It may be a day off from school, but the St. Charles Park District has the solution to keep students entertained without electronics. The No-School Nature Day offers children ages 5-11 a day worth of fun with crafts, games and time outdoors.
“It’s a perfect day to spend with nature, art, time outside exploring nature and science experiments,” said Emily Shanahan, nature program supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
The classes, available to residents and non-residents, do fill quickly. The next date will be Tuesday, Nov. 5, followed by Monday, Nov. 25 and Tuesday, Nov. 26.
“It keeps them active all day,” Shanahan said.
There’s always plenty to enjoy on a visit to Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, located in the James O. Breen Community Park. The outdoor nature-based playgrounds engage the imagination while visitors love to come inside to visit with the resident animal ambassadors like Star the bunny, turtles, snakes, spiders and fish.
Monday through Saturday drop-in to Hickory Knolls for the Hangin’ with Hickory Friends at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. where staff display and discuss one of the resident animal ambassadors with visitors. The free program is a chance to get a closer look with the animal and ask questions.
The resident animal ambassadors have such a loyal following, the staff created Christmas For the Critters. The staff decorates a tree with special ornaments that include a photo of the different resident animals and few suggested items the animal would like for the holidays. Rabbit feed and turtle treats, new tank thermometers and reptile bedding are on the animals’ wish list this holiday season.
“These supplies help us to care for the animal ambassadors and keep them happy and healthy,” Shanahan said.
In years past, visitors have dropped off homemade cards with their donations. Visitors can also make monetary donations or shop from the park district’s Amazon wish list, having items sent directly to the facility.
“It’s really so sweet,” Shanahan said.
Other holiday events at Hickory Knolls include the Flashlight Candy Cane Hike, Dec. 13 and registration is open for the Woodland Santa event Saturday, Dec. 1 featuring Santa’s arrival on a dog sled and an opportunity for visitors to take photos with Santa.
Become a Naturalist
Learn more about the local environment in a fun and interesting manner with the return of Become a Naturalist. This popular course is presented in cooperation with St. Charles Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and the Geneva Park District. The classes focus on local geology, climate, wetlands, prairie, woodlands and aquatic systems.
“It really focuses on the local geology,” Shanahan said. “It’s a great class for those who want to learn about what’s right in their backyard.”
The program is a six-week class starting in January. Those interested in the program can attend an information session at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. The multi-week class program does fill quickly, register early to secure a place.