July 2017
Beetle Mania
Beetles are the largest insect group and include dung beetles, ladybugs, tiger beetles, fireflies and weevils. Experience the amazing colors and shapes of beetles and learn about the numerous ways they find food and mates. On a beetle hunt, use scientific equipment to collect live beetles and observe them closely. (ah) For ages 9 - 12
Find out more »August 2017
Family Nature Nights Full Moon Adventure
Check out the full moon with your family! Learn about the phases of the moon through fun games, view the moon up close through a telescope and make a moon craft to take home. For families with children ages 3+
Find out more »November 2017
Nature Discovery Days
Offered Saturdays or Sundays in November 2017-March 2018. Designed for children and adults to explore nature topics together. Enjoy fun hands-on activities, games, crafts, experiments, nature books and more. Knoch Knolls Nature Center River Room November - Hooting Owls on November 5, 12, 19 and 26, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. December - Illinois Mammals on December 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. January - Trees in Winter on January 6, 13 and 20, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. February - Winter…
Find out more »Nature Discovery Days
Offered Saturdays or Sundays starting in November 2017 and running though March 2018. Located in the River Room. Fun hands-on activities, games, crafts, experiments, nature books and more. Designed for children and adults to explore nature topics together. Topics Include: November - Hooting Owls December - Illinois Mammals January - Trees in Winter
Find out more »December 2017
Family Nature Nights Winter Craft Workshop
Get ready for the holidays by making nature-thremed or recycled gifts for friends and family. Make tree cookie ornaments, pinecone bird feeders, egg carton critters and more. Then design your own wrapping paper using our rubber stamps and recycled paper. You'll have time to make several items to give as gifts! Ages 3 and up Minimum of one adult must attend with each family.
Find out more »Nature Discovery Days
Offered Saturdays or Sundays in November 2017-March 2018. Designed for children and adults to explore nature topics together. Enjoy fun hands-on activities, games, crafts, experiments, nature books and more. Knoch Knolls Nature Center River Room November - Hooting Owls on November 5, 12, 19 and 26, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. December - Illinois Mammals on December 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. January - Trees in Winter on January 6, 13 and 20, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. February - Winter Birds…
Find out more »January 2018
Free Nature Discovery Days Trees in Winter
Saturdays in January, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm plus Monday January 15 from 10 am - 3 pm Drop in anytime during the above hours to participate in self-guided stations all about trees. Find out how trees survive in the winter. Discover the difference between Conifers and Broad-leafed trees. Learn how to identify trees without their leaves. Examine tree “cookies” and count tree rings. Make tree ring rubbings. Read books about trees and more! **PLEASE NOTE: This program includes the…
Find out more »Family Nature Nights Calling All Owls
Enjoy spending time with your family while learning about nature. Each session introduces a new theme to explore. Programs are designed for families with toddlers through school-aged children and include hands-on activities, short hikes and a chance to visit the nature center "after hours"! Believe it or not, this time of year Great Horned Owls are laying eggs and sitting on their nests! Learn about the common owls found in our area, dissect and owl pellet and go on a…
Find out more »February 2018
Family Nature Nights Tracks in the Snow
Enjoy spending time with your family while learning about nature. Each session introduces a new theme to explore. Programs are designed for families with toddlers through school-aged children and include hands-on activities, short hikes and a chance to visit the nature center "after hours"! Enjoy the story "Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee as you find out what kind of animals stay in our area during the winter and leave clues behind. Learn about native animals like deer,…
Find out more »March 2018
Nature Discovery Days Maple Sugaring
Drop in anytime during the above hours to participate in self-guided stations. Learn about maple trees. Discover how maple syrup is made. View and touch maple tapping equipment. Taste 100% pure maple syrup. Read books about maple trees, maple sugaring and more! No registration required. At least one adult must attend with each family.
Find out more »Family Nature Night Go Green
Enjoy spending time with your family while learning about nature. Each session introduces a new theme to explore. Programs are designed for families with toddlers through school-aged children and include hands-on activities, short hikes and a chance to visit the nature center "after hours"! Go Green! Join us on St. Patrick's Day to celebrate going green! Wearing green on St. Paddy's Day many mean you are Irish, but going green means caring for the Earth and being a responsible citizen.…
Find out more »Flashlight Egg Hunt
Grab your flashlight and hunt for prize-filled eggs under the stars! Refreshments will be served. Please bring a flashlight and a bag or basket to put your eggs and prizes in. This event is held outside; please dress appropriately. Parents must be present with their children, but may not assist them during the hunt. Preregistration is required. There are no age exceptions.
Find out more »January 2019
Nature Discovery Days
Fun hands on activities, games, crafts, experiments, nature books and more. Designed for children and adults to explore nature topics together. January 5 & 19 Animal tracks and scat February 2 & 16 Winter birds March 10 & 24 Animal babies
Find out more »March 2019
Free Nature Discovery Days Animal Babies
Drop in anytime during the above hours to participate in self-guided stations. Find out if you share your birthday month with a wild baby. Discover how big wildlife babies are when they are born. Match baby aniamls to their parents. Create a baby bird nest. Read books about baby animals and more! No registration required. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult/parent.
