WINTER 2020
A facility of the St. Charles Park District
Facility Hours
 
NEW! Starting in January 
Open Mondays: 10am-4pm
Tu-Sa: 10am-4pm
Su: 12-4pm  

630-513-4399  |  stcnature.org 
 


Sunday, December 1
10-11:30am
 
Ages 2+
RES $8/NR $12 per person  ( #19875 )
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd.
 
Watch Santa arrive pulled by his dashing huskies, then spend some time helping him get ready for his Big Day!
  • Write a letter to Santa
  • Make an ornament
  • Have your picture taken with the Big Guy, himself!
  • Breakfast snacks included
Santa arrives at 10:15am! 

Click here to register.
The perfect cure for cabin fever for your critter loving little one. Join us for a month of fun, crafts, games and tons of hands-on critter visits. Each month has a new theme of exploration.

Wednesdays  |  9:30-10:15am  |  RES $30/NR $45 per class
Ice and Snow Adventures
Jan 8-29  ( #19868)

Cool experiments and chilly animals!
Fantastic Fossils & Dinos
Feb 5-26   ( #19869)

Be a paleontologist and dig for cool dinosaurs!

Click on code #s to register.
Mission to the Moon
Mar 4-25   ( #19870)
 
Use your imagination to blast off on space-tastic adventures!
NEW! Hiking Adventures
Start the year off right-with some fresh air and exercise! Dress for the weather.

Family Fun Hike 
Ages 2+
W   Jan 1  |  9:30-10:30am
RES $5/NR $8  (#20621)
Enjoy a casually paced winter hike on the trails.. After, refuel at the nature center with light breakfast treats. Hike will be on uneven ground and will not be stroller friendly.

Fresh Start Hike
Ages 12+
W   Jan 1  |  9-10am
RES $5/NR $8  ( #20612) 
Join in a fitness paced hike along the scenic trails and end with a light and healthy breakfast snack. Hike will be on trails with moderate terrain. 


NEW! Painted Turtle Palette
Ages 6-12
M    Jan 6  |  1-2pm
RES $15/NR $23  (#20957)

Get artsy with our turtle friends. Meet and greet our resident reptiles for inspiration and let your creative juices flow. Each child will get a canvas to create a take home masterpiece.
NEW! Happy Trees Family Painting Class
Ages 2+
F    Feb 7  |  6:30-7:30pm
RES $25/NR $38  (#20950)

Everyone can find the joy in this painting class when we allow nature to inspire us! Create a family forest painting on a large canvas that will fit all ages and skill levels. Gather the gang for some non-screen time fun as you make this creative keepsake. One canvas per family registration.


Great Backyard Bird Count
All Ages
Su    Feb 16  |  1-4pm
FREE but please register  (#20956)

A fun and easy event that engages birdwatchers to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Count the birds at the Hickory Knolls feeders along with  members of Kane County Audubon. All GBBC results will be submitted to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for entry into a national database.


Click on code #s to register.
 
 
Guided Programs: 1 hour, $50/15 scouts,
Offered M-F after school and
select Wednesday evenings & weekends

Self-Guided Programs: $15 for 1-day use of
curriculum and materials, used on- or off-site

Programs scheduled on a first-come, first served basis

Naturalists assistance for individual scouts working on Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards or an Eagle Scout Rank
 
To schedule a scouting adventure, contact 
Laura McCoy at 630-513-4393 or lmccoy@stcparks.org .  
 
For more program details, visit stcnature.org. 
 
 
NEW! Scouting Out Evening Explorers  
Ages 5-12

Plan the perfect scout outing for your Cub Scout Den or Girl Scout Troop. Each month will include hands-on activities that you can apply to scouting requirements. Leaders can register more than one child. Adults are free and at least one adult must accompany scouts for the program.  

Marshmallow Madness 
Th    Jan 16    6:30-7:30pm     
RES $10/NR $15    (#19883)
Use simple machines to launch marshmallows!
 
Letter Boxing
Th    Apr 23  |  6:30-7:30pm     
RES $10/NR $15   (#19884) 
Take a modern day treasure hunt as you follow clues and hike the trails. 


NEW! Scout Overnight
Ages 5-12
 
Don't let the cold weather keep you cooped up inside! Enjoy the luxury of being able to sleep inside while still getting to head out for an evening adventure. Participate in indoor animal activities and bring your winter gear for an evening hike. Dinner and a light breakfast provided. Participants need to bring sleeping bags. Leaders may accompany multiple kids from one den. Leaders and adults must register. Individual scouts must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Girl Scout Overnight
FSa    Jan 31-Feb 1  |  6pm-8am
RES $30/NR $45 per scout  (#21153)

Cub Scout Overnight
FSa    Mar 13-14  |  6pm-8am
RES $30/NR $45 per scout  (#21152)
We have a unique space for you! 
Weddings, Business Meetings, Family Gatherings
Ceremonies & Celebrations!
 
The Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is a 10,500 sq. ft. building featuring a spacious lobby that soars more than 20 feet in height, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the oak savanna just outside the doors. Audio visual technology and wifi available. Access to nature center exhibits and grounds including native gardens and more than 130 acres of natural areas. 
Available weekdays, evenings and weekends. Kitchen available at an additional fee.
For more information, contact Amanda Schiferl at
630-513-4345 or aschiferl@stcparks.org.


Thursday, April 9
Baby Bunnies (Ages 0-4): 6:30-7:15pm  |  #20609 
  
Friday, April 10 
Little Hoppers (Ages 2-5): 6:30-7:15pm  |  #20607    
Bigger Bunnies (Ages 5-8): 7:30-8:15pm  |  #20606
Rock'n Rabbits (Ages 6-12): 8:30-9:15pm  |  #20608


All programs held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, unless noted.
3795 Campton Hills Road  |  630-513-4399  |  stcnature.org
RES=Resident / NR=Nonresident