Youth and Family Weekend Programs
Click on the each program title to register. Programs with an (*) are eligible for a member discount (Pacesetters and above). Advance registration encouraged – events may be cancelled if minimum not met.
*NATURE WORX FAMILY NATURE IMMERSION SESSION & YOGA
Nature Worx goes outside to go inside! This innovative, internationally recognized non-profit delivers 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 Fall at Irvine, Nature Worx will offer nature immersion programs grounded in mindfulness, evidence-based practices, and the belief that nature is a powerful source of healing, growth, and personal transformation. These 90-minute sessions include guided experiences that incorporate sensory awareness, nature observation, reflection and mindful movement. You may experience nature in a way you never have before! Wrap up with a fun family yoga session with Irvine’s Animal Care Manager and Environmental Educator, Mallory Mlynarek. Ideal for families with children ages 6+
Instructor: Nature Worx and Irvine’s Animal Care Manager and Environmental Educator, Mallory Mlynarek
Saturday, September 20th
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Cost: $20/adult and $12/ children ages 6 to 18
Advance registration encouraged.
*MAKE & TAKE: MAKING WALNUT INK
Guided by Environmental educator and artist, Brittany Roger, hike through Irvine’s forest collecting Black Walnut husks. Together participants will boil the husks, and each will take home a small vial of their very own Black Walnut ink. Ideal for adults and children ages 10+
Instructor: Brittany Roger, Manager of School Programs
Saturday, September 27th
12:00 – 3:00PM
Cost: $25/participant
This event has been canceled.
*MAKE & TAKE: NATURE ART PRINTS- CYANOTYPES
Guided by Environmental educator and artist, Ash Miller, learn the art of cyanotype printing. This process, dating back to the nineteenth century, employs chemicals and light exposure to capture an image. Using leaves, flowers, and other natural materials, make and take home your very own beautiful cyanotype prints on both paper and fabric. Ideal for ages 10+.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator & Animal Care Coordinator
Sunday, September 28th
1:00 – 2:30PM
Cost: $15/participant
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*SOLD OUT – PICNIC & SQUARE DANCE: A MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT, GREAT FOR ALL AGES!
Attention Members! You are invited to the 2025 members-only picnic & square dance! Calling all Irvine members and friends! Join us for an evening of fun, food, games, live music, and square dancing. Together with old time fiddle music accompanying our revels, we will learn the Virginia Reel and other favorite barn dances. It will be a night of boisterous fun for our favorite supporters- you, our members! Meet some of Irvine’s animal ambassadors, play in the Outdoor Classroom, explore the Exhibit Hall, and enjoy games and crafts inspired by nature. Tickets include dinner, drinks & dancing! This program is great for ALL AGES.
Instructors: Kim Forry & The New Southern Cow Tippers
Friday, October 3rd
6:00 – 9:00PM
Cost: $25/individual
Early Bird Tickets: $14/person, ages 12+ or $8/child, ages 2-11 (children under 2 are free)
Pricing after September 15, 2025: $20/person, ages 12+ or $12/child, ages 2-11 (children under 2 are free)
For groups of 10+ please contact Laura at 443-738-9215.
*SOLD OUT- FALL HIKE: MUSHROOM ROMP
Join Environmental Educator Ash Miller for a stroll through Irvine’s woods in search of seasonal mushrooms!
We will discuss just what is a fungus, what types you may see locally, and which species are edible. Ideal for ages 5+
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator & Animal Care Coordinator
Sunday, October 19th
1:00 – 3:00PM
Cost: $5/participant
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*DREAM CATCHER WORKSHOP
Have you always wanted to know how to make a dream catcher? Well here is your chance! Learn the art of weaving and create a 7-7 1/2 dream catcher. Hoops, beads, and feathers are provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own personal embellishments they’d like to incorporate. Dream catchers are not only beautiful, but can also be healing, meditative, and give rise to a hidden artistic side you never knew you had! This event is ideal for adults and children ages 12+
Instructor: Michelle Moreau, founder of Circle Of Dawn
Sunday, November 2nd
1:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: $40/individual
This event has been cancelled.
*MAKE & TAKE: TERRARIUM BUILDING WORKSHOP
Create your own mini-habitat in this hands-on Terrarium Building Workshop! Using various tiny plants and mosses you’ll learn how to design a beautiful terrarium in semi-enclosed glass bowls. This workshop is great for anyone 12 years and older to learn how to create and care for their own little environment. Participants will personalize their terrarium by selecting their plants and, if you so desire, a new small world figurine. All materials are provided. Ideal for ages 12+
Instructor: Colby Bieschke, Director of Summer Nature Camp and Manager of Nature Camps
Saturday, November 8th
1:00 – 2:30PM
Cost: $45/participant
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
*PAJAMA PARTY WITH IRVINE’S ANIMALS
We are back with our popular PJ Party with Irvine’s Animals program! Take this unique opportunity to you ever wondered what Irvine’s animals are up to when the sun goes down? Take this unique opportunity to visit with them and see who is energized by the dark. Some of the creatures out and about may surprise you! Come wearing your coziest PJ’s and get ready for a fun evening exploring our exhibit hall with a scavenger hunt (flashlights provided), a story, popcorn, and an animal encounter. This event is ideal for children ages 6+
Instructor: Mallory Mlynarek, Animal Care Manager and Environmental Educator
Saturday, November 15th
6:45 – 8:00PM
Cost: $10/child (Accompanying adult is free)
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
* INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CELEBRATION AT IRVINE!
Join Irvine educators and community members as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Month at this Free Event! Explore Irvine’s Native American Educational Site with its longhouse and wigwams.
Take this opportunity to engage in a number of hands-on activities and demonstrations of ancestral skills–grind corn, throw an atlatl, try your hand at starting a friction fire, make cordage, a buckskin bracelet and more! American Indians have made, and continue to make, lasting contributions to our nation in every arena. Take part in celebrating their achievements and learn about some of their history in Maryland. A great event for all ages.
Irvine’s Native American Educational Site, built in partnership with the Baltimore American Indian Center, is a 15-minute walk from the parking lot. Guided hikes to the site will occur at designate times throughout the event, and the route will also be clearly marked for self-guided walks. Please provide advance notice if you require transportation to the site.
Instructors: Irvine Educators
Sunday, November 23rd
10:30AM – 3:30PM (come any time during event window)
Cost: FREE- A Donation to the Baltimore American Indian Center is encouraged
Pre-registration is encouraged.
*HOLIDAYS WITH HOOT
Celebrate the season with Irvine’s premier family event. Meet our animal ambassador owls to learn more about these amazing birds up close. Enjoy games and crafts, from making holiday gifts to creating a beautiful evergreen swag. Hunt for animals on a scavenger hunt. Enjoy hot chocolate with a game of winter bingo and get photos with Irvine’s mascot, HOOT! Great fun for the whole family.
Instructors: Irvine Educators & Volunteers
Saturday, December 6th 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Early Bird Price: $10/child (ages 2+) Accompanying adults are free
Pricing After 12/1/25: $15/child (ages 2+) Accompanying adults are free
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met.
