The miniNaturalist program encourages curiosity for the natural world through exploration and play. We sing songs, read books, play games, and develop skills with art and science tools. Each program begins with songs, movement, and stories. We then provide materials for learner directed discovery in our garden. We look for bugs and birds, color on rocks, build with branches, experiment with science tools and play with a variety of art materials.

Please bring clothes for outdoor play! We have some snow clothes to borrow.

Best for ages 2-4, though any age is welcome!

Cost: Free with membership/admission

September-May, every Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Come learn and play with us!

NOTE: This is a family program for kids and their caregivers. Schools, preschools, and daycares can schedule a center visit with one of our naturalists.

Join us twice a month during the academic year, September-May, for a Saturday Kids’ Activity. These drop-in programs feature activities, art, science experiments, and more. Kids might look for Osprey with binoculars, dissect owl pellets, or walk a model of the solar system. Every month features a new topic. The whole family can be involved, as the exploration and activities are suitable for a wide age range.

This room is just for kids! Curl up with a book, play games, perform an animal puppet show, and explore our touch table. Have fun with rocks and blocks, or see if you can identify all the native species in Melissa Madsen’s beautiful mural!

The Nature Adventure Garden, on the east side of MNHC between the river trail and our building, is designed to be a play area that is almost entirely free of traditional structures. In lieu of swings and typical playground equipment, it features boulders, hills, shrubs, and the natural structure that the research links to creative and healthy play.

Our Nature Adventure Garden provides a fun stop for kids and grownups to visit along the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail. Stop by and play!