REGISTRATION BEGINS: MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025
Day Off: Out and About Camp
Experience thrilling hikes, captivating explorations, and time travel on our day off school field trips. Dress for the weather, bring lunch, snack, and water, and get ready for an unforgettable day filled with outdoor thrills.
Registration deadline: one week prior to camp date. (DG)
Grade: K-6th Limit: 7/13
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Staff
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 38517-01 | Oct. 13 | M | 9am-3pm | $80 |
| 38517- 02 | Nov. 26 | W | 9am-3pm | $80 |
REGISTER HERE
Day Off Nature Camp
Each day will be different at Nature Camp with a variety of activities including hiking, wildlife tracking, projects, experiments, campfire cooking, and survival skills. Down time may include games or a movie.
Registration deadline: one week prior to camp date. (DG)
Required: Dress for the weather in layers. Bring a packed lunch, snack and water bottle.
Grade: K-6th Limit: 7/13
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Staff
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 38517-03 | Oct. 10 | F | 9am-3pm | $60 |
| 38517-04 | Dec. 22 | M | 9am-3pm | $60 |
| 38517-05 | Dec. 23 | Tu | 9am-3pm | $60 |
| 38517-06 | Dec. 29 | M | 9am-3pm | $60 |
| 38517-07 | Dec. 30 | Tu | 9am-3pm | $60 |
REGISTER HERE
Nature Center Before and After Camp
Ensure your camper’s day is filled with supervised fun by dropping them off early or picking them up late, with activities offered to ease into the day. Please remember to pack a nutritious breakfast or snack for your camper to enjoy during their extended stay. Registration deadline: five days prior to camp date. (DG)
Grade: K-6th Limit: 7/13
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Staff
Before Camp
ID# Name Date Day Time Fee
38514-01 Before Camp Oct. 10 F 7:30-9am $15
38514- 02 Before Camp Oct. 13 M 7:30-9am $15
38514-03 Before Camp Nov. 26 W 7:30-9am $15
38514-04 Before Camp Dec. 22 M 7:30-9am $15
38514-05 Before Camp Dec. 23 Tu 7:30-9am $15
38514-06 Before Camp Dec. 29 M 7:30-9am $15
38514-07 Before Camp Dec. 30 Tu 7:30-9am $15
After Camp
ID# Name Date Day Time Fee
38514-08 After Camp Oct. 10 F 3-6pm $20
38514- 09 After Camp Oct. 13 M 3-6pm $20
38514-10 After Camp Nov. 26 W 3-6pm $20
38514-11 After Camp Dec. 22 M 3-6pm $20
38514-12 After Camp Dec. 23 Tu 3-6pm $20
38514-13 After Camp Dec. 29 M 3-6pm $20
38514-14 After Camp Dec. 30 Tu 3-6pm $20
REGISTER HERE
Homeschool Kids
Immerse your student in a dynamic hour-long program tailored to specific themes each week, focusing on frogs & toads, turtles, birds, and snakes. Dress appropriately for outdoor exploration. With engaging activities and hands-on learning, our program offers an enriching experience for curious young minds. (DG)
Grade: K-6th Limit: 10/15
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Staff
| ID# | Theme | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 30331-01 | Frogs & Toads | Sept. 4 | Th | 9-10am | $11 |
| 30331-02 | Turtles | Oct. 2 | Th | 9-10am | $11 |
| 30331-03 | Birds | Nov. 6 | Th | 9-10am | $11 |
| 30331-04 | Snakes | Dec. 4 | Th | 9-10am | $11 |
REGISTER HERE
NEW! Homeschool Kids: Nature Hikes
Experience the beauty of a state park and amazing prairie through guided nature hikes, fostering curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. You’ll never see the same things twice and we will always be on the lookout for native animals, endangered species, new plants and so much more. Program will be mostly outdoors so please dress according to the weather. (DG)
Grade: K-6th Limit: 10/15
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Staff
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 30331-05 | Sept. 18 | Th | 9-10am | $11 |
| 30331-06 | Oct. 16 | Th | 9-10am | $11 |
REGISTER HERE
Little Explorers
