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All Ages Programs
At Springbrook Nature Center, there is something for everyone! We have regular programming that is great for adults, kids and families. No experience is needed for any of our programs - we'll teach you everything you need to know!
- Friday Night by Firelight
- Animal Feedings
- Lantern Light Hike
- Environmental Fun Fair
- Outdoor Adventures
- Bike Programs
- Winterfest
- Phenology Hikes
- Summer Concert Series
- Migration Celebration
- Bird Banding
Friday Night By Firelight
It's time for some entertaining education for you and the whole family. Come out to the nature center amphitheater to hear from entertaining educators about the things they are most passionate about. This program is free to the public due to the generous sponsorship of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation.
Fall 2023 Schedule
September 8, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Gibbs Farm, Dakota Talk. Learn about the Dakota, Minnesota’s first people, and their seasonal life in the 1800’s.
September 15, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Storyteller Katie Knutson. Join us for an exciting evening with storyteller Katie Knutson as she weaves an engaging story of adventure.
September 22, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. River Valley Raptors! Learn all about raptors from the amazing River Valley Raptors folks.
Animal Feedings
Update: Our Animal feeding program is returning on a limited basis!
When we can have them, they will be on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. Check our Facebook page on Fridays!
Have you ever wondered how snakes eat, what’s for breakfast when you’re a turtle, or how a salamander finds a meal? This is the program for you. Watch our exhibit animals enjoy a delicious meal while a naturalist explains their feeding behaviors and taste preferences. Experience the predator-prey relationship in front of your eyes!
There is no charge to attend this program.
Lantern Light Hikes
Fridays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Bundle up and get ready to hike at Springbrook using the light of glowing lanterns to guide your way. Listen for owls hooting, keep your eyes peeled for elusive nocturnal animals, and warm up by the fire along the way. If snowpack allows, snowshoe rental will be available as supplies last.
Registration required, $5 per person. Children 5 and under are free. Register online by hitting the "Register Online" button at the top of the page, or by calling the nature center at: 763-572-3588.
Please check in at Springbrook's front desk for the event. If snowpack allows, snowshoes will be available to rent for $5/pair, while supplies last. Click on the links below to register!
December 8, 2023
January 12, 2024
February 9, 2024
March 8, 2024
Saturday, April 22 11 am - 2 pm
Join us for a free family-friendly event that celebrates Earth Day. Visit educational exhibitors, be entertained by Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade Band, participate on an interactive hike, and more!
Click HERE to find more details about this year's event.
Outdoor Adventures
This private program series is for small family/friend groups consisting of no more than 15 people. There is no age limit for this program, but a parent/guardian must be in attendance for all registrants under the age of 18. Whether you are age 5 or 50, we will create an adventure for your group. The program will be entirely outside and will begin at our picnic shelter.
Fees and Availability
Fees: $50, up to 15 people total, regardless of age.
Availability: Monday - Sunday 10 am - 11:30 am or 2 pm - 3:30 pm.
Topics
Explore the topics and choose what is best for you! If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call and we will help you build your own adventure!
Survival
See if you have what it takes to build a shelter from scratch and start a fire without matches! *fire starting age requirement is 8 years old and up.
Archery
Learn the basics of archery starting with what came before the modern bow. *recommended age of children is 7 years old and up.
Pond Exploration
Learn about the wetlands of Springbrook from inside them! Whether you dip in a hand or jump in with both feet we’ll get an up-close view of our ponds and the creatures inside them.
Insect Discovery
Dive into the secret world of insects within Springbrook’s Prairies. We’ll get up close to the diverse world of insects and how they color our landscapes.
Build Your Own Adventure
If your interests don’t fit any of the adventures above, we’ll work with you to build an adventure that fits your interests.
Booking Your Program
Are you ready to get started with your Outdoor Adventure? Call the nature center at 763-572-3588 and book your program today! Time slots are limited, don’t wait.
