Youth and Family Weekend Programs
CLICK ON PROGRAM NAME TO REGISTER. All programs are eligible for member discounts (Pacesetters and above) unless noted with (*). Advance registration encouraged – events may be cancelled if minimums are not met.
NATURE BY THE FIRE- ANIMALS IN WINTER CAMPFIRE – SOLD OUT
Warm up by the fire and enjoy roasting marshmallows, hot cocoa, an animal encounter, and hands-on activities as we investigate how different types of animals handle the chilly winter weather. All ages are welcome.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator & Animal Care Coordinator
Friday, January 16th
5:30 – 7:00PM
Cost: $5/participant
INTRO TO WATERCOLOR PAINTING
Learn how to use watercolors—even if you hate watercolor! We’ll practice different techniques and tricks before putting it all together. Your take-home piece can be a landscape, an animal; anything you like. You’re set up for success with MICA-trained artist, Brittany Roger. All supplies provided. Paper will be 8×10. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies. Ideal for ages 7+ (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Instructor: Brittany Roger, Manager of School Programs
Saturday, January 24th
1:00 – 3:00PM
Cost: $20/participant
NATURE BY THE FIRE- ANIMALS IN LOVE
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, one campfire at a time! Ideal for all ages.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator and Animal Care Coordinator
Friday, February 6th
5:30 – 6:30PM
Cost: $5/participant and FREE for members
Future dates include: March 7th, April 3rd, May 2nd
MAPLE MAGIC
It may sound sappy, but there’s magic in our trees at this time of year! Join Irvine’s naturalists for an outdoor hike-n-learn in great taste. Learn how to identify maple trees and why this is peak season for collecting sap. Practice using a hand drill to experience how trees are tapped, check buckets for sap and see how the sticky fluid is converted into syrup over fires and an evaporator. You’ll even get a taste of this liquid gold as a reward for all the hard work. This event is great for the entire family.
Multiple Sessions offered:
Sunday, February 8th, 10:00-11:30AM– POSTPONED
Sunday, February 8th, 1:00-2:30PM– POSTPONED
Saturday, February 14th, 10:00-11:30AM
Saturday, February 14th, 1:00-2:30PM
Saturday, February 28th, 9:00-11:30AM **MEMBERS ONLY Pancake Breakfast**
Sunday, March 8th, 10:00-11:30AM
Sunday, March 8th, 1:00-2:30PM
Cost: $8 (children under 3 are free)
Limited space available, pre-registration encouraged. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
MAPLE MAGIC 2026 is sponsored in part by Wegmans. We are grateful for their support.
PLAYING WITH FIRE FOR WOMEN YOUNG & OLD
Learn the art of fire building in a fun and supportive environment. Discover where to find dry wood and tinder even in winter, which woods burn best and how to build and start a fire. Try using ferro rods, experiment with everyday fire-starting materials from lip balm to hand sanitizer and much more. Even try some safe wood splitting! Everyone will take home a small fire-starter kit. We will keep a kettle on the fire for hot drinks. *Including anyone who self-identifies as female. This program is ideal for women and young women ages 12+.
Instructor: Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Sunday, March 1st
2:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: $20/participant
NATURE BY THE FIRE- NOCTURNAL NEIGHBORS
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, one campfire at a time! Ideal for all ages.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator and Animal Care Coordinator
Saturday, March 7th
5:30 – 6:30PM
Cost: $5/participant and FREE for members
Future dates include: April 3rd, May 2nd
AMPHIBIANS AFTER HOURS NIGHT HIKE
Join Irvine Animal Programs Manager Mallory Mlynarek for a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Irvine’s amphibians after dark! We will search for Spring Peepers, Wood Frogs, Salamanders, and many more. If you have never heard the chorus of frogs in the springtime, this event is one you won’t want to miss! Ideal for ages 8+.
*Please wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with a good tread.
