Fourth of July Hours: Noon to 4
2026-07-04 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
We will be closed the morning of the fourth, but will be open in the afternoon–Tony, our front desk volunteer, has to be at a parade in the morning, so please be patient if he gets in a little after noon. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Wonder Wednesday: Fungus Among Us
2026-07-08 09:00 - 15:00
Our one-day, fun-filled, Wonder Wednesdays let kids explore the beautiful outdoor setting and learn about their surrounding environment. It is run by experienced instructors and the days include interpretive education, games, crafts to bring home, free play and hikes.
July 8: Fungus Among Us
This exciting new camp offers a hands-on exploration of the fascinating world of fungi, from spore to mushroom. Participants will also have an opportunity to connect with trees, engage in playful science activities, and cultivate a deep respect for nature while uncovering forest secrets. (Ages 5 and up)
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: 5 and up (varies according to camp topic)
Cost: $85 per camper/per session
Sign Up: Wonder Wednesdays Registration Page

Welcome Kind Roots!
2026-07-10 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-24 10:00 - 12:00
Our friends from Kind Roots Early Learning are joining us (most) Fridays this summer. The center will still be open, but there will likely be a lot of little ones running around.

Little Explorers: Nature Art
2026-07-13 10:00 - 11:30
Together we’ll wander the trails, gardens, and forests around the nature center, collecting colors, shapes, and textures to create simple nature-inspired artwork. Toddlers will discover that leaves, flowers, and sticks can become part of their own creative masterpieces.
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. Little Explorers camps are limited to 30 children per session and many are close to filling. Sign your child up today to ensure they have a spot!
Day: Mondays
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 1 to 5 (Under 1 year-olds are free)
Cost: $8 per child/per session
Sign up: Little Explorers Registration Page

2 Day Camp: Prairie Life (Day 1 of 2)
2026-07-14 09:00 - 15:00
This summer we are piloting a 2-day version of our popular four day camps. Times are longer, and camps all meet midweek. 2-Day camps also feature offerings for older campers.
July 14 & 15: Prairie Life
We are excited for our prairie life camp this year, where Alex from Prairie Enthusiasts will be returning to assist us in identifying various prairie plants and gaining a deeper understanding of this vital ecosystem. Additionally, we will delve into the daily life of prairie pioneers and the challenges they faced living in the mid-1800s. (ages 8 and up)
Days: Tuesday & Wednesday
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: Varies, depending on camp
Cost: $175 per camper/per session
Sign Up Here

2-Day Camp: Prairie Life (Day 2 of 2)
2026-07-15 09:00 - 15:00

Colonial Crafts @ the SMINC
2026-07-18 10:00 - 12:00
We’re going to take a trip back in time and see how people had fun in bygone days. We’ll have sewing demos, cooking demos, old fashioned games. Ever wonder how kids entertained themselves before screens? Come find out! This is a free event, and fun for the whole family.

Sunfish Explorers: Canine Critters (Day 1 of 4)
2026-07-20 09:00 - 12:00
Our weeklong camps offer small group camps that encourage and educate the youth of tomorrow about the beauty and importance of a healthy outdoors. Each camp will have special guests such as the Dodge Nature Center and their raptors and the 3M Wizards. Camps include hikes, crafts, games and of course a little education about the outdoors!
July 20-23: Canine Critters
During this camp, we will explore the forest canine families, such as the fox, coyote, and wolf. We will discuss their similarities and differences, their diets, and even learn how to howl like them. (ages 5-8)
Days: Monday through Thursday
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Ages: Varies according to camp topic
Cost: $175 Per camper/per session
Sign Up: Sunfish Explorers Registration Page

Sunfish Explorers: Canine Critters (Day 2 of 4)
2026-07-21 09:00 - 12:00

Sunfish Explorers: Canine Critters (Day 3 of 4)
2026-07-22 09:00 - 12:00

Sunfish Explorers: Canine Critters (Day 4 of 4)
2026-07-23 09:00 - 12:00

Little Explorers: Bird Mania
2026-07-27 08:00 - 17:00
Join in on our discovery of the different types of birds that are in our little park. We will match birds to their songs.
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. Little Explorers camps are limited to 30 children per session and many are close to filling. Sign your child up today to ensure they have a spot!
Day: Mondays
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 1 to 5 (Under 1 year-olds are free)
Cost: $8 per child/per session
Sign up: Little Explorers Registration Page

