Westwood Hill Nature Center Public Programs

Kids' Nature Crafts
Ages 5 and up (children must be companied by an adult)
Come for some creative fun! Build a mini grapevine wreath, create some pine cone critters, or a Zen garden. Relax and make a tea light candle from beeswax using cool cookie cutter shapes. Fold up a mini nature box for gifts or some origami animals. There's much more to make and all supplies are provided.

• Saturday, March 13, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $6 per child (resident) / $7 (non-resident)
• Activity # 4804
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Chickadee Carpentry Ages 5 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Let’s help the birds get ready for spring. Come and learn about chickadees, wrens and other resident songbirds. Then build a bird house. Please bring your own hammer and cordless drill with bits (if you have one).

• Sunday, March 14, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $11 per bird house (resident) / $13 (non-resident)
• Activity # 4805
• Registration deadline: when program full

Maple Syruping
All ages (children must be accompanied by a paid adult)
Join us for this annual rite of spring. Tap a tree and, if the sap is running, taste the sweet sap. Saw wood for the cooking fire, discover how the sap becomes syrup and enjoy the tasty reward of  Westwood’s real maple syrup.

• Sunday, March 21, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $6 per person (resident) / $7 (non-resident)
• Activity # 4806
• Registration deadline: when program full

Tuesday Turtles Preschool
Ages 4 - 5 by the start of the session (drop-off program)
Here’s a great opportunity for preschoolers to learn about nature in a fun, interactive environment. Zany puppets, engaging stories, outdoor discovery hikes, creative arts and nature games are just some of the many ways in which preschoolers stay actively involved from the time they arrive ‘til the time they leave! Each class explores a new theme and is led by Westwood’s outstanding naturalists. Sign-up for one or all sessions.

• Session III: Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23,
• 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Activity # 4818

• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $37 per child (resident) / $40 (non-resident)
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Family Orienteering
Ages 9 and up (children must be accompanied by paid adult) Feeling lost? Come to the nature center for a fun class on compass use. A naturalist will teach you the basics, lead you through some fun practice activities and send you off on a compass adventure trek through the woods of Westwood. A surprise awaits all who can find their way! (Younger siblings are welcome to come free of charge.)

• Saturday, March 27, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave
• $6.50 per person (resident) / $7.50 (non-resident)
• Activity # 4807
• Registration deadline: when program full

Westwood Play Group
Ages 0 to 3 (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Spend the morning at the nature center playing, exploring, and socializing with other families. Arrive or leave at any time during the morning. Story time with Westwood’s puppets will be at 11 a.m. This is an unsupervised activity. Older siblings are welcome; please call if you plan to bring an older sibling. Sign up for one or all sessions.

• Monday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. – Noon, Activity #4813
• Thursday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. – Noon, Activity #4963
• Monday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. – Noon, Activity #4814
• Thursday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. – Noon, Activity #4964
• Monday, March 8, 10 a.m. – Noon, Activity #4815
• Thursday, March 11, 10 a.m. – Noon, Activity #4965
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $3 per child (resident) / $4 (non-resident), No charge for supervising adult
• Registration deadline: when programs are full