Search Nature Programs through Online Registration
Nature Tots: Age 2-4 w/ adult
Join our engaging class at Bartlett Nature Center, where adults and kids explore new themes like Animal Homes, Trees, and Turtles through stories, songs, movement, and games. Enjoy guided outdoor activities that enhance social skills, motor and sensory development, and parent-child bonding, with all participants required to register and pay in advance. Price is for two participants; extra siblings are $8 each.
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Staff
| ID# | Program | Date | Day | Time | Fee (Reg. Req.) |
| 40330-01 | Animal Home | Jan. 16 | Th | 10-11am | $16 per parent/tot couple |
| 40330-02 | Forest Animals | Jan. 30 | Th | 10-11am | $16 per parent/tot couple |
| 40330-03 | Trees | Feb. 13 | Th | 10-11am | $16 per parent/tot couple |
| 40330-04 | Turtles | Feb. 27 | Th | 10-11am | $16 per parent/tot couple |
| 40330-05 | Birds | March 13 | Th | 10-11am | $16 per parent/tot couple |
| 40330-06 | Fish | March 27 | Th | 10-11am | $16 per parent/tot couple |
Astronomy Starry Nights: Families (age 5 and over with adult)
Come learn about stars, planets and the night sky with your friends and family. Each program will focus on a different type of astronomy, viewing as many constellations, planets and phenomenon as possible. We will begin with background information, show images in our astronomy auditorium about sunset, and then head outside for some real time viewing, weather permitting. The class is rain or shine, as we will adapt to the weather conditions.
Instructor: Bartlett Nature Center Astronomy Staff Member Peggy Hernandez
| ID# | Theme | Date | Day | Time | Fee (Reg. Req.) |
| 40339-07 | Venus & Saturn | Jan. 4 | Sa | 5-6:30pm | $10 per person |
| 40339-08 | Venus Highpoint | Feb. 1 | Sa | 5:30-7pm | $10 per person |
| 40339-09 | Saturn Ring Views | March 22 | Sa | 7:30-9pm | $10 per person |
Story Time
Enhance your child’s social skills and motor development while bonding in our interactive Story Time class, designed for meaningful parent/child connections in a small group setting. Each session features a new story and a focus on a different animal or habitat, with additional opportunities to explore the nature center and engage with staff after the program.
Prairie Hikes (Hike with Mike)
Get your mid-week spring-into-fitness vibe as you take a guided nature hike with expert Mike. Get your heart pumping and blood flowing while you learn to observe a beautiful state park – where no two hikes will be the same. Learn about wildlife, history of the park, and so much more when you Hike with Mike. *If you would like this hike for a different group, please call 847-608-3120 to request.
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee (Reg. Req.) |
| 40339-01 | March 5 | W | 9-10am | $10 |
| 40339-02 | March 12 | W | 9-10am | $10 |
| 40339-03 | March 19 | W | 9-10am | $10 |
| 40339-04 | March 26 | W | 9-10am | $10 |
Archery Program at Bartlett Nature Center
The archery program at Bartlett Nature Center is offered year-round. Shooting takes place outside unless the weather is inclement (winter).
All equipment is provided but recurve bows under 40 pounds are accepted; no compound bows or hunting arrows allowed. Private archery lessons are also available. Please call 847-608-3120 for pricing and information.
