December Programs

Saturday, December 1 - Holiday Card Papermaking

Registration Required
When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
Ages: 4 years and up with an adult
Fee: $2/ person

Learn how to make your own paper with a few simple steps. Then create a holiday card and unique gift tags for that special gift. Registration is required as space is limited.

Tuesday, December 4 - Night Tree

Registration Required
When: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library & Zion Nature Center

Join us this holiday season in bringing the book, Night Tree by Eve Bunting, to life. After the story enjoy a nighttime walk to the Zion Nature Center to create edible tree decorations, and decorate a tree for our wilderness friends. We’ll end the evening sipping hot cocoa and singing some favorite holiday songs.

Saturday, December 8 - Paw Print Ornament & Dog Walk

Registration Required
When: 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

Create lasting memories with your furry best friend this holiday season. Join us at the Zion Nature Center as we create a paw print ornament celebrating your pup. Then we’ll walk the Zion Nature Sanctuary trail to explore the sights and smells of the forest in winter. Registration is required as space is limited. Dogs must be on a leash and under owner’s control.

Friday, December 14 - Mommy & Me: Cardinals

Register beginning December 1
When: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
Ages: 1 – 3 years with an adult

Give your toddler a fun and interactive introduction to nature in our Mommy & Me classes! Each month we will focus on a different topic and will feature live animal encounters, stories, crafts and nature exploration. Due to school being in session, parking is not available at the Zion Nature Center. We will meet at the elementary school gates at 9:30 a.m. and walk to the Nature Center together.

Saturday, December 15 - Nature Ornaments

When: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
Fee: $2/person

We found the perfect way to catch that holiday spirit. Visit the Zion Nature Center this weekend to make some nature-inspired ornaments. Perfect for gifts, or to decorate your tree and start a new family tradition. Drop in anytime between 12 – 4 p.m. You may make one of each ornament offered.

Sunday, December 16 - Nature Ornaments

When: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
Fee: $2/person

Friday, December 21 - Campfire & Carols

Registration Required
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

It’s the official start of winter, and the longest night of the year. Celebrate with carols and an evening stroll under the stars at Zion Nature Center. After the hike warm up at our crackling campfire with hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows. Registration is required as space is limited.

Friday, December 28 - Zion Nature Center OPEN

When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

School is on break, so we’ve extended our OPEN hours.

Friday, December 28 - Creature Feature: Turtles

When: 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

Stop in anytime from 1 – 3 p.m. for a chance to meet our box turtles and aquatic turtles close. Enjoy a turtle themed craft and refreshments. What a great way to ask questions and discover what makes these animals so amazing!

Saturday, December 29 - Animal Tracks

Registration Required
When: 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
Ages: 3 and up with an adult

What went by? Winter is a great time to discover the animals that live in your backyard. Join us for a walk in the winter woods as we search for animal tracks and other signs. Then we’ll return to the Zion Nature Center to make our own animal tracks. Registration is required as space is limited.

Monday, December 31 - Noon Year’s Eve

Register beginning December 1
When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

New Year’s Eve is a great time to celebrate all we’ve done and all we will do in the coming year. However, midnight can come too late for young ones, and let’s face it, sometimes the adults. Join the Zion Nature Center as we have a HOOTING good time celebrating the New Year a little early. Your family can raise a toast with some tasty juice, watch a balloon drop at Noon, and party with Nature Center friends during this year’s owl themed celebration! Registration is required as space is limited.