Bike Programs
No bike? No problem! We recently received an Anoka County SHIP grant for a fleet of bicycles and are excited to offer these biking opportunities to Age 13+ to Adults! Bicycles and helmets are provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
To sign up click register online, then click "Bike Programs" under the "All ages" tab
Birding By Bike
It's time for a birdwatching adventure! The program will start at Springbrook Nature Center and take regional bike trails to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park before heading back. We will pass through wetland, prairie, river floodplain, and oak forest habitats. Distance 7-9 miles.
Bike with a Naturalist
Join us for a leisurely bike ride led by a naturalist! Ask questions, explore, and learn about the environment.
Saturday, January 21 11 am - 2 pm, FREE
Outdoor Activities
Snow Painting
Medallion Hunt (clues start at 11:30 am)
S'mores/Hot Chocolate
Candy Cane Dig
Story Hike, presented by Anoka County Libraries
Try out our Snowshoes
Micro Sledding
Snowball Launcher
Ice Bowling
Zumbo Demo (11:30 & 12:15)
Kicksledding
Fat Tire Bike Demo (Anoka County Parks)
Campfires (hosted by Fridley Lions and a Local Boy Scout Troop)
Indoor Activities
Winter Gear Pick Up (need warm gear, come inside and pick up what you need, free of charge)
Fridley Recycling
North Suburban Center for the Arts (art craft)
Fridley ECFE (art craft)
Anoka County Library Storytime (11:30 am and 12:30 pm)
Fridley Fire Department Winter Fire Safety Presentation (1:15 pm)
Join a naturalist on a hike around scenic Springbrook and see how the environment changes throughout the summer. The hikes are geared towards adults, and will involve a lot of walking, but families are welcome. These free hikes will take place on:
June 16th from 10-11am
July 14th from 10-11am
August 18th from 10-11am
Call Springbrook Nature Center to Register. 763-572-3588
Registration is available until the day of the event, with a maximum of 15 people per hike.
Summer Concert Series
Join us in the Springbrook Nature Center Amphitheater for some great live music! These concerts are free to attend and great for all ages. Concerts are generously supported by the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, some insect repellent and get ready for a fun night outdoors. *Dogs are not allowed unless they are a trained service dog.
Concert Schedule
June 20 at 7:00 p.m. - Talking Strings Quintet
Talking Strings Quintet will delight concert goers with their acoustical world jazz.
July 18 at 7:00 p.m. - Anthony Miltich
Anthony Miltich is known for his distinctive acoustical pieces and we are happy to welcome him back again this year.
August 15 at 7:00 p.m. - Blue Groove Bluegrass
Join us as Blue Groove closes out our summer concert series. They perform a variety of fun bluegrass music which is sure to get toes tapping.
Children's Concert/Musical
August 11 at 11:00 a.m. - Madagascar, Jr
Madagascar Jr is a musical, based on the DreamWorks movie, Madagascar! Join us for this fun and exciting performance from ETC Productions. Sponsored by the Anoka County Library.
Saturday, May 13th 11 am - 2 pm, FREE
Join us to celebrate Springbrook Nature Center’s Migration Celebration event! This is an annual event to celebrate the return of our migratory birds including programs and activities for all ages.
Activities
- Come along for our guided bird hikes on trails throughout the nature center with binoculars available for use!
- Head out on our story hike to learn about how birds build their nests.
- Try the craft station to put the nest building you learned about to the test.
- Grab some take home bird themed activities, coloring sheets, and learn how to make some homemade bird feeders!
- Give Migrating a try at our Great Migration Game station.
Learn from the experts!
- Live Raptors with Wildlife Science Center
- Bird Facts Station with a Naturalist
- Tables hosted by Local groups.
- Art Gallery from North Suburban Center for the Arts with bird themed art by local artists.
Springbrook's Bird Banding Program Ends After 35 Years
After 35 years of dedication to the bird banding citizen science project, this was our last bird banding program. We thank all our volunteers for their hard word, dedication, and ability to work in harsh weather conditions, buggy situations, and with great joy for decades.