This monthly magical outdoor adventure with your preschooler explores new themes and endless opportunities for discovery in the great outdoors. Connect with nature through the fluttering of butterfly wings and the rustling of leaves beneath tiny feet. Rain or shine, exciting adventures await indoors or outdoors. Younger siblings are welcome too. Please dress according to the weather. (DG)
Age: 2-4 w/ adult Limit: 8/14
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Staff
| ID# | Theme | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 30330-01 | Frogs & Toads | Sept. 11 | Th | 10-11am | $16 |
| 30330-02 | Turtles | Oct. 9 | Th | 10-11am | $16 |
| 30330-03 | Birds | Nov. 13 | Th | 10-11am | $16 |
| 30330-04 | Snakes | Dec. 11 | Th | 10-11am | $16 |
*Fee is for child/adult pair
REGISTER HERE
NEW! Habitat Hunt with Lunch
Get ready for a wild adventure as we explore the habitats of local animals. Little tykes and their grown-ups will embark on a fun scavenger hunt in the nature center and outside in the State Park, discovering where different animals live and how they make their homes. From bird nests to burrows, we’ll uncover the secrets of nature’s dwellings. Read books, watch wildlife, and enjoy a hotdog lunch with chips and juice to wrap up the day. (DG)
Age: 2-4 w/ adult Limit: 8/14
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Staff
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 30330-05 | Sept. 19 | F | 10-11am | $16 |
| 30330-06 | Oct. 17 | F | 10-11am | $16 |
REGISTER HERE
Animal Ambassadors
It takes a lot of TLC and care to keep our animal ambassadors here at our nature center happy and healthy. You can see what it takes to care for over 20 important animals for a “behind the scenes” look at our animal care program. Presentations will conclude with a feeding demonstration for that species. Registered participants will be given the opportunity to interact with animal ambassadors. Children 3 & under will be asked to sit with their grown-ups. (DG)
Age: 4 and over (Siblings 3 and under with a registered participant are free; donations are welcome)
Limit: 15/30
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Staff
| ID# | Theme | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 30339-01 | Geckos | Sept. 6 | Sa | 10-11am | $8 |
| 30339-02 | Snakes | Oct. 4 | Sa | 10-11am | $8 |
| 30339-03 | Bearded Dragon | Nov. 8 | Sa | 10-11am | $8 |
| 30339-04 | Turtles | Dec. 6 | Sa | 10-11am | $8 |
REGISTER HERE
Night Fishing
You supply your family and/or kids and we will supply the rods, reels, bait, and instructions. This session conducted by the IDNR Fishing Instructors is free to attend, but you must pre-register. For more information or questions, email mdiamond@bartlettparks.org. (DG)
Required: Age 16 or older must have valid fishing license
Age: 8 and older, under 16 with an adult Limit: 8/35
Location: Beaver Pond, 994 W. Stearns Rd
Instructor: Nature Center Staff and Illinois Department of Natural Resources Staff
ID# Date Day Time Fee
30339-05 Sept. 6 Sa 5-8pm Free
REGISTER HERE
Family Fishing
We supply the rods, reels, bait, IDNR fishing instructors and “Fish ‘N Kids How-To-Fish” Instruction booklets. This is an outdoor program so be sure to dress for the weather. Drop a line with us at Beaver Pond. For more information or questions, email mdiamond@bartlettparks.org. (DG)
Required: Age 16 or older must have valid fishing license
Age: 8 and older, under 16 with an adult
Limit: 8/35
Location: Beaver Pond, 994 W. Stearns Rd
Instructor: Nature Center Staff and Illinois Department of Natural Resources Staff
ID# Date Day Time Fee
30339-06 Sept. 13 Sa 1-3pm Free
Star Hikes
Embark on an unforgettable celestial journey with our monthly astronomy class as we transform into a captivating planetarium for one special night each month. Suitable for families with aspiring astronomers join us as we explore the wonders of the cosmos. Sky observing is not just encouraged but celebrated, and aspiring astronomers are invited to keep sky journals to record their observations and reflections. Led by the talented astronomer Peggy Hernandez, Each session will have captivating indoor learning followed by outdoor exploration (weather permitting) under the star-studded canopy above or a sky tour using Stellarium software Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the cosmos and expand your understanding of the universe. (DG)
