am

First Day of Autumn Hike

Fall begins at 2:50 am EDT today.  Join us for this guided family hike on the autumn equinox to look for signs offall.  Discover how the abundant rain and warmth of summer has turned into a bounty of fall berries, seeds, and nuts.

$11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required.

Registration link coming soon.




Monday
September 25
10 am - 3:30 pm

Going Away Party

Many animals are going away for the winter.  Join us at the Nature Center to learn where they are going and how we can welcome them back next spring.  Take a self-guided migration scavenger hunt hike along our trails. Crafts.

Free with admission to the Nature Center.
Registration not required.



Friday
September 29
7:30 - 8:45 pm

Full Harvest Moon Hike

Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by the early Native American tribes as the Harvest Moon as it maked the period of time when corn was harvested.

Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight

$11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required.

Registration link coming soon.




Monday
October 9
anytime 10 am - 4 pm

Awesome Autumn Scavenger Hunt &
Tree ID Hikes


Looking for something fun to doduring the height of leaf color?  Drop in anytime and head out on the trail for a self-guided autumn leaf scavenger hunt.  Find out what makes for the ideal fall foliage season, what happents to all those fallen leaves, why the acorn crop varies from year to year, and more.  Fall crafts.

Event free with admission to the Nature Center.
Registration not required.


Saturday
OCtober 28
7:30 - 8:45 pm

Full Hunter's Moon Hike

Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by early Native American tries as the Hunter's Moon. This time of year the leaves are falling and the game is fattening up for winter.

Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

$11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required. Link coming soon.




Tuesday
November 7
anytime 10 am - 3 pm

A Parliament of Owls

This election day, drop in between 10 am & 4 pm - it will be a hoot!  Learn about our resident owls and seee them in their enclosures at the Nature Center.  Owl crafts.

Free with admission to the Nature Center. 


Sunday
November 13
1:30 pm

Beyond Birdfeeders:
How to feed your backyard birds year-round


Birds do not live by birdseed alone.  Learn what you can plant in your yard to provide food throughout the year to an even greater variety of birds, and enhance the biodiversity in your neighborhood.

$11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required.  Link coming soon.


Sunday before Thanksgiving
November 19
Noon - 4 pm

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

Sart you holiday shopping with nature-related gifts for all ages.  Handmade crafts include felted ornaments, pottery, jewelry, soaps and many other items made by local artisans. 

Sponsored by
The Friends of Roaring Brook Nature Center
The proceeds of the Fari benefit the Nature Center's programs and activities. 

There is no charge to visit the Nature Center or attend the Fair on this day.

 




Friday
November 24
11:30 am

Native Americans of the Eastern Woodland

Join us the day following Thanksgving to celebrate Native American Heritage Day.  Our program will discuss the wisdom and contributuions of the pre-European native people of the eastern woodlands in New England

$11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required Link coming soon



Friday & Saturday
November 24 & 25
10 am - 4 pm
Guided hikes at 1:30 pm

Turkey Daze! Scavenger Hunt

How well do you know Meleagris gallopavo, a cousin of the domesticated turkey? What is a Jake?  What is a turkey snood?Do turkeys have beards?  Take a self-guided turkey scavenger hunt or register for a guided hike at 1:30 pm.  Turkey crafts, activities, and more
.

Free with admission to the Nature Center

Hike - $11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required    Links coming soon



Monday
November 27
7 - 8:15 pm

Under the Beaver Moon Hike

Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by early Native American tribes as the Beaver moon.  This is the time of year when beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges, having laid up sufficient food stores for the long winter ahead. 

Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

$11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required    Link coming soon


Thursday
December 21
7 pm

Winter Solstice Celebration

Join us on one of the longest nights of the year to celebrate the winter solstice and learn how people have celebrated this special day and season over millennia
.

$11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required.  Link coming soon.