Find out more »November 2019
Free Backyard Stargazing 101
Although light pollution has stolen the magic form the night sky for the vast majority of the U.S. population, there are still wonders to be seen, with a little effort, and a little knowledge of were to look and what to look for. Join us as Rick Gering from the Naperville Astronomical Association (NAA) introduces a collection of celestrial targets that can be seen using telescopes, binoculars or even the unaided eye in skies that never become truly dark. Learn to…
Find out more »Family Nature Nights Owl Prowl
Owl Prowl Go on a hike to look and listen for Great Horned Owls calling for a mate! This time of year Great Horned Owls are breeding. Find out more about this owl and other species found in our area Dissect an owl pellet Make a craft to remember your experience Ages 5 and up Please pre-register
Find out more »Free Nature Discovery Days Illinois Mammals
Drop in anytime during the above hours to participate in self-guided stations. Learn about local mammal species Touch animal pelts, antlers and skulls Play a Mammal Matching Game Create a Critter Mask Read books about mammals and more! No registration required. At least one adult must attend with each family.
Find out more »December 2019
Nature Discovery Days All About Evergreens
Learn what makes a plant an evergreen. Make a tree cookie ornament or necklace. Play an evergreen matching game. Discover spices that come from evergreens. Read books about evergreens and more! No registration required. At least one adult must attend with each family.
Find out more »January 2020
Nature Discovery Days Swirling Snowflakes
Learn about frozen water. Play a snowflake matching game. Discover how giant blocks of ice created our landscape. Make a snowflake craft. Read books about snow, snowflakes, glaciers and more. Registration not required. At least one adult must attend with each family.
Find out more »February 2020
Nature Discovery Days Winter Birds
Drop in anytime during the above hours to participate in self-guided stations. Learn to recognize several birds that overwinter in Illinois Play a bird song matching game Investigate how feathers keep a bird warm Find out what birds eat during the winter Make a simple bird feeder to take home And much more!
Find out more »Valentine’s Day Craft Workshop
Get ready for Valentine's Day by making nature-themed or recycled valentines for friends and family. Make heart-shaped bird feeders, pine cone love bugs and more. Design your own cards or gift tags using our rubber stamps. You'll have time to make several items to give as gifts! One adult must attend with each family or group. (ah)
Find out more »March 2020
Nature Discovery Days Wild Weather
Drop in anytime during the above hours to participate in self-guided activities all about animals in winter. Learn to recognize different types of clouds Play a water cycle game. Observe how a tornado forms. Discover what causes hail. Make a weather craft. Read books about weather and more! No registration required. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult/parent.
Find out more »July 2020
Fishin’ Kids
Learn all the basics of fishing including how to rig a pole, bait the hook, cast and handle fish. Parent must remain with their child(ren) during the class. Bring folding lawn chairs and remember your camera! All fishing poles, bait and tackle are provided. We'll be fishing rain or shine (but not if it's thundering), so please dress for the weather. Fishing takes place at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center's pond. Price is per child; at least one adult must…
Find out more »October 2021
Creepy Critter Day – CANCELLED
Creepy Critter Day has been canceled. Stop in the nature center all month long for creepy critter activities.
Find out more »October 2022
Family Hike with a Naturalist
Join a naturalist on an early morning hike to learn about the animals and plants that call Knoch Knolls Park home. The route is mostly over grassy or gravel paths. Younger children may be carried. Bring a water bottle and wear sturdy walking shoes. Program is free but registration is required.
Find out more »December 2022
Winter Craft Workshop
REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED Get ready for the holidays by making nature-themed or recycled gifts for family and friends! Winter flower fairies and gnomes Tree cookie ornaments Egg carton reindeer Holiday trees To wrap your gifts, design your own wrapping paper using our rubber stamps and recycled paper or paper bags. You'll have time to make several items to give as gifts!
Find out more »January 2023
Nature Discovery Days
These FREE, indoor self-guided activities are designed for families with children and are offered during the winter and summer months. No registration required. Check our current winter or summer program guide (Special Events section) for themes, dates and hours. January - Animal Tracks February - Winter Birds and Great Backyard Bird Count March - Spring is Here April - Baby Animals
Find out more »March 2023
Nature Discovery Days
These FREE, indoor self-guided activities are designed for families with children and are offered during the winter and summer months. No registration required. Check our current winter or summer program guide (Special Events section) for themes, dates and hours. January - Animal Tracks February - Winter Birds and Great Backyard Bird Count March - Spring is Here April - Baby Animals
Find out more »Nature Discovery Days
These FREE, indoor self-guided activities are designed for families with children and are offered during the winter and summer months. No registration required. Check our current winter or summer program guide (Special Events section) for themes, dates and hours. January - Animal Tracks February - Winter Birds and Great Backyard Bird Count March - Spring is Here April - Baby Animals
Find out more »We do our best to provide comprehensive, accurate and useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from press releases, websites, signs around town and word of mouth. However, details change and people make mistakes, so please confirm the details before you go. Kidlist is not responsible for any problems that occur while participating in activities listed on this site.
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