Wonder Wednesday: Water Wonders
2026-07-29 09:00 - 15:00
Our one-day, fun-filled, Wonder Wednesdays let kids explore the beautiful outdoor setting and learn about their surrounding environment. It is run by experienced instructors and the days include interpretive education, games, crafts to bring home, free play and hikes.
July 29: Water Wonders
In this year’s water camp, in addition to our pond dipping, we are going to focus on turtles, frogs, and salamanders. We will even attempt to catch our own critters so make sure the kids are ready to get wet and muddy! (Ages 5 – 8)
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: 5 and up (varies according to camp topic)
Cost: $85 per camper/per session
Sign Up: Wonder Wednesdays Registration Page

Julie Schroeder Watercolor Class (Day 1 of 2)
2026-07-30 10:00 - 14:00
We are honored to regularly host Julie Schroeder’s popular art workshops here at the SMINC. Topics vary, as do prices. For more information, or to register, contact Julie directly at brushcolour@yahoo.com
Website: Livingwatercolours.com
Phone: 651-352-5695

Julie Schroeder Watercolor Class (Day 2 of 2)
2026-07-31 10:00 - 14:00

Sunfish Explorers: Bugology (Day 1 of 4)
2026-08-03 09:00 - 12:00
Our weeklong camps offer small group camps that encourage and educate the youth of tomorrow about the beauty and importance of a healthy outdoors. Each camp will have special guests such as the Dodge Nature Center and their raptors and the 3M Wizards. Camps include hikes, crafts, games and of course a little education about the outdoors!
August 3-6: Bugology
The beloved camp is returning, and we are excited to resume our bug-catching adventures! We will explore the various types of bugs in the park, their significance, and create our own. Additionally, beekeepers will join us to educate us about those sweet honey makers! (ages 5-10)
Days: Monday through Thursday
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Ages: Varies according to camp topic
Cost: $175 Per camper/per session
Sign Up: Sunfish Explorers Registration Page

Sunfish Explorers: Bugology (Day 2 of 4)
2026-08-04 09:00 - 12:00

Sunfish Explorers: Bogology (Day 3 of 4)
2026-08-05 09:00 - 12:00

Sunfish Explorers: Bugology (Day 4 of 4)
2026-08-06 09:00 - 12:00

Welcome Kind Roots
2026-08-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-28 10:00 - 12:00

Little Explorers: Water Wonders
2026-08-10 10:00 - 11:30
Toddlers will learn about tiny critters, wiggly swimmers, and other animal’s that call the water home through gentle exploration, scooping, and observing. It’s a beautiful way to nurture curiosity about life beneath the surface.
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. Little Explorers camps are limited to 30 children per session and many are close to filling. Sign your child up today to ensure they have a spot!
Day: Mondays
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 1 to 5 (Under 1 year-olds are free)
Cost: $8 per child/per session
Sign up: Little Explorers Registration Page

Wonder Wednesday: Citizen Science
2026-08-12 09:00 - 15:00
Our one-day, fun-filled, Wonder Wednesdays let kids explore the beautiful outdoor setting and learn about their surrounding environment. It is run by experienced instructors and the days include interpretive education, games, crafts to bring home, free play and hikes.
August 12: Citizen Science
Campers will learn ways that the public can help us learn more about the world around us. They’ll witness the process and significance of bird banding. In the afternoon, we will be joined by Monarch Joint Venture to explore their research on Monarch butterflies. The day will conclude with an exciting activity of attempting to catch butterflies for tagging. (9 and up)
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: 5 and up (varies according to camp topic)
Cost: $85 per camper/per session
Sign Up: Wonder Wednesdays Registration Page

2-Day Camp: Outdoor Adventures (Day 1 of 2)
2026-08-18 09:00 - 15:00
This summer we are piloting a 2-day version of our popular four day camps. Times are longer, and camps all meet midweek. 2-Day camps also feature offerings for older campers.
August 18 & 19: Outdoor Adventures
We are revamping this well-loved camp by offering activities such as hiking, orienteering, rope tying, plant and animal identification, and outdoor cooking. We are excited to teach children how to feel at ease in nature. (ages 8 and up)
Days: Tuesday & Wednesday
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: Varies, depending on camp
Cost: $175 per camper/per session
Sign Up Here

2-Day Camp: Outdoor Adventures (Day 2 of 2)
2026-08-19 09:00 - 15:00

Little Explorers: Bugology
2026-08-24 10:00 - 11:30
We’ll look for bugs in the grass, under logs, and on plants while learning how insects move, eat, and live. The highlight, of course, is our joyful bug hunt, where wonder and bravery grow side by side.
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. Little Explorers camps are limited to 30 children per session and many are close to filling. Sign your child up today to ensure they have a spot!
Day: Mondays
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 1 to 5 (Under 1 year-olds are free)
Cost: $8 per child/per session
Sign up: Little Explorers Registration Page
