Nature Tots continues in 2020

Nature stories, live animals, outdoor play — Nature Tots is a hit program at the Dickinson County Nature Center that will return Jan. 8 for the 2020 season.

“I think this program has been so well attended because it offers activities families can do together,” said Bryanna Kuhlman, environmental education coordinator. “It also gives families things to learn about and talk about after the program is over.”

Nature Tots is a free program for ages 2-5 held 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, with an additional 9 a.m. program June-August. Each month has a different theme, and the year will kick off Jan. 8 with the theme If Pluto was a Pea.

“If Pluto was a Pea will discuss the size of the planets in comparison to the size of a pea,” Kuhlman said. “Each planet will have a relatable item that our learners can see.”

The February theme will be Butterflies and Bees, and March will feature Songs of Nature.

Each Nature Tots program lasts approximately one hour and has a variety of activities that go with that month’s theme. Youth may get to touch a live animal or pelt; they may head outside to explore signs of wildlife in Kenue Park; they may create a fun craft to take home. There is always something new and fun in store.

“Naturalist Ashley Hansen and I work well together and take the time to look at previous schedules to come up with new themes,” Kuhlman said. “We enjoy learning about new topics too.”

Nature Tots is a free program, but spots are limited, so please call 712-336-6352 to pre-register. Registration for each program opens two months in advance.

For the full year’s schedule of Nature Tots themes, visit our programs page. You can also keep up on the latest happenings on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.