Environmental Education Outdoor Classroom for Kids at Retzer Nature Center
Environmental Education Outdoor Classroom for Kids at Retzer Nature Center. Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.
Families, caregivers, home school groups, scout troops and more…supplement your learner’s virtual education experience with an environmental education outdoor classroom program at Retzer Nature Center.
The Outdoor Classroom Series: Environmental Education
Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.
Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost is $6 per child per class date, adults are free.
Programs take place on select Wednesdays.
Programs are mostly outdoors; please dress for the weather. If inclement weather, activities may relocate indoors.
Please register online; sorry, no walk-ins.
*May 20, 2026 session is held at Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4
*June 10, 2026 session is held at Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area
*June 10, 2026 session is held at Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area
The Outdoor Classroom Series: Environmental Education Upcoming Programs:
MAY 6 — Warblers & What Not: Explore the trails at Retzer as we look and listen for birds, and learn why warblers are unique.
MAY 20 — Nature Exploration: Explore an old-growth forest, spring ephemeral flowers, diverse animal habitats, and more.
JUNE 3 — Flex Your Freshwater Mussels: Learn the fascinating life cycle and benefits (or not) of having Mussels in our Wisconsin waters.
JUNE 10 — Crazy Crayfish: See Crayfish in their natural habitat, learn about their life cycle, and discover more about these fascinating creatures.
JUNE 17 — Colors in Nature: Come explore how humans and animals perceive colors differently, and how different colors help plants, animals, and insects survive.
JUNE 24 — Terrific Turtles: Enjoy a visit from Retzer’s turtles! See how their physical and behavioral traits can help them survive.
JULY 8 — Animal Classifications: Let’s break down how animals are grouped and learn some cool scientific terms in the process.
JULY 15 — Family Biolitz: Learn how to Bioblitz – a citizen-science party to see the biodiversity of an ecosystem in particular areas.
JULY 22 — Your Actions Matter: We will learn what it means to close the recycling loop during our interactive Recycling Exhibit tour and hands-on activities.
JULY 29 — The Heat is On – Sunprints: We will explore cool things about the sun and see how it makes our art pieces beautiful.
AUGUST 5 — Dragonflies & Damselfies: Join us as we learn about Dragonflies and Damselflies, explore their habitat, and safely catch and release them.
AUGUST 12 — Hoppers: There are many different species of “hoppers” in Wisconsin; let’s learn how to identify a variety of these active critters.
AUGUST 26 — Bumble Bee Survey: Join us as we learn about different kinds of bumble bees found in the Retzer Children’s Garden and prairie.
MAY 20 — Nature Exploration: Explore an old-growth forest, spring ephemeral flowers, diverse animal habitats, and more.
JUNE 3 — Flex Your Freshwater Mussels: Learn the fascinating life cycle and benefits (or not) of having Mussels in our Wisconsin waters.
JUNE 10 — Crazy Crayfish: See Crayfish in their natural habitat, learn about their life cycle, and discover more about these fascinating creatures.
JUNE 17 — Colors in Nature: Come explore how humans and animals perceive colors differently, and how different colors help plants, animals, and insects survive.
JUNE 24 — Terrific Turtles: Enjoy a visit from Retzer’s turtles! See how their physical and behavioral traits can help them survive.
JULY 8 — Animal Classifications: Let’s break down how animals are grouped and learn some cool scientific terms in the process.
JULY 15 — Family Biolitz: Learn how to Bioblitz – a citizen-science party to see the biodiversity of an ecosystem in particular areas.
JULY 22 — Your Actions Matter: We will learn what it means to close the recycling loop during our interactive Recycling Exhibit tour and hands-on activities.
JULY 29 — The Heat is On – Sunprints: We will explore cool things about the sun and see how it makes our art pieces beautiful.
AUGUST 5 — Dragonflies & Damselfies: Join us as we learn about Dragonflies and Damselflies, explore their habitat, and safely catch and release them.
AUGUST 12 — Hoppers: There are many different species of “hoppers” in Wisconsin; let’s learn how to identify a variety of these active critters.
AUGUST 26 — Bumble Bee Survey: Join us as we learn about different kinds of bumble bees found in the Retzer Children’s Garden and prairie.
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