Public Programs (all ages)

Connect to nature — and each other!

Are you looking for something to do together on an upcoming weekend? From time to time, everyone needs to get out of the house and into the wild. Our all-ages programs are offered on select weekends throughout the year and are fun and engaging for kids and grownups alike.  Explore bugs and bats, take a magical moonlit walk, or see our birds of prey in action.

Our programs are affordable with rates for both individuals and families. Preregister to save money or come on spur of the moment (though spaces are limited for some programs).

In addition to programs for all ages, we also offer "kids only" programs. If you have a toddler or preschooler (age 1-5), take a look at our programs for tots and tykes. Summer and school break camps are also available for kids of all ages. Remember to explore our all ages Birds of Prey programs too!

Animal Enrichment
Sunday, March 18, 2012
1–3pm
Pre-Registration: $8/person, $30/family; At the door: $10/$35

Learn about the resident animals of LSNC and their special habitat and activity needs. Together we will make toys and activities for them, and watch them enjoy it! Register

Earth Day Festival
Sunday, April 22, 2012
12–4pm
FREE

Celebrate the earth with Ann Arbor’s annual Earth Day Festival, this year hosted at LSNC and organized by local environmental organizations. Explore and participate in the variety of hands on activities and demonstrations while listening to live earth friendly music.  All are welcomed to come dressed as their favorite plant or animal to join the all species parade. Pre-registration is not required.

Summer Camp Open House
Sunday, May 6, 2012
1-3pm
FREE

Summer is just around the corner!  The Leslie Science & Nature Center offers camps with the perfect mix of silliness and education, costumes and capers, jokes and exploration, and joy and learning! Come visit LSNC to see the site, meet a few of our amazing camp teachers, and discover some of the games, crafts, and activities your child will do during their week of camp at LSNC.

RSVP Now!

Frog Fest
Saturday, May 12, 2012
7–9pm
Pre-Registration:$6/person, $21/family; At the door: $8/$30

Croak, ribbit and peep on over for our annual festival of frogs! Practice making frog calls before hoppin’ on down to the pond to discover which frogs live in LSNC’s vernal Black Pond.  Discover more about amphibians as we explore their different stages of development, diversity and special adaptations with games, activities, and observation. Register

Zany Umbrella Circus
Saturday, June 30, 2012
2 Shows: 11am and 1:30pm
In Advance: $15/person or $50/family At the door: $17/person or $60/family

Zany Umbrella Circus is returning to Leslie Science & Nature Center for a show the whole family is sure to enjoy! It's a show full of amazing aerial acrobats, trapeze stunts, puppets, and eclectic storytelling- and the proceeds benefit the education programs you know and love at LSNC!
This event features an interactive, unforgettable show that celebrates the seasons and the natural world. The Zany Umbrella Circus performers do acrobatics on aerial fabrics and trapeze, fire juggling, puppetry, and slack rope walking for a charming and enlightening experience for all ages. The Zany crew has performed across the county- including the White House- and internationally in places such as Afganistan, Italy, and Ethiopia.This event is held on LSNC's grounds and is an outdoor event.

Register for the 11am show                                    Register for the 1:30 pm show

 

Summer Photo Safari
Saturday, July 14, 2012
1-3pm
In Advance: $6/person or $25/family At the door: $8/person or $30/family

Starting in the Critter House, join naturalist, Stefan Szumko, on a guided hike through the Black Pond Woods, the LSNC grounds, prairie, and Project Grow gardens to find wildflowers, fungus, and animals to capture digitally or by using ancient film technology.  Bring your own cameras. Register Now!

Cast Iron Chef
Saturday, August 18, 2012
4-6pm
In Advance: $8/person, $30/family

Join Chef Stef in an evening of outdoor cooking over an open fire using cast iron Dutch ovens, aluminum foil, and sticks. Help chop food, mix ingredients, and taste several dishes including:  venison stew, fried potatoes, roasted apples, foil-balloon popcorn, s’mores, and more! Preregistration required by Aug 15th.  Register Now!