Public Programs
Register Online
Youth Programs
We have regular and seasonal programming that are designed for youth ages 2-16!
Looking for more programming? Check out our All ages section.
Playful Polliwogs
Welcome to Playful Polliwogs! Join us for this parent-child class at the Springbrook Nature Center. We will start our adventures indoors for check-in, listen to a story, and move outside for an activity related to our topic. Help your Polliwog to learn through adventure and play!
$5 per child, adults do not need to register. Each child must be accompanied by one adult. Registration is preferred but drop-ins are allowed.
Upcoming Dates
Playful Polliwogs typically runs the last Tuesday of each month from September- May.
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2024:
- November 26 - Turkeys
- No December 2024 date
2025:
- January 28 - Winter Homes
- February 25 - Groundhogs
- March 25 - Bird Songs
- April 29 - Rain
- May 27 - Flowers
- June, July, August - BREAK
- September 30 - Colors
- October 28 - Squirrels
- November 25 - Animal Tracks
- December 30 - Deer
Preschool Nature Club
Bring your four- and five-year-olds to our half-day nature club where we will play in the creek, search for bugs, and run in the woods.
Children must be completely bathroom independent to attend. Registration is required.
Registration for 2024-2025 school year sessions begins June 1, 2024.
Session Information
10-week sessions run from 10 a.m. - noon on Thursdays.
- Fall 2024 Session: September 5 - November 14
- Winter 2025 Session: January 9 - March 13
- Spring 2025 Session: March 27 - May 29
$125/child per session. Fall session registration is open!
Springbrook Coloring Pages
Thanks to Naturalist Emily, we are able to provide you with fun coloring pages inspired by the places and things you might find on a trip to Springbrook. Enjoy!
We’d love to see your creations! If you choose to color any of these pages, please share them with us on the Springbrook Nature Center Facebook page #ColoringSpringbrook.
Adult Programs
Who says that kids have all the fun? We have programs and events designed specifically for adults! There are date nights, tasting events and more. These programs are adults-only or adult focused.
Bike Programs
No bike? No problem! After awarded an Anoka County SHIP grant, we received a fleet of bicycles and are excited to offer these biking opportunities to Age 15+ to Adults! Bicycles and helmets are provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Fridley Environmental Bike Tour
September 16 form 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Join Fridley’s Environmental Planner Rachel Workin and Springbrook Naturalist Cody Rossetti for a bike tour of Fridley’s most exciting environmental projects. Learn about how these projects benefit the community and the environment. The tour will be about 8 miles in length and bikes, helmets, and optional hi visibility vests can be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own bike and helmet if desired. Lunch will be provided.
Leaves from Fridley Civic Campus
Adults and Children ages 15 plus.
$15 per person, Bikes and helmets can be provided.
Register online.
Coffee Chat with a Nat
Join one of our naturalists for coffee and a nature discussion! This program is designed for adults and will be held indoors with an optional hike. Look for Coffee Chat with a Nat on the first Wednesday of the winter months from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
No registration required.
Dates and Topics
- November 6: Winter Ecology: Getting Ready for Winter
- December 4: Bears
- January: No program this month
- February 5: Owls: Learn about owl adaptations and which owls live in Minnesota.
- March 5: Ice, Ice.... Maybe?: Learn about ice and frost formation.
Spring Spree 2024
Saturday, April 6 at 5-9 p.m.
Planning is underway for this exciting and engaging fundraising event. Check out the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation page for more details.
Volunteer and Donate
Want to help with the planning committee? Maybe you're interested in donating items, experiences, or funds towards this event, please contact Nature Center Manager, Tara Rogness at Tara.Rogness@FridleyMN.gov.
Women Outdoors
Women in the Outdoors
Looking for a break from the stresses of the holidays? Do you want to get out with other women to explore the outdoors? Join our naturalists and other women for an adventure through Springbrook's habitats on Tuesday, December 31 from 2-3 p.m. Our naturalist will lead a reflective hike through our picturesque landscapes to add a slowdown to the busy holiday season.
All Age 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!
Lantern Light Hikes
Lantern Light Hikes
Fridays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$5 per person, children 2 and under are free
Register online, by calling 763-572-3588, or pay at the door.
Bundle up and get ready to hike at Springbrook using the light of glowing lanterns to guide you. Listen for owls hooting, keep your eyes peeled for elusive nocturnal animals, warm up by the fire with a warm beverage.
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.
December 6, 2024
January 3, 2025
February 7, 2025
March 7, 2025
Activity Backpacks
Springbrook is offering backpacks for daily check-out that contain supplies to help visitors explore and enjoy nature. Each backpack has a specific theme. They are available on a first come, first serve basis.
How Check-out Works:
- If you are interested in checking out a backpack, please speak with the front desk to see if backpacks are available for check-out that day.
- Backpacks may be checked out between the hours of 9am and 3pm. They are due back at the nature center by 4pm the day they are checked out.
- Backpack check-outs require a Springbrook Nature Center client account with a valid credit card on file.
- Staff reserves the right to charge up to $100 to replace lost or broken items.
Animal Feedings - Free!
Update: Animal Feeding is a pop-up program.
Check our Facebook page on Fridays!
Animal Feedings run Sundays at 11:30 a.m.
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.
Special Events
Check out our Special Events Page for more fun within the City of Fridley! Typical events include:
- Winterfest
- Environmental Fun Fair
- Pumpkin Night in the Park
- And so much more!
Intro to Campfire Cooking
Friday, September 20 2024 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Fee: $2 per person
Learn the basics of campfire cooking while being entertained by campfire stories and songs. Recipes will include an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. This class is intended for people 10 years and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. This class is sponsored by the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation. Supplies are included.
Register for Campfire Cooking online
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.
Birding By Bike
2025 dates will be announced soon!
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
2025 dates will be announced soon!
Join us for a leisurely bike ride led by a naturalist! Ask questions, explore, and learn about the environment.