EXPLORE NATURE!
FALL 2016
Explore Nature - September 2016 Public Programs
Full descriptions are on our website: www.cincinnatiparks.com
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR SUMMER CAMPS!
Many thanks for your support of our Explore Nature! Summer Camps. 2,025 children
enjoyed daily hikes, games and outdoor exploration in our neighborhood parks and Nature
Centers during the summer months! From creeking to eating s’mores, activities were as
diverse as the interests of the campers. Praises from parents included: “Well, I asked my one
daughter what her favorite part of camp was and she said “All of it!!!!”, so it’s hard to narrow
down. :)”; “You guys are awesome! I love how you tell us a few things about what the kids
are doing each day. Gives us parents a talking point with our children!”; “He adored being a
big boy and being old enough to attend a camp. What a wonderful 3 days of memories for
my son and my dad at Grand Camp.”; “She absolutely enjoyed every aspect of this
camp- from the hikes to the crafts to the play, she was in heaven! “
If you missed out on these amazing camp experiences, make sure to get on our mailing list
for next year by calling our office at 321-6070.
WEEKDAY PROGRAMS / EVENTS
FREE Smale Family Fun Kids’ Day at Smale Riverfront Park
Thurs., September 8, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Explore Nature! staff are at Smale Riverfront Park for this full day of FREE outdoor fun!
Lots of activities for all ages to enjoy….so bring a picnic and make it a family day at the park!
For more information, visit the park calendar at www.cincinnatiparks.com.
Presented by Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel.
Fall Preschool Camp Series
Mondays: September 12 - October 3, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. – Avon Woods Nature Preserve
Unleash your preschooler’s natural curiosity! We’ll find out what the outdoors has to offer
during this wonderful autumn season. We’ll play fun games from Growing Up Wild, create
nature-based crafts, enjoy story time, hike and meet local animals up close. $45 per child.
Online registration: http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/programs-and-events/explore-nature-2/
Call 861-3435 for more information.
HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS (full descriptions online) $ 5 per participant
Register Online: http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/programs-and-events/explore-nature-2/
WEATHER 101 for ages 8 - 12
Tues., October 4, 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. – Caldwell Nature Preserve
A lively series of demonstrations introduce children to how air, water and
heat produce Earth’s weather. Children learn how to read a weather map.
They perform experiments introducing air pressure, convection currents,
and how different types of clouds bring different types of weather. On the hike,
we look for the effects of weathering and erosion and measure temperature in
various locations. Pack a lunch and a drink.
Paid reservations by Sept 30.
REGISTER NOW FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS!
The Amazing Family Race
Sat., September 24, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Smale Riverfront Park
It’s Back!.... And more Amazing than ever. The Amazing Family Race returns
to Smale Riverfront Park. Teams consist of up to 5 members, adults and
children ages 5 through 17. You will be challenged and prizes awarded!
Cost $35 per team. Online registration at
http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/programs-and-events/explore-nature-2/
Call 751-3679 for more detailed information.
Annual Magic Forest Halloween Hikes
Fri. & Sat., October 21 - 22 – Caldwell Nature Preserve
Walk through a pumpkin-lit trail and meet costumed characters from nature
and history. This is a non-scary holiday walk best suited for children ages 3-10.
Hikes start at 7pm with the last hike leaving at 8:30pm. For each time slot, there
are three hike groups of approximately 25 people. We organize hike groups by
type: scouts, youth groups, families with young children, and families with older
children. Each hike lasts approximately 1 hour.
Cost is $6 per person. There is a $3.00 administrative fee (per order, not per ticket).
Children 2 and under are FREE.
Reservations required; register online at our website: www.cincinnatiparks.com.
FREE WEEKEND PROGRAMS
Fossil Fun!
Sat., September 24, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Stanbery Park
Our region is famous for its fossils, come see why! Explore the creek and
find fossils from the ancient Ordovician sea. Wear sturdy, closed toed
shoes, we provide the rest. Meet at the trail head near the playground.
FREE, but reservations required; call 321-6070 by September 22.
A Poetic Sunset
Sun., September 25, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. – Mt. Echo Park
When is the last time you enjoyed a beautiful sunset? On an easy stroll
around this hill top park, find out why “Every sunset brings the promise
of a new dawn” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. Also discover the animals that
prefer to be active during dawn and dusk. All ages welcome!
Meet at the river overlook across from the pavilion.
FREE, but reservations required; call 321-6070 by September 22.
“NATURALLY FUN” BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Available on weekends throughout the year at all five Nature Centers. For a two hour
party appropriate for ages 5 - 12 years, the Naturalist provides 90 minutes of nature
activities such as a short hike, hands-on activities and a simple craft to keep as a
memento. The last 30 minutes is for cake and presents…YUM! Details can be found
at the Explore Nature! section of our website: www.cincinnatiparks.com.
Please call 321-6070 at least 3 weeks in advance of the proposed date.
Fee: $150 for up to 10 children; $15 for each additional child.
Topics to choose from: Creepy Crawly (Insects, Spiders, Reptiles and
Amphibians), Fantastic Fossils, Forest Friends (Mammals and other animal
groups) and Winged Wonders (Birds, Butterflies and Bats).