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2 events,
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Looking for a fun way to learn, enjoy nature, and spend time with your family? Join us for a family-friendly birding hike! Walk along the trails with one of our […]
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Our Volunteer League (nicknamed "VoLes") is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 […] |
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0 events,
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2 events,
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Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.Parents can […]
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Stop by the De Witt Birds of Prey Center during this open house style program and watch a naturalist feed our resident raptors. You will learn about the habitats these […] |
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2 events,
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Discover how nature’s dinner table really works! Join us for our monthly homeschool program, where you will get to explore food webs and learn how plants, animals, and decomposers are […]
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Join us for a fun-filled adventure at Virginia Park! Bring the kiddos out to enjoy a lively storytime with one of our naturalists, and meet some of our amazing captive […] |
2 events,
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Bring your little tykes out to discover the wonders of nature! Each program is a hands-on experience that will spark curiosity and create unforgettable memories for both you and your […]
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First time paddlers will enjoy the casual exploration of Dumont Lake from single or double kayaks. Look for wildlife including birds, reptiles and amphibians with your naturalist guide. Personal water […] |
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2 events,
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Get ready for a wild adventure! Families are invited to join a naturalist at a creek near Green Lake for a fun-filled exploration of amphibians, insects, and all kinds of […]
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Join us for a crafting session - sponsored by Park Township - filled with fun summer-themed projects! We’ll take inspiration from the sights, colors, and textures of the season, using […] |
3 events,
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Stop by the Eldean Wildlife Exhibit during this open house–style program and watch a naturalist feed our resident mammals. You will learn about the habitats these animals call home, their […]
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Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience. Parents […]
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Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.Parents can […] |
2 events,
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Our Volunteer League (nicknamed "VoLes") is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 […]
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Come wet a line during this catch-and-release free fishing day. All materials are provided including fishing poles, tackle, and bait. This is an open format program where participants can fish […] |
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2 events,
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Get ready for a wild adventure! Families are invited to join a naturalist at Farview Park for a fun-filled exploration of amphibians, insects, and all kinds of amazing aquatic life. […]
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Participants will paddle from Pink Creek to Pine Creek Bay, exploring a scenic section of Lake Macatawa. Along the way, participants will learn about local river wildlife, ongoing efforts to […] |
2 events,
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It’s time to round up the little ones and come out to the Outdoor Discovery Center for Explore a Story!We’ll be introducing kids to the outdoors through books and outdoor […]
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Hey grown-ups - ever wanted to shoot an arrow at a dinosaur? Or a polar bear? Maybe even a giant mosquito? Now’s your chance! Join us at the ODC to […] |
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1 event,
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We’re excited to announce that Evening at the ODC is returning to the Outdoor Discovery Center at a new time of year! This special evening celebrates the impact of ODC […]
$150
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2 events,
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Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.Parents can […]
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Have you ever wondered what snakes eat? What about frogs? Snakes and adult frogs are carnivores and only eat other animals. Come to the ODC this summer to find out […] |
2 events,
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Join us for the Grand Reopening of the Outdoor Discovery Center! Over the past year, we’ve made exciting updates to our facilities, and now it’s time to celebrate! Bring your […]
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Get an up close look at the Kalamazoo River ecosystem as we paddle through its waters on this unique birdwatching kayak adventure! As we paddle, we will focus on identifying […] |
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1 event,
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Join us for a fun-filled adventure at Wolters Woods! Bring the kiddos out to enjoy a lively story time with one of our naturalists, and meet some of our amazing […] |
2 events,
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Join us for a relaxed morning hike at New Richmond Bridge Park. We’ll explore the trails while observing local plants and wildlife. A naturalist will be on hand to answer […]
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Stop by during our monthly Open Hours at the Cultural History Center to check out exhibits, ask questions, play games, and chat with staff and fellow community members. A large […] |
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1 event,
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Paddle Littlejohn Lake with naturalists from the ODC Network. Kayaks, paddles, and vests are provided. The group will launch from the beach and paddle around the shore line. Lakes are […] |
2 events,
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Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience. Parents […]
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Stop by the De Witt Birds of Prey Center during this open house style program and watch a naturalist feed our resident raptors. You will learn about the habitats these […] |
0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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2 events,
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In celebration of Independence Day, the whole family is invited to meet one of our nation’s most iconic symbols in the feather. Get an up-close look at our resident bald […]
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Join us for a crafting session filled with fun summer-themed projects! We’ll take inspiration from the sights, colors, and textures of the season, using nature as our guide to create […] |
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance are eligible for:
• A full refund
• A credit toward a future program of the same price
• Donate your fee to ODC
Cancellations made within 48 hours are not refundable.