Saturday
December 23
2:30 - 4 pm

Winter Solstice Hike

The winter solstice arrived arrived at 10:27 pm EDT on Thursday, December 21.  In terns of daylight, this day is 6 hours, 4 minutes shorter than on the summer solstice.  Join us for a late afternoon hike to enjoy the long shadows and peace of the woods in winter.  Learn how nature anticipates the upcoming lengthening of the days.

$11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required.  Link coming soon.


Saturday
December 26
7 - 8:15 pm

Full Cold Moon Hike

Bundle up and join us for a guided woodland hike under December's full moon.  This month's moon is known by early Native American tribes as the Cold moon as this is the time of year when the cold winter air settles in and nights are long and dark.

$11 each / $36 family of four

Registration required. Link coming soon.




Nature Center closed Christmas Day & New Year's Day
Trails open dawn to dusk




 
 
* Family rates apply for two adults and two children (over two years of age)

Click here to learn about more events and programs offered by

 

Classes

DISCOVERY DAYS PROGRAMS

 

Discovery Day Programs

Registration is open for the upcoming Discovery Days, the Nature Center’s enrichment series for children. Four week programs are offered for pre-schoolers and a parent, for students in kindergarten and kindergarten readiness programs and for elemantary age students. For more details, click here.

SUMMER PROGRAMS




Roaring Brook Nature Center's
SUMMER 2021 Programs
offer your child a unique blend of
education and recreation
that takes advantage of the
curiosity and sense of wonder
that all children feel toward the natural world.  

Click here to learn more and to register online

Click here for our
SUMMER PROGRAMS 2021brochure

 

Home School Programs

 

The Nature Center can create special programs
for your home school group. 

Explore the wonders of our
woods, fields, and stream.

Each class will investigate a different aspect
of a central theme, complete with
hands -on experiments &
plenty of time outdoors.

Classes comply with
CT State Sceince Standards for
Pre-K to Grade 2

To learn more or to schedule a program,
email us at rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org
or call 860.693.0263

Click here to learn about
Homeschool programs
offered by
The Children's Museum in West Hartford

Guided Nature Walks

Nature Walks

During July and August, group nature walks may be scheduled by individuals, families or by organized groups on selected weekday afternoons. Walks may be general or may focus on a specific topic of interest.

Call the Nature Center for additional information.

The Werner Woods trails are open year-round for self-guided tours.  Trail guide books are available in the Nature Center store for $2.00.


Volunteers Needed!
  • Volunteers interested in working with the Nature Center's Raptor Care Program (must be over 18 years of age), please call the Center (860) 693-0263. Whatever time you can offer will be appreciated.
For more information on our volunteer needs, click here.

 


Birthday Party Opportunities

During the school year, the Nature Center offers birthday parties on Saturdays (morning parties from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, afternoon parties from 1:30-3:30 PM) and on selected weekday afternoons from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

During July and August, the Nature Center will offer birthday parties on selected weekday afternoons from 1:30 – 3:30 PM. (Please note that birthday party availability is subject to the Nature Center’s summer program schedule of classes and public events).

For more information, click here. To make a reservation call the Center at (860) 693-0263.


Sunday before Thanksgiving
Noon - 4:00 pm

Holiday Craft Fair

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS! 
Are you interested in being a part of our Holiday Craft Fair?  We welcome vendors who have produced hand-made gifts and/or natural products to sell as 'gifts' during the holiday season.

For an registration form, please contact Margery Winters at mwinters@thechildrensmuseumct.org or 860.693.0263


Scout Programs

Leaders of Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout Troops, as well as Cub Scout Troops, will find that numerous badge requirements may be fulfilled by a visit to Roaring Brook Nature Center. To learn more, click here.
 


70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT  06019          Phone: 860-693-0263          rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Copyright © 2006 Roaring Brook Nature Center. All rights reserved worldwide



 

Click here to learn about

events and programs offered by

The Children's Museum in West Hartford



70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT  06019          Phone: 860-693-0263          rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Copyright © 2006 Roaring Brook Nature Center. All rights reserved worldwide