Join us for interactive, nature-based kids’ activities through our trails! Topics include birding, sensory walks, nature crafts, composting, nature journaling and more. Experience the magic of our 18-acre native landscape, and make lasting memories with friends and family.
Can I drop-in or do I need to register in advance?
Advanced registration is required. Drop-ins are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, based on availability. Call us at 714-842-4772 if you need a special accommodation. We will try our best; however, accommodations are not always guaranteed. Advanced registration allows us to schedule our docent(s), prepare group materials, and plan for appropriate trail routes.
Do you offer activities for toddlers?
Yes, our toddler activities are usually scheduled at 10AM and are recommended for children ages 1-3. Advanced registration is required. Toddler activities are not offered every First Friday, so please check our events page to see if a toddler session is being offered.
What if my child is close to, but not quite at, the recommended age range? Can they still attend?
Our age ranges are recommended based on the type of activity being offered. It is at the discretion of the child’s guardian to decide if the activity is a right-fit based on: our recommended age range, the activity description and time of day. Feel free to call our office if you want more details about the month’s activity.
Why are there multiple activity times?
Depending on the month, we may offer a toddler activity at 10AM, a 12PM session that may fit well for unschooling groups and a 3:30PM session that may fit well for after school groups. Please check each month’s activity to see which sessions are being offered and register accordingly. Recommended age ranges are posted for each offered session.
How much does each activity cost?
Check the registration link for the activity you are interested in attending for the associated cost. We offer a regular rate and a member rate for each child ticket. To keep environmental education accessible for our community, we do offer a limited number of financial assistance packages. Reach out to education@shipleynature.org to learn more about our financial assistance program.
Can I drop my kid off for the activity?
Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times during the activity.
Can I bring other children with me who aren’t in the activity’s age range?
Other children can join if they are accompanied by an adult. Children receiving the activity will need to register while those who are not participating in the activity can simply tag along.
Can I bring a stroller?
Our trails are covered in wood chips. Some strollers may have more success than others on the bumpy terrain. Based on the size of the group, we may request of those who are able to park their strollers by our bike rack to allow for more ease of moving through the trails while allowing children to actively participate in the activity.
What’s next month’s activity topic going to be?
Registration links unique to each month’s activity are posted to our events page about 1-2 weeks before the date of the activity.
Why are you only open until 5PM on one day a month?
We are primarily a volunteer-run organization. First Fridays are made possible by our volunteer greeters and docents. Greeters help us by welcoming and checking in visitors while trained docents help us lead our educational programs. Shipley thrives because of our passionate volunteers. Volunteering at Shipley Nature Center means becoming part of a vibrant, eco-minded community.