If you’re unable to attend due to illness, please reach out to discuss possible options.
We offer a wide variety of programs from archery to kayaking to bird watching. Our programs are geared towards all ages and knowledge levels. Check out our calendar as we update our programs frequently.
This booklet guides you to 16 local parks and natural areas within our nature-rich community. Learn about each site while exploring forests, beaches, dunes, lakes and trails.
Need a new and unique space to hold your meeting or event? The Outdoor Discovery Center has indoor and outdoor facilities available to rent. There is also a rentable space at Dragonflies Discovery Preschool in the Dragonflies Learning Lab.
We offer a wide variety of Natural and Cultural History programs for all grades and class sizes. Field trip registrations begin on the first Monday of August.
Are there dinosaurs hiding right here in Michigan? You might be surprised! Step back in time, and we’ll learn about what made dinosaurs so unique and exciting. Then, leap forward to today, and we’ll meet dinosaur relatives and neighbors in real life!
Join us as we visit with Outdoor Discovery Center’s animal ambassadors, including modern-day feathered raptors, dinosaurs’ fellow reptiles, and ancient bugs who lived long before even the dinosaurs!
Live animals will be present throughout our program, and may be available for closer visits during or after the presentation, depending on the size of the audience.
The Center’s birds of prey, including hawks, owls and falcons, will be used to share their life history and habitat. Depending on the group size, birds will be walked around or brought out after the presentation for viewing. Hands-on artifacts will include skulls, feathers, pelts, and talons.
Michigan is home to a diversity of reptile species. We are fortunate to house a number of live, native reptiles that can be used in educational programs. Audiences will learn how a reptile differs from other animal groups and how to identify them. Hands-on artifacts include skins, skulls, eggs, and shells of several species native to Michigan.
A wetland is a home for a wide variety of plants and animals. Our staff will share live examples of both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms that can be found in and near wetlands in Michigan. Animals may include toads, frogs, salamanders, fish, leeches, dragonflies, damselflies and more. Our naturalist will offer insight into the organism’s life history and habitat. A number of animals will be used and available to touch during the program.
This program focuses on introducing audiences to Michigan wildlife. Live animals including reptiles, amphibians and birds will be used during the presentation. People will learn unique characteristics of animals and how they fit into our diverse ecosystems. Hands-on artifacts include skins, skulls, wings, feathers and talons of several species native to Michigan.
Owls capture the attention of almost anyone who is lucky enough to encounter them in the wild. This live bird program will highlight several common owl species and show participants how they can encourage them to live in their backyard. Hands-on artifacts include feathers, pelts, skulls, and talons.
Free – Ottawa, Allegan, Kent Counties
$100 – Muskegon, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Barry, Ionia Counties
$150 – Oceana, Newaygo, Montcalm, Eaton, Calhoun, Joseph, Cass, Berrien Counties
$200 – Branch, Jackson, Ingham, Clinton, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Osceola, Lake, Mason Counties
$250 – Hillsdale, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Livingston, Shiawasee, Saginaw, Midland, Clare, Missaukee, Wexford, Manistee
Other county pricing as requested
Our wildlife booth will be sure to excite guests at any event, young or old. Our naturalists will bring animals that can be touched or viewed in containers, touchable artifacts like skulls or furs, and a variety of interesting items meant to invoke wonder about the natural world. Pictures can be taken with our animals and our naturalist staff are always happy to answer any wildlife questions people may have.
Have your group visit one of our natural areas, meet us at a local park, or we can visit your site in this truly customizable experience. Design a program to fit your needs that could include activities like a guided nature hike or wildlife like our birds of prey. These programs are great for scouting groups, daycare centers, church groups, senior centers, and more.
