Family Programs at Flat Rock Brook

Conservation Club Programs

Perfect for after-school and Home-school needs. Our Conservation Club programs are, hands-on, nature experiences using STEAM approaches to science and ecology. Programs are led by one of our highly trained Naturalist and will take place both inside the Exhibit Hall and outside on our trails. All programs are 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on a Tuesday afternoon. Ages are noted in the description however, most are 4:00pm to 5:00 pm. Programs are $10.00, SAVE by registering online and only pay $7.50 or pay full price at the door with check or cash (exact change please).

Conservation Club Dates and Times

September 2024

Who Lives Here?: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 6-9

Explore the forest at FRB and find out “who lives here” and how they survive in our urban forest and wetlands.

October 2024

Flights of Fancy: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

Flying isn’t just for birds! Delve into the fantastic world of flying and gliding animals at FRB

November 2024

STEM in the Forest: Chemistry 101 Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

Learn about the amazing world around you through these fun and educational, hands-on experiments using STEM principals.

December 2024

Oh, What an Omnivore!: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

If you eat plants and animals… you might be an OMNIVORE! Find out what other animals would like some fries with their burger in this fun look at animals eating habits and what it takes to be an omnivore.

January 2025

STEM in the Forest: Engineering: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

This hands-on STEM program will look at animals that are eco-system engineers and let you build towers and sculptures - let’s see who wins first place for tallest tower and sturdiest building!

February 2025

All Those Wonderful Adaptations!: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

How do animals survive in their habitats? Discover the wonderful adaptations that have developed in plants and animals over the centuries and see how climate change has impacted the way creatures live today.

March 2025

STEM in the Forest: Air Currents Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

Experiment with our trained Naturalist and discover air currents - how they change the weather, ocean temperatures, and how people and animals use air currents to help them create energy and travel.

April 2025

Pond Study: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

Take an in-depth look at the amazing pond eco-system. We will discover the micro and macro- invertebrates living there as well as the frogs, reptiles, and fish that call the pond their home. We will use magnifying glasses, microscopes, and water quality chemical tests to see if our pond is a healthy habitat for these incredible creatures.

Fabulous Forests: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

Learn how Fabulous the forest truly is during this hour long educational hike through FRB’s trails to look at the Urban Forest landscape.

May 2025

STEM in the Forest: Engineering: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

This hands-on STEM program will look at animals that are eco-system engineers and let you build towers and sculptures - let’s see who wins first place for tallest tower and sturdiest building!

STEM in the Forest: Wonderful Water Tuesday, May 201, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

This hands-on STEM program will look at the properties of water such as surface tension, boiling point, and freezing point. hands-on experiments and art projects round out this exciting STEAM-based program

June 2025

Remarkable Rocks: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 7-10

Investigate the rock cycle through hands-on projects and experiments. Then we will look at some beautiful and amazing examples of rock, crystal, and mineral that we experiment on to decide what type they may be.

July 2025

August 2025

Forest Fables Preschool Programs

Forest Fables Programs are one-hour child-caregiver programs which take place in our spacious Exhibit Hall and out on the trails. Each weekly program runs from 10:30 to 11:30 on Tuesdays. See below for dates and topics. Each Session is a series of six programs, one per week. Choose from Winter Session I, Winter Session II, Spring Session I, and Spring Session II. Sessions are $60.00, payable online (see below) or with exact change in cash or a check on or before the first date of the session. For more information contact Carol at carol@flatrockbrook.org . Rain dates are the Thursday of the same week unless contacted due to extreme weather.

Fall Forest Fable Dates and Programs

* Fall Sessions are sold out!

