Cancellation Policy
Activity fees are nonrefundable. No full or partial refunds will be given, except for camp cancellations with advance notice.
Activities
Experience Nature All Year Long
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List of Events
Nature Tots (Thursday Morning Series)
$150
Registration for this program is closed. Visit the Activities Calendar for more upcoming programs. Join Dodge Nature Preschool teacher Melissa Tobias, M. Ed., for a six-week fall series of Nature Tots classes! Curiosity will guide you through the Nature Tots program where families will explore the woodlands, farm, and animals at the nature center. Each class will include a group gathering time, a short walk outside (a quarter to a half mile) exploring Dodge’s ecosystems, a small snack, and a closing song. Through this program, adults will gain…
Find out more »Nature Tots (Friday Morning Series)
$150
Registration for this program is closed. Visit the Activities Calendar for more upcoming programs. Join Dodge Nature Preschool teacher Melissa Tobias, M. Ed., for a six-week fall series of Nature Tots classes! Curiosity will guide you through the Nature Tots program where families will explore the woodlands, farm, and animals at the nature center. Each class will include a group gathering time, a short walk outside (a quarter to a half mile) exploring Dodge’s ecosystems, a small snack, and a closing song. Through this…
Find out more »Outdoor Learning Day (Grades 1-2)
$75
Screens off—outdoor gear on! Spend a day at the nature center exploring ponds, forests, and prairies. Discover the lives of native plants and animals. Enjoy snacks around a campfire you’ll build yourself. Learn, explore, and play the Dodge Nature Center way!
Find out more »Outdoor Learning Day (Grades 3-4)
$75
Screens off—outdoor gear on! Spend a day at the nature center practicing outdoor skills. Build a survival shelter to protect yourself from the elements and cook food over a fire you’ll build yourself. Learn, explore, and play the Dodge Nature Center way!
Find out more »Taste and Learn: Charcuterie
$30
Impress your friends and loved ones with an elegant charcuterie board in this Taste and Learn program! Learn about the history of charcuterie, which types of foods are commonly used, how to create a charcuterie board to match a specific theme, and the art of arranging foods in creative, eye-catching displays. You’ll not only get to sample a variety of bites but also learn how to use foods to form flowers and other decorative features. Learning was never so delicious! Each participant…
Find out more »Pride Outside
Free
Pride Outside is back! Come to Dodge Nature Center to explore the changing seasons, learn something new in nature, and grow into your unique self in the outdoors. You’ll find an affirming community that welcomes students just as they are. Pride Outside is an after-school program for 5th-12th grade youth, of any sexual or gender identity, and LGBTQIA+ allies.
Find out more »Full Moon Forest Bathing
$30
Join Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy, certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, for a guided forest bathing experience! Forest bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. Forest bathing is significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified…
Find out more »Offices Closed – Trails Open
Dodge buildings and offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Trails are open during daylight hours for you to hike and explore!
Find out more »Holiday Cookies
$35
Join us for a 3-hour, hands-on baking class where you’ll learn how to mix, scoop, and bake delicious apple cider cookies and biscochitos, a traditional New Mexican sugar cookie. Our instructors will guide you through each step as you create these tasty treats. We’ll provide all the necessary baking supplies, so just bring your holiday spirit and love of cookies! Recipes include eggs, gluten, and lard.
Find out more »Winter Survival
$10
Could you survive a night outside in the winter? Learn how to stay warm and safe in cold weather by choosing the right clothing and practicing winter survival skills. Through hands-on activities, you’ll discover what it takes to thrive in the cold.
Find out more »Botanicals and Bubbles
$30
Treat yourself to a much-needed evening of relaxation and hands-on crafting. Skip the expensive boutique skin care products and discover how to whip up your own natural treatments at home!
Find out more »Winter Solstice Bonfire
$10
Celebrate the shortest day of the year outdoors at Dodge! Enjoy a guided hike with naturalists through the wintry woods, then warm up around a bonfire for toasty treats and stories.
Find out more »Offices Closed – Trails Open
Dodge buildings and offices will be closed for the holiday. Trails are open during daylight hours for you to hike and explore!
Find out more »Offices Closed – Trails Open
Dodge buildings and offices will be closed for the New Year's holiday. Trails are open during daylight hours for you to hike and explore!
Find out more »Pancake Breakfast
Free
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a breakfast of pancakes and pure maple syrup! Following your meal, come explore the Minnesota springtime tradition of maple syruping. On a naturalist-led hike, you'll learn about the process of maple sap collection and syrup production. This is a free, walk-in breakfast. To support environmental education for all at Dodge Nature Center and Preschool, donations are appreciated. Thank you to our partner Garlough Environmental Magnet School for hosting the breakfast in their cafeteria and gym.
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