Weekend Programs
Click on the each program title to register. Programs with an (*) are eligible for a member discount (Pacesetters and above).
Youth and Family Programs
*Magical Monarchs – a family program
Learn about the magic of metamorphosis as we meet crawling caterpillars, a sparkling chrysalis and beautiful butterflies. Can you drink like a butterfly? How about telling the difference from a girl and boy monarch? Want to try your luck on a caterpillar hunt? A morning of hands-on-fun, learning about this very special butterfly. This program is intended for children ages 3+.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Saturday, September 10th
10:30-1:30AM
Cost: $10 per child
*Family Night Hike
Enjoy the opportunity to explore Irvine’s grounds at dusk while witnessing and listening to native woodland critters. Meet Naturalist Paige at the tent for a brief introduction followed by an hour-long guided hike, followed by a campfire with S’mores! Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. This program is intended for adults and children age 4+.
Instructor: Paige Vance, Naturalist
Saturday, September 17th
6:00 – 7:30PM
Cost: $10 per participant
*Fall Flights of Feathered Friends
Did you know that even though you rarely hear them sing there are more birds to be seen during autumn than any other time of year? And Irvine is a great place to explore the diversity of east coast birds! Become better acquainted with the field marks, habits, and timing of dozens of migrants which pass through Irvine’s woods, meadows, and wetlands every fall, en route to warmer climes to the south. Join Irvine’s resident bird nerd for a 2-hour guided hike. Beginning birders welcome; no experience necessary! This program is intended for Adults and Children 10+
Instructor: Brian Rollfinke, Director of Education
Sunday, September 18th, October 2nd, October 16th
8:00-10:00AM
Cost: $10 per participant
*Creepy and Curious Creatures!
Join Irvine’s Animal Caretakers for an up-close look at some of Irvine’s coolest animals and what makes them so special! This program will shed light on some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures from snakes to vultures. Meet Naturalists Mallory and Paige under the tent for an animal presentation, followed by a nature-based craft project. This program is intended for children 6+.
Instructor: Mallory Mlynarek + Paige Vance, Animal Caretakers + Environmental Educators
Friday, September 30th
6:30 – 7:30PM
Cost: $10 per child (accompanying adult is free)
*Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Visit Irvine’s re-created Native American site to learn more about Maryland’s First People. Families can learn about pre-colonial American Indian culture in the eastern region with hands-on activities and demonstrations of traditional skills. Help with the harvest of our 3 sisters garden, grind corn, throw an atlatl, try your hand at starting a friction fire, make cordage and more. Native American Indians have made, and continue to make, lasting contributions to our nation in every arena. Help celebrate their achievements and learn about just some of their history. This program is intended for families with children 6+.
Please note: Irvine’s Native American Educational Site is a 15-minute walk from the parking lot, and will be clearly marked. Guided hikes to the site will depart from the parking lot at 11, 12, and 1pm. If you require transportation to the site, please notify us in advance.
Instructor: Irvine’s Environmental Educators
Saturday, October 8th
11:00AM – 3:00PM
Cost: $15 per participant
We are pleased to donate a portion of the program fee to the Baltimore American Indian Center.
*Animal Treat & Trickery
Visit Irvine during the spooktacular season leading up to Halloween. Join Irvine’s Animal Caretakers, Mallory & Paige, for a special animal encounter and to learn about the tricks animals play in the wild. After the trickery, enjoy a special treat! This program is perfect for families with children age 6+.
Instructor: Mallory Mlynarek + Paige Vance, Animal Caretakers + Environmental Educators
Saturday, October 22nd
1:00 – 2:30PM
Cost: $10 per child (accompanying adult is free)
*Nuts About Squirrels!
Have you ever wondered how squirrels survive the winter? What do squirrels eat when the ground is frozen and the trees have no leaves? Join Naturalist Paige for lots of fun as we learn how squirrels prepare for the cold winter months! This program is intended for children 6+, with accompanying parent.
Instructor: Paige Vance, Naturalist
Saturday, November 19th
10:00 – 11:00AM
Cost: $10 per child (accompanying adult is free)
*#OPTOUTSIDE – Families Hike and Campfire
Ignore the mall and take a chance to stretch your legs after all that food. Hike with Irvine naturalist Clare and hunt for signs of the many animals that call Irvine home as we explore how they are preparing for winter. Then gather round a campfire to toast some s’mores and listen to a traditional Thanksgiving story. Dress for the weather. This program is intended for families with children ages 4+.
Instructor: Dr. Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Friday, November 25th
2:00 – 3:30PM
Cost: $5 per participant
*Holidays With Hoot – a great family event!
Irvine Nature Center presents HOLIDAYS WITH HOOT – a fun, nature-based holiday event. Celebrate the season at this delightful morning of family activities. Meet our animal ambassador owls and learn more about these amazing birds up close. Create crafts and play games inspired by nature. Enjoy hot chocolate around a campfire and get pictures with Irvine’s special ambassador: HOOT!
Instructors: Irvine’s Environmental Educators
Saturday, December 10th
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Early Bird Price: $10 per child (or $15 per child, if purchased after 12/1/22) Adults and children under 2 are FREE
