Cats & their Cousins

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

We love our feline friends, both big and small! Today we’re talking about not only domestic housecats, but some of their other lesser known cousins. Be it for a Serval, Kodkod, Oncilla or a Margay, we’ll come away with an appreciation of kitties from all around the globe! Join us on a crafty journey through …

Make your own Birdfeeder Workshop

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

We know different birds eat different foods, but now we have to get it to them! Join us in making birdfeeders designed for a variety of songbird cuisine, and take them home for your own garden, porch, or balcony. All materials provided, and everyone leaves with at least one birdfeeder!

Prehistoric Illinois

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Did you know that our state was once completely covered by water? We’re digging into the prehistoric history of Illinois and learning all about the bizarre beings that used to call this place home. Get hands on with brachiopods, feel the mighty glaciers, and more!   Photo by Nobu Tamura.

New Fruit Just Dropped

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Rambutans? Tamarinds? Kumquats? You're telling me those aren't made up words? They're not! Travel the world in fruit form as we sample, tasting fruits from across cultures that may be new to you.

Potable Water Challenge

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

POV: You’re lost in the woods, you’re thirsty, but your water bottle is empty! And the water around you is… questionable at best. What to do!? Today we’re stepping up to the challenge and trying to purify water using the tools we have at hand.

Bug Hotel Workshop

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

A bug hotel is a structure filled with materials that different insects and spiders like to use as a habitat. These crawlies aren’t so creepy when they’re doing their part in the ecosystem! Join us in making places for our beneficial bugs to stay - that you can bring home! All materials provided.

Reining Animal Champions

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Let's celebrate those animal superlatives! We're exploring the world's largest, smallest, fastest, and more with games, acting out and comparing them to ourselves, and more hands-on fun!

Hapa Zome Plant Printing Workshop

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Literally translated to “leaf dye”, Hapa Zome is the Japanese art of pounding plants with a hammer to color fabric! Come join us in learning the ways plants are used as dye, and making our own plant-printed tote bags. We’ll have a smashing good time! All materials provided.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears – Oh My!

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Follow the yellow brick road all the way to Austin Gardens where we’re learning about some of our favorite animals! What do these three predators have in common? How are they different? What do they eat, and what do they feel like? Make art and play games with us to find out! Registration is for …

It’s a Rainforest Weekend!

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

We're exploring the tropical rainforest today! From the forest floor to the emergent trees, we'll craft our way through the different layers of the forest and what calls it home. Join us in making a mural and explore jungle life close up. Registration is for one child with an adult. Adult must stay for the …

The Weird World of Cave Creatures

Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center Main Room - 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park IL 60302

Deep below the earth... in the openings of the rock itself... live some very peculiar creatures. From eyeless fish to colonies of bats, we're exploring the weird world of cave creatures through games, crafts, and more. 

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