Kid-Friendly Events

Pere Marquette State Park Eagle Trip
Tuesday, Jan 21, 2020 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Visit this state park and venture through river bluffs and woods to get an up-close look at wintering bald eagles along the Mississippi River and lower Illinois River. Register online.

Eagle Viewing Trip at Starved Rock State Park
Saturday, Jan 25, 2020 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Take a trip to this popular state park to look for wintering eagles, check out the visitor’s center, and even visit the lock and dam museum. Register online.

Native American Games and Lifestyles
Sunday, Jan 26, 2020 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

What was life like for the Native Americans who inhabited Illinois over 200 years ago? Learn about their culture, lifestyle, and experience the skill-building games they played. Free. Register online.

Story Time: Winter Lore
Thursday, Jan 30, 2020 | 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Old Man Winter has made his way back to central Illinois! Join a naturalist as we read Native American stories about winter. Free. Register online.

Eagle Viewing Trip at Starved Rock State Park
Saturday, Feb 1, 2020 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Take a trip to this popular state park to look for wintering eagles, check out the visitor’s center, and even visit the lock and dam museum. Register online.

Predators of the Prairie
Saturday, Feb 8, 2020 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Join a naturalist to learn about the different natural predators found in our prairies, then journey outside to find some! Free. Register online.

Sleepy Groundhogs Mini Camp
Tuesday, Feb 11, 2020 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Children ages 1-5 will discover why groundhogs have their own holiday. Register online.

Sleepy Groundhogs Mini Camp
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2020 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Children ages 1-5 will discover why groundhogs have their own holiday. Register online.

Trip to Cahokia Mounds
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2020 | 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Travel back in time as you learn about ancient Native Americans as you tour the Mounds and Interpretive Center exhibits. Register online.

Maple Syrup Programs
Saturday, Feb 15, 2020 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Learn how sap becomes syrup, why spring is the best time of year to harvest sap, and how people used sap throughout history. Held hourly at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. Register online by February 14.

Preschool Peepers: Wild Woodpeckers
Sunday, Feb 16, 2020 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Children ages 3-5 will learn about native woodpeckers, then make a woodpecker craft to take home. Free. Register online.

Trip to Dickson Mounds and Emiquon Preserve
Wednesday, Feb 26, 2020 | 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Travel with us to Lewistown, IL for a natural and cultural history road trip. Experience Native American exhibits at Dickson Mounds, then visit Emiquon Preserve. Register online.

Leap Day Nature Walk
Saturday, Feb 29, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Decatur, IL

Take a hike through a quiet winter woodland as we observe an event that only happens once every four years: Leap Day! Free. Register online.