Public Programs

Springbrook Nature Center is launching a homeschool program series for students ranging from 6 - 11 years old! Students are divided into 2 age groups: ages 6-8 and 9-11.

A naturalist will lead an outdoor program with a different theme from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. on the dates below.

Registration is required. 

Class Dates and Topics

Class Topics for both sections are below. 

• January 9: Predator Prey Interactions : How do bobcats hunt? Deer escape? Learn about the adaptations that make predators and prey successful in their roles.
• February 13: Winter Fun! It is cold but there is still fun to be had! We will get our kicksleds and snow shoes out and hit the trails to search for animal signs and lots of fun.
• March 13: Maple Syrup: Mmmm! How do we get this sweet treat? Learn how to tap a maple tree, collect sap, and boil it down to maple syrup (and beyond).
• April 10: Lichens; What is a Lichen? Find out and look for this cooperative organism at Springbrook Nature Center. During the class we will build our observational skills, ask questions, and test them as we look for lichen.
• September 11: Stream Study: How does water flow? Study how the water in our creek flows by building your own stream in our stream lab and studying one of Springbrook's creeks to unlock it's secrets.
• November 20: Outdoor Survival: How do you stay warm, and dry if your hike or trip to the boundary waters goes off course? We will learn how to build a shelter, start a fire (9-11 year olds only) and more.
• December 11: Owls: It will be a hoot! Take a deep dive into the adaptations that allow owls to be the only nightime raptor.

   

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 from 10-11 a.m. on the last Tuesday of each month from September- May.

2026

• January 27- Bundle Up
• February 24 - New Things
• March 31 - Wind
• April 28 - Puddles and Mud
• May 26 - Pond
• September 29 - Super Squirrels
• October 27 - Observant Owls
• November 24 - Seasons Sleepers
• December 29 -Exploring the Cold

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 2026-2027 school year sessions is open!

Session Information

Classes are from 10 a.m. - noon on Thursdays and run for 10 weeks.

• Fall 2026 Session: September 10 - November 19 * no class October 15th
• Winter 2027 Session: January 7 - March 11
• Spring 2027 Session: March 18 - May 20

$125 per child, per session. Fall session registration is open!

• Read the full parent handbook(PDF, 323KB)
• Register online

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.

• Egret(PDF, 3MB)
• Tank(PDF, 2MB)
• Squirrel(PDF, 2MB)
• Salamander(PDF, 2MB)
• Opossum(PDF, 1MB)
• Turkeys(PDF, 2MB)
• Earth Day(PDF, 3MB)

This program is designed to create a welcoming community for women to gain confidence and skills in and about the outdoors. Each Women Outdoors will have a naturalist present to help facilitate the activity. Participants must be 12 years of age or older. 

Survival Skills

Saturday, June 13 from 10 am. - noon

Learn how to read a map. Check. Learn how to use a compass. Check. Learn how to tie knots. Check. Have you been wanting to learn these skills but didn’t know where to start? Join a naturalist and check all these skills and more off your list.

Fee: $7 per person

Sippin' and Slackin'

Saturday, July 25 from9-10:30 a.m.

Try a new to you activity! Join a naturalist for some peaceful, early morning slacklining fun. This is an introductory program to help you gain some confidence and balance skills. Coffee will be provided.

Fee: $7 per person

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.

Future Dates and Topics (2026-2027)

• November 4- Agates
• December 2-TBD
• January 6- TBD
• February 3- TBD
• March 3- TBD

Saturday, March 28 at 5-8:30 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.

Art Programs at Springbrook Nature Center

Pond Observation & Clay Creation with Creative Flow Art Center

June 27 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $12 per student

Register with Creative Flow Art Center

Join Emily and Mak from Creative Flow Art Center and Springbrook Naturalists to blend natural observation, science and art! From 10-11 a.m. you will be guided by a naturalist to explore creatures in the pond and see live specimens under the microscope! 

Afterward you will head to the classroom to create a sculptural clay drinking vessel inspired by your pond observations! Start with a clay vessel and learn how to create sculptural elements using slab and coil techniques. Interpret your natural findings under the microscope into your own fun sculptures to add to your drinking vessel. After sculptural elements are added, students will paint their creation and use sgraffito technique to add texture! Your creations will come back to Creative Flow Art Center to get fired and ready for pick up in 2-3 weeks. Creations will be food safe, microwave safe and dishwasher safe! 

Join us for a fun workshop incorporating natural observation, creative thinking, science and art! Great for the whole family, no clay experience needed. Thank you Springbrook for the partnership in making a unique experience for families available at a lower cost!

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Backpack check-outs require a Springbrook Nature Center client account with a valid credit card on file.
4. Staff reserves the right to charge up to $100 to replace lost or broken items.

Update: Animal Feeding is a pop-up program.

Check our Facebook page on Fridays!

Animal Feedings start at 11:30 a.m. on selected weekend dates.

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.

Check out our Special Events Page for more fun within the City of Fridley! Typical events include:

• Environmental Fun Fair
• Pumpkin Night in the Park
• Winterfest
• And so much more!

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.

Selected Winter 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.   Please check in at Springbrook’s front desk for the event.

2025-2026 Dates:

• December 5, 2025
• January 9, 2026
• February 6, 2026
• March 6, 2026

If snowpack allows, snowshoes will be available to rent for $5/pair, while supplies last.