Age: 5 and older, under 16 with an adult
Limit: 15/40
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Peggy Hernandez
ID# Theme Date Day Time Fee
30339-07 Moon Phases & Eclipses Sept. 5 F 7:30-9pm $10
30339-08 Northern Lights Oct. 30 Th 6:30-8pm $10
30339-09 Leonids Meteor Shower Nov. 17 M 6-7:30pm $10
Guided Bird Walks
Be part of an immersive journey into the world of avian wonders at the state park, designed to cater to both novice bird enthusiasts and seasoned observers alike. With hands-on equipment assistance, engaging lectures, and outdoor classroom education, participants will gain valuable insights into bird identification skills through sight and song. Whether you’re new to birdwatching or a seasoned enthusiast, these walks offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature and people, and deepen your appreciation for our feathered friends. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and leave pets at home for this enriching and unforgettable experience in nature. (DG)
Required: Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and leave pets at home.
Age: Adults 18 and over
Limit: 15/40
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Peggy Hernandez
ID# Date Day Time Fee
30339-10 Sept. 23 Tu 9-10:30am $10
30339-11 Oct. 14 Tu 9-10:30am $10
Birding Basics
Bring your family out to start a new hobby this fall with Birding Basics. Class begins learning birding basics like colors and sizing before going outside to practice using binoculars on our bird walk. Geared towards getting youngsters interested in birdwatching by sight and song.
Age: Family, ages 7 and older, under 16 w/ adult
Limit: 15/40
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Peggy Hernandez
ID# Date Day Time Fee
30339-12 Oct. 4 Sa 9-10:30am $10
30339-13 Oct. 25 Sa 9-10:30am $10
NEW! World Wilderness Day
Step into the wild and celebrate World Wilderness Day with us at Bartlett Nature Center! This special day is dedicated to recognizing and preserving the wild places that inspire awe, support biodiversity, and remind us of the planet’s natural beauty. This day is perfect for anyone who loves the wild, wants to protect it, or just needs a breath of fresh air. Reconnect with nature, explore the beauty of the wilderness, and be part of something wild. (DG)
Age: All Ages, under 16 w/ adult
Limit: 15/40
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Nature Center Staff
ID# Date Day Time Fee
30339-14 Sept. 6 Sa 10am-1pm Free
NEW! World Habitat Day
Join us in honoring World Habitat Day with a day of discovery, education, and appreciation for the incredible ecosystems that surround us. Celebrate the habitats that support wildlife and learn how we can all help protect them. Come in and grab a Habitat Scavenger hunt an go out into James “Pate” Philip State Park to enjoy a self-guided hike to find animal habitats. Let’s celebrate the habitats we call home—together! (DG)
Age: All Ages, under 16 w/ adult
Limit: 15/40
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Nature Center Staff
ID# Date Day Time Fee
30339-15 Oct. 4 Sa 10am-1pm Free
NEW! National Hiking Day
Lace up your boots and hit the trails with us in celebration of National Hiking Day! Explore the natural beauty of Bartlett Nature Center on a self-guided hike designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful walk in nature, come enjoy the fresh air, changing leaves, and a little adventure with your community. Celebrate the joys of hiking.(DG)
Age: All Ages, under 16 w/ adult
Limit: 15/40
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Nature Center Staff
ID# Date Day Time Fee
30339-16 Nov. 15 Sa 10am-1pm Free