Required: Closed toe shoes
Location: Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Road at the James “Pate” Philip State Park
Instructor: Certified Bartlett Nature Center Archery Staff
Archery Night Out: 18 and over
| ID# | Theme | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 49696-22 | Games | Jan. 31 | F | 6-7:30pm | $16 |
| 49696-23 | Valentine’s | Feb. 14 | F | 6-7:30pm | $16 |
| 49696-24 | Jeopardy Trivia | Feb. 28 | F | 6-7:30pm | $16 |
| 49696-25 | Shamrocks | March 14 | F | 6-7:30pm | $16 |
| 49696-26 | Competitive Games | March 28 | F | 6-7:30pm | $16 |
Intro to Archery: 8 through adult
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 49696-01 | Feb. 1 | Sa | 10-11am | $20 |
| 49696-02 | March 1 | Sa | 10-11am | $20 |
| 49696-03 | March 29 | Sa | 10-11am | $20 |
Archery For Active Adults: 50 and over
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 49696-04 | Jan. 7 | Tu | 5-6pm | $17 |
| 49696-05 | Jan. 21 | Tu | 5-6pm | $17 |
| 49696-06 | Feb. 4 | Tu | 5-6pm | $17 |
| 49696-07 | Feb. 18 | Tu | 5-6pm | $17 |
| 49696-08 | March 4 | Tu | 5-6pm | $17 |
| 49696-09 | March 18 | Tu | 5-6pm | $17 |
Archery for Women: 18 and over
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee | |
| 49696-10 | Jan. 7 | Tu | 6-7pm | $17 | |
| 49696-11 | Jan. 21 | Tu | 6-7pm | $17 | |
| 49696-12 | Feb. 4 | Tu | 6-7pm | $17 | |
| 49696-13 | Feb. 18 | Tu | 6-7pm | $17 | |
| 49696-14 | March 4 | Tu | 6-7pm | $17 | |
| 49696-15 | March 18 | Tu | 6-7pm | $17 |
Open Shoot: 18 and over
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 49696-16 | Jan. 7 | Tu | 7-7:30pm | $10 |
| 49696-17 | Jan. 21 | Tu | 7-7:30pm | $10 |
| 49696-18 | Feb. 4 | Tu | 7-7:30pm | $10 |
| 49696-19 | Feb. 18 | Tu | 7-7:30pm | $10 |
| 49696-20 | March 4 | Tu | 7-7:30pm | $10 |
| 49696-21 | March 18 | Tu | 7-7:30pm | $10 |
Events
Snowshoe Rental
When snow is on the ground snowshoes are available for rent through the Nature Center.
Snowshoe Rental
Winterfest: Returns in Winter 2026
Break your cabin fever and experience winter on the prairie. Adopt-A-Husky will be at the Bartlett Nature Center with their teams of Siberian Huskies and Sleds. Watch as they run our mile trail and learn about the history of dog sledding and the equipment they use. Additional indoor and outdoor activities will be taking place including an Iditarod slideshow presentation, snowshoeing and more. To ensure a safe and fun environment, please leave your own dogs at home. This event is FREE, requires no advanced registration, however donations are welcome. Please call
847-608-3120, or visit bartlettnaturecenter.org for more information. This event is held in partnership with Adopt-A-Husky.
Day Off Nature Camp
Each day will be different at Nature Center with a variety of activities including hiking, wildlife tracking, projects, experiments, campfire cooking, and survival skills. Down time includes a movie.
Registration Deadline: one week prior to class date.
Grade: K-6th
Location: Bartlett Nature Center (2054 W. Stearns Rd, James “Pate” Philip State Park
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 38517-06 | December 26 | Th | 9am-3pm | $55 |
| 38517-07 | December 27 | F | 9am-3pm | $55 |
| 38517-08 | December 30 | M | 9am-3pm | $55 |
| 38517-09 | January 2 | Th | 9am-3pm | $55 |
| 38517-10 | January 3 | F | 9am-3pm | $55 |
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. While cell phone usage is restricted, rest assured that in case of emergencies, our attentive staff will promptly assist and ensure the safety of your child.
All registration closes 5 days prior to camp start date.
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 38514-06 | December 26 | Th | 7:30-9am | $10 |
| 38514-07 | December 27 | F | 7:30-9am | $10 |
| 38514-08 | December 30 | M | 7:30-9am | $10 |
| 38514-09 | January 2 | Th | 7:30-9am | $10 |
| 38514-10 | January 3 | F | 7:30-9am | $10 |
| ID# | Date | Day | Time | Fee |
| 38514-11 | December 26 | Th | 3-6pm | $10 |
| 38514-12 | December 27 | F | 3-6pm | $10 |
| 38514-13 | December 30 | M | 3-6pm | $10 |
| 38514-14 | January 2 | Th | 3-6pm | $10 |
| 38514-15 | January 3 | F | 3-6pm | $10 |
Spread the holiday cheer this year by supporting the animals at Bartlett Nature Center. Select a tag from the tree or print a tag from linked Wishmas Tree Tags wording below and bring your gift to the nature center. Open M-F 9am-4pm or Saturday 9am-12noon (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day). Thank you for making our animal dreams come true.
