Outdoor Classroom for Kids: May - August 2026
Schedule
Wed May 06 2026 at 10:00 am to 11:00 am
UTC-05:00Location
Retzer Nature Center | Waukesha, WI
Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.
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DATES/TIMES: Select Wednesdays • 10–11 a.m.
LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center* (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)
*May 20, 2026 session is held at Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4
*June 10, 2026 session is held at Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area
COST: $6 per child per date (ages 4-12)
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REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:45 a.m.
Register at wauk.co/webtrac (click "Programs & Special Events," then "Public Programs").
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MAY 6 — Warblers & What Not: Explore the trails at Retzer as we look and listen for birds, and learn why warblers are unique.
MAY 20 — Nature Exploration: Explore an old-growth forest, spring ephemeral flowers, diverse animal habitats, and more.
JUNE 3 — Flex Your Freshwater Mussels: Learn the fascinating life cycle and benefits (or not) of having Mussels in our Wisconsin waters.
JUNE 10 — Crazy Crayfish: See Crayfish in their natural habitat, learn about their life cycle, and discover more about these fascinating creatures.
JUNE 17 — Colors in Nature: Come explore how humans and animals perceive colors differently, and how different colors help plants, animals, and insects survive.
JUNE 24 — Terrific Turtles: Enjoy a visit from Retzer's turtles! See how their physical and behavioral traits can help them survive.
JULY 8 — Animal Classifications: Let's break down how animals are grouped and learn some cool scientific terms in the process.
JULY 15 — Family Biolitz: Learn how to Bioblitz - a citizen-science party to see the biodiversity of an ecosystem in particular areas.
JULY 22 — Your Actions Matter: We will learn what it means to close the recycling loop during our interactive Recycling Exhibit tour and hands-on activities.
JULY 29 — The Heat is On - Sunprints: We will explore cool things about the sun and see how it makes our art pieces beautiful.
AUGUST 5 — Dragonflies & Damselfies: Join us as we learn about Dragonflies and Damselflies, explore their habitat, and safely catch and release them.
AUGUST 12 — Hoppers: There are many different species of “hoppers” in Wisconsin; let’s learn how to identify a variety of these active critters.
AUGUST 26 — Bumble Bee Survey: Join us as we learn about different kinds of bumble bees found in the Retzer Children’s Garden and prairie.
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NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program is mostly outdoors. In poor weather, full program may move indoors.
For any questions, please contact [email protected].
Where is it happening?
Retzer Nature Center, Retzer Nature Center, S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:


