Winter Forest Fable Session I

December 3, 2024 Hibernation Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

December 10, 2024 Pinecones Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

December 17, 2024 Winter Solstice Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

December 31, 2024 Winter Animals Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

January 7, 2025 Bears Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

January 14, 2025 Snow and Ice Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Winter Forest Fable Session II

January 21, 2025 Animal Tracks Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

January 28, 2025 Ground Hogs Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

February 4, 2025 Birds in Winter Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

February 11, 2025 Chipmunks Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

February 18, 2025 Deer in Winter Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

February 25, 2025 Tree Homes Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Spring Forest Fable Session I

March 4, 2025 Wind Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

March 11, 2025 Rain and Clouds Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

March 18, 2025 Rainbows Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

March 25, 2025 Flowers Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

April 1, 2025 Baby Animals Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

April 8, 2025 Ducks Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Spring Forest Fable Session II

April 15, 2025 Tadpoles and Frogs Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

April 22, 2025 Fish Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

April 29, 2025 Ladybugs Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

May 6, 2025 Butterflies Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

May 13, 2025 Bubbles Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

May 20, 2025 The Sun Ages 2-5 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Family Programs

Family Programs are one hour long unless otherwise noted. These programs are written for the ages listed in the description or may be appropriate for the entire family. Programs are $7.50 per person if registered online or $10 at the door on the day of the program (please call two days prior to be sure there is still room). Parents are welcome to drop off or may stay for the program. Siblings over the age of 18 months may not attend but feel free to utilize the other public areas of FRB while you wait.

September

Sold Out!

October

Fabulous Forest Guided Hike: October 27, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Ages: all ages

Hike with Flat Rock Brook Naturalist while they point out the highlights of the trail as well as interesting trivia about FRB and it’s long history. No strollers, hike is appropriate for children aged seven and older, Fee is per person, all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Halloween Programs: program fees are per person/per program.

Creeping, Crawling Critters, 10:00 to 11:00: Delve into the creeping and crawling world of insects, amphibians, and reptiles during this one hour program. Meet some live critters during the program. Ages 4-6

Flights of Fancy, 11:00 to 12:00: Birds aren’t the only animals that can fly. Learn about insects, birds, bats, and flying squirrels during this one hour program. Our naturalist will choose a story, craft, activity, and some fun artifacts to celebrate animals that can fly. Ages 4-6

Spook-tacular Spiders, 12:00 to 1:00: Get ready for a spook-tacular time at FRB. Learn about the interesting arachnids with our Naturalist through a story, craft, hike to look for some spiders, and other fun activities! Ages 4-6

Autumn Trees, 1:00 to 2:00: What happened to trees in the fall and winter? Find out with our FRB Naturalist through a story, craft, and a hike to see the Autumn Trees. Ages 4-6

Marvelous Moon, 3:30 to 4:30: Blast off for this exciting look at the moon. Learn about the Blood Moon eclipse Halloween weekend and why the moon looks different each night all done through fun stories, crafts, games, and more. Ages 6-10

Owls, 4:30 to 5:30: Explore the exciting late-night world of Owls. Find out if they all stay out late or do some hunt their food during the day? This program will include an owl pellet dissection portion, a story, and meeting FRB’s own owl residents. Ages 6-10

November

Beautiful Box Turtles: Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Ages 5-7

FRB is home to two beautiful eastern box turtles, Thelma and Louise, but did you know we also have more wild box turtles living on our 150-acre forest preserve? Learn about these fascinating terrapins. Ages 5-7

Wetlands Guided Hike: Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Ages: ages 7 to adult

Take an exciting hike through the ever-changing wetlands area of McFadden’s Wetland with one of our trained Naturalists. We will look for animals tracks, nests, wetland birds as well as enjoying a wonderful and healthy hike. Ages: 7 to adult This program may be purchased as a single person or as a “family” of up to 5 people. participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Owl Story Time: Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Ages 3 - 7

Flat Rock Brook is home to two rescue owls, Tilly the Eastern Screech owl and Josephine the great horned owl. This program will include a story, craft, a visit to where FRB houses our resident raptors, and a visit from Tilly. Ages 3 to 7.

