Humans aren’t the only living beings in cities! Come learn about animals that live alongside us, and how our buildings, roads, and daily life can greatly impact their ability to survive.

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center’s Nature Play Afternoons offer a variety of free activities in an open house environment, including canoe & kayak rentals, scooping for pond critters, art activities and a water/sand table. Get outside and discover nature with your child!

During summer 2024 watch for these special programs:

• Thursday, June 27 | Music with Will Bjorndal — Sing and laugh with musician, naturalist and true-blue Minnesotan goofball Will Bjorndal as he brings a wagonload of original and traditional songs to Thursday Nature Play Day!
• Thursday, July 11 | Animals Among Us — Learn about animals that live alongside us and how our buildings, roads, and daily life impact their ability to survive.
• Thursday, July 18 |  International Owl Center — Participate in a hands-on game show highlighting ways in which humans encounter and impact owls. Meet a live Great Horned Owl.
• Thursday, August 1 | Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo — Meet awesome reptiles from the Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo. Learn about turtles, lizards, snakes and a small alligator.
• Thursday, August 15 | The Power of Fire — Jump into the realm of fire ecologies. Explore benefits and risks as we check out various types of fire and their essential roles in nature. Learn how to support positive fires while preventing harmful ones.