Instructor: Mallory Mlynarek, Manager of Animal Care
Saturday, March 14th
7:00 – 8:30PM
Cost: $10/participant
NATURE BY THE FIRE- BUGS AND BONFIRES
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, one campfire at a time! Ideal for all ages.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator and Animal Care Coordinator
Friday, April 3rd
5:30 – 6:30PM
Cost: $5/participant and FREE for members
Future dates include: May 2nd
KID’S NIGHT OUT- NEAT NOCTURNAL NEIGHBORS
Join Irvine environmental educators for a fun-filled evening learning about Maryland’s nocturnal creatures! We will start with a curious hike in search of animals who are just starting to stir, followed by a pizza dinner, along with nocturnal animal-themed games and art. We will finish up with a bonfire and s’mores and an exciting animal encounter. Kids will have a blast while parents get a well-deserved break! This is a drop-off program. Great for ages 6 to 12.
Instructors: Mallory Mylnarek, Animal Care Manager, and Irvine Environmental Educators
Friday, April 24th
5:30 – 8:30PM
Cost: $30/participant
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
NATURE BY THE FIRE- BLOOMING BUDS
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, one campfire at a time! Ideal for all ages.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator and Animal Care Coordinator
Saturday, May 2nd
5:30 – 6:30PM
Cost: $5/participant and FREE for members
SPRINGFEST 2026- A GREAT EVENT FOR FAMILIES
Join us for SpringFest 2026 – an Irvine family favorite!
Get ready for a fun-filled day of outdoor adventure and family-friendly activities as we welcome the vibrant season of spring! Enjoy nature adventures, creative arts, spring-themed games and more. Discover blooming flowers, buzzing pollinators and other seasonal wonders during a nature scavenger hunt, plant flower seeds to take home, and spot all sorts of feathered friends as you hike along the shady Understory Trail to the beautiful Woodland Garden – in all its fully blooming glory! Enjoy special encounters with Irvine’s animal ambassadors and a special appearance by HOOT, Irvine’s Owl-Pal. Ideal for ages 3-7.
Saturday, May 2nd10:00AM-12:00PM $10 per child* (early-bird price through April 15)
$15 per child* (if purchased after April 15)
*adults and children under 2 FREE
Register early and save! Do not delay – event will sell out.
INTRO TO WATERCOLOR- PAINTING FLOWERS
Learn how to use watercolors—even if you hate watercolor! We’ll practice different techniques and tricks before putting it all together. Your take-home piece can be a landscape, bouquets or a single flower — anything you like. You’re set up for success with MICA-trained artist, Brittany Roger. All supplies provided. Paper will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies–if they prefer. Ideal for ages 7+ (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Instructor: Brittany Roger, Manager of School Programs
Sunday, May 24th
1:00 – 3:00PM
Cost: $20/participant
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
NATURE WORX: CALMING HOUR FOR CAREGIVERS
Nature Worx offers nature-based experiential programs designed to help participants slow down, reduce stress, and access inner calm–while fully basking in the beauty and restorative power of the outdoors.
This special session is for moms, dads, and other caregivers who need 90 minutes of much-deserved respite to help calm the mind, energize the body, and reconnect with the natural world. You will be guided through a sensory awareness exercise, nature observations, reflection, and mindful movement during this class and will wrap up with a 30-minute restorative yoga session with Irvine’s Animal Care Manager, Mallory Mlynarek. If you choose to bring your children (ages 4 and up are welcome), Irvine teachers will keep them busy with fun nature activities while you get to fully experience the restorative benefits of a guided nature saunter in the woods. Step away from the noise, breathe, and experience the rejuvenating power of the woods. Great for adults (child care provided for children ages 4+).
* Please bring your own yoga mat for the yoga portion of the session*
Instructor: Nature Worx guides, Irvine Environmental Educators, and Mallory Mlynarek, Animal Care Manager
Sunday, May 24th
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: Suggested cost per person $20. Siding scale (pay what you can available)
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