December

Remarkable Rocks: Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Ages 7-10

Rocks and the rock cycle are really remarkable! try some hands-on activities to learn about the properties of rocks and how they form. Then go on a hike with trained Naturalists to see the quarry area, quarry pond and some interesting rocks and rock formations around FRB. Ages 7-10

Animals in Winter: Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Ages 3 - 7

Our Naturalist will pick their favorite winter tale and create a related craft for you to enjoy. Then we will look at a few FRB resident animals and discuss what they do to prepare and stay comfortable during the winter months. Ages 3 - 7, parents may stay for no charge.

Snow and Ice: Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Ages 3 - 7

Hear a fun and chilly story about ice and snow then create a beautiful snowflake of your own and play with some “snow dough”. A fun program to help celebrate the Winter Solstice. Ages 3 - 7

January 2025

Classy Animals: Monday, January 13, 2025 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Ages 5-9

Scientists love to classify and organize and so do our Naturalist. Discover some of the ways animals are classified and meet several live animals including invertebrates, reptiles, and an owl. Ages 5-9

Who Lives Here?: Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Ages 7-10

Explore the forest at FRB and find out “who lives here” and how they survive in our urban forest and wetlands.

Creeping, Crawling Critters: Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Ages 4-7

Delve into the creeping and crawling world of insects, amphibians, and reptiles during this one hour program. Meet some live critters during the program. Ages 4-6

February 2025

Super Snakes: Monday, February 10, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Ages 5-7

Explore the super world of snakes during this exciting program filled with snake facts, snake artifacts, and of course … SNAKES! We will take out one of our super snakes to meet you.

Flat Rock Recycles: Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Ages 7-10

Flat Rock Brook cares about nature and natural beauty and one way to ensure that the world stays beautiful is to recycle! Learn about some of the issues facing this planet and ways you can help make this a better, cleaner world. We will share some ideas for making fun crafts and useful items by recycling or upcycling things you might just throw away. Ages 5-10

March 2025

Ravishing Raptors: Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Ages 7-10

Raptors are some of the most fascinating birds. Find out what makes a raptor a raptor and how we care of our non-releasable birds and simple ways you can help protect these ravishing raptors. Age 7-10

Marvelous Monarchs: Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Ages 5-8.

Monarchs are marvelous creatures that may migrate as much as 3,000 miles. Monarchs are an important part of the plant life cycle and are the symbol of several states in the US. Find out some of the bizarre facts about monarchs, like they taste with their feet. This program will have fun crafts, planting, and activities to learn about this amazing creature. Ages 5-8

April 2025

Fabulous Ferns: Sunday April 6, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Search for ferns through FRB trails and find out what makes them so unique. From a life cycle that is all their own, to reproducing with spores, find out all about these fabulous ferns.

May 2025

June 2025

July 2025

August 2025

Break At The Brook Programs

Break At The Brook programs are prefect way to spend school breaks, having fun in the Flat Rock Brook Forest! These mini-camp experiences are a fun, hands-on program filled with science, nature, crafts, and games for students aged 5-9. $100.00 per day, early bird special $75.00 per day until December 1, 2024. See below for our dates and topics.

Break at the Brook Program Dates

November

November 7, 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Ages 5-9 - Apples, Pumpkins, and Autumn Leaves

November 8, 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Ages 5-9 - Autumn Animals

December

December 26, 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Ages 5-9 - Winter Outdoor Exploration

December 27, 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Ages 5-9 - Forest Art

December 30, 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Ages 5-9 - Chilling with Friends

January

January 30, 2025 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Ages 5-9 - Animals in Winter

January 31, 2025 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Ages 5-9 - Snow

April

Monday: April 14, 2024 Flowers in the Field

Tuesday: April 15, 2024 Pond Ecology

Wednesday: April 16, 2024 Colors in Nature

Thursday: April 17, 2024 Birds in Spring

Friday: April 18, 2024 Fun with Water