About Us | Classes and Events | Reserve a Program | Newsletter | Birthday Parties | Get Involved
Prairie Park Nature Center offers programs for all ages, abilities and interests. You can select from the seasonal programs listed below and click the link to the registration page.
Need help with registration? See our walkthrough for how to enroll online!
Programs vary with each season. Let us know if there is a program that you have a special interest in seeing the nature center provide.
- Summer Programs for Children and Teens
- Summer Programs for Teen and Adults
- Summer Special Events
- Summer Education by Reservation
SUMMER PROGRAMS
SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
WILD ADVENTURES FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND PARENTS
Ages: 2-5. Enrollment Min 2 / Max 15. Join us for weekly sessions of stories, activities, and information about animals and their habitats. Each week, a new topic will be presented, and outdoor activities are planned, so be sure to come prepared. Parents are required to attend with their preschoolers and are encouraged to participate. Registration for the entire session is required in advance, and the program takes place every Tuesday.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this summer
WILDERNESS SURVIVORS
Ages: 6-14. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 10. Explore the great outdoors, learn survival skills, and discover the amazing world of plants and animals. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to have fun while also discovering the wonders of nature!
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this summer
ARCHERY
Ages: 7 and Up. Enrollment Min 5 / Max 10. Looking for a fun and engaging activity for the whole family, a group of friends, or a special date night? Consider archery lessons! Whether you’re a beginner or interested in becoming a competitive archer, our classes offer a variety of skill-building exercises and games fun for ages 7 and up. Choose the class that fits your schedule and start your archery journey today!
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring
TURTLE YOGA
Ages: 3 and older, Enrollment Min 5 / Max 20. Enjoy a basic Hatha yoga practice with turtles! Breathe, stretch, and move the spine through a gentle standing and floor series designed to increase circulation, relax the mind, and boost endorphins with happy turtle encounters. The class will end with one-on-one turtle time! Please bring a yoga mat and water. Children aged
2 and under can enter for free when accompanied by a registered adult.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this summer
CANOEING
Ages: 6 and Up. Enrollment Min 4 / Max 8. Take a break and enjoy the beauty of nature by going on a canoe ride on the lake. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced canoeist, this canoeing guide is perfect for you. Our expert canoe guides will provide you with instructions on paddling techniques and equipment. No more than three people in one boat. Life jackets, paddles, and boats provided. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied in the boat by an adult.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this summer
SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR TEENS AND ADULTS
LEAVE NO TRACE CAMPING GUIDE
All Ages, Enrollment Min 5 / Max 20. Looking to enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing your impact on the environment? Look no further than Leave No Trace, a national program dedicated to educating the public on responsible and sustainable outdoor practices. The Leave No Trace program promotes ethical behavior, appreciation for nature, and respect for public recreation areas. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner camper, Leave No Trace can help you enjoy the natural world while preserving it for generations to come.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this summer
FLOAT TRIPS 101
Ages: 14 and Up, Enrollment Min 5 / Max 25. Float trips are a foolproof recipe for family fun in the sun! No matter where you live, you’re close to a floatable waterway. In this class, we’ll review the basics of planning and inspiring your next float trip!
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this summer
WILD NOCTURNAL HIKE AT PRAIRIE PARK NATURE CENTER
All Ages, Enrollment Min 10 / Max 30. Embark on a nocturnal hike with a naturalist at the Prairie Park Nature Center Preserve and observe the wildlife that emerges at night. Catch glimpses of bats, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and more with handheld red lights. Children aged 2 and under can enter for free when accompanied by a registered adult.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this summer
SUMMER SPECIAL EVENTS
TAKE A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE: NOCTURNAL EXPEDITION
Ages: 7 and Up. Enrollment Min 4 / Max 10. Experience the thrill of the night as you ride with our expert guides to spot some of Eastern Kansas’ most captivating nocturnal creatures. From beavers and muskrats to raccoons, coyotes, foxes, badgers, and bats, witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Remember to bring your hiking shoes, as there will be short hikes. The shuttle departs from Prairie Park Nature Center at 8 pm and returns by 10 pm. Please note that a registered adult must accompany children under 16. Book your adventure now and get ready for a thrilling experience!
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this summer
EDUCATION BY RESERVATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS Group Visits: To ensure the quality of your visit, visiting groups must schedule dates and times with the nature center by calling (785) 832-7980. For more information, please contact the Nature Center at (785) 832-7980. You can also find information on the lprd website, www.lprd.org.
SCOUTING FOR GIRL SCOUTS AND BOY SCOUTS Prairie Park Nature Center offers a wide range of programs to help scouts complete necessary requirements for merit badge attainment.
Mary’s Lake
Mary’s Lake is just a short walk from the education building and is open for public fishing. This lake participates in State Community Lakes Fishing Program and is stocked with fish by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism throughout the spring and summer.
A state fishing license is required for people ages 16 to 65. Limits are posted at the lake.
View the Map of Trails at Prairie Park Nature Center»
Directions
Prairie Park Nature Center is located on the east side of Lawrence. Find us in the neighborhood via 27th Street off of Haskell Avenue.
Group Visitation Policy
Visiting groups from other facilities or organizations of 8 or more people (including children) who have not booked a program should schedule their visits in advance. This will insure that their visit does not overlap with other scheduled groups or large programs.
This will assist the nature center staff in making sure that all visitors have a good experience.
The nature center reserves the right to ask unscheduled groups to delay their visit if the building is busy.
Groups may schedule their visit by phone: 785-832-7980.
Our Mission
Dedicated To Building Connections With Nature
The mission of the Prairie Park Nature Center is to promote an appreciation of the importance of conserving the natural world through hands-on environmental and conservation education.
The nature center is free to all visitors.