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 …

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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 …

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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.

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 …

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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 …

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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.

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!

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 …

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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 …

Continue reading "Lions, Tigers, and Bears – Oh My!"

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 …

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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.