In January, our Explorers will dive into the magic and science of snowflakes and ice through hands-on discovery and playful winter fun. Children will explore how every snowflake is unique and investigate the different ways ice forms in nature using observation, sensory play, and creative expression. We’ll read The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett, create sparkling salt snowflake art on construction paper, and experiment with trays of ice, snow, and water to notice textures, shapes, and melting patterns. To round out the experience, children will participate in an indoor snowflake-themed movement game, building balance, coordination, and spatial awareness as they swirl and drift like dancing snowflakes.

In February, our Explorers will journey back in time to investigate rocks and fossils through hands-on discovery and indoor adventure. Children will learn how rocks are formed, explore different rock types, and uncover what fossils can reveal about the past as they sort, classify, and closely examine rocks of varying shapes, colors, and textures—using magnifying glasses to sharpen observation and descriptive language. We’ll read Ricky the Rock that Couldn’t Roll by Jay Miletsky, then create our own fossil imprints with air-dried clay, experimenting with textures and patterns to design keepsakes that can be observed over time. The program wraps up with an exciting classroom rock scavenger hunt, where children follow clues to find hidden “treasures,” building problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a growing sense of wonder about the world beneath our feet.

In March, our Explorers will celebrate spring and the new life that comes with the season by learning about animal babies, their habitats, and how parents care for them. Through indoor and outdoor observation, children will look for nests, eggs, and other signs of young animals while building curiosity about life cycles and springtime growth. We’ll read Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward, then create our own nests using twigs, leaves, yarn, and other natural materials to explore how nests are designed and what they’re used for. Children will also engage in hands-on nest-building sensory stations—collecting materials like birds do and experimenting with different textures and structures to strengthen fine motor skills and creative thinking. Weather permitting, we’ll take an optional outdoor walk to spot nests and signs of baby animals, with an indoor observation option available using nest samples in the classroom.

In April, our Explorers will celebrate Earth and learn simple, meaningful ways to care for our planet through conservation, recycling, and respect for natural resources. Children will build environmental awareness with hands-on sorting activities that help them distinguish recyclables from trash, helping to reinforce responsible everyday choices. We’ll read The Earth Book by Todd Parr and create decorated reusable nature gift bags using small canvas totes, paint, markers, and natural embellishments—highlighting the benefits of choosing reusable items. Children will also take part in group discussions and eco-friendly mini-activities that demonstrate how reducing, reusing, and recycling can make a real difference, encouraging stewardship, creativity, and mindful interaction with the world around them.

In May, our Explorers will dig into the world of seeds and sprouts, discovering how tiny seeds grow into plants and why pollination is so important in nature. Children will explore different seed characteristics, observe sprouts up close, and learn about plant life cycles through hands-on activities that build a sense of curiosity, responsibility, and connection to the natural world. We’ll read The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle, then create a special two-part project by painting terracotta pots and letting them dry before planting seeds later in class—giving children a living reminder of their learning to take home. Kids will also examine a variety of seeds, sprouts, and growth stages (including garden sprouts brought in for observation) using magnifying glasses to notice textures, shapes, and changes over time. Weather permitting, we’ll wrap up with an optional outdoor observation to spot plants, flowers, and pollinators and reinforce how living things grow and thrive together.

Hunt Hill Nature Center is partnering with the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum for a hands on Little Explorer field trip all about canoes and local river life. Join us on June 13 at 10 A.M at the museum in Spooner for a morning of learning and adventure. We will read One Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova, then enjoy a guided museum tour led by Alexis as we explore different canoe types, parts of a canoe, and the history behind them. Kids will rotate through interactive stations where they will practice paddling skills, build their own mini canoes, and learn about animals that live along our local rivers. Each child will earn a Junior Canoe Explorer badge after completing the experience. This field trip is perfect for curious kids who love nature, stories, and hands on learning.
We will meet at the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum for this event.

In August, our Explorers will follow the fascinating journey of caterpillars transforming into butterflies as they learn about life cycles, metamorphosis, and the important role butterflies play in healthy ecosystems. Through close observation and outdoor exploration, children will look for butterflies, caterpillars, and other pollinators in their natural habitat using binoculars or magnifying glasses, building curiosity and scientific thinking. We’ll read Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert and extend our learning with a functional butterfly-themed craft children can take home, connecting creativity to butterfly anatomy and the stages of development. We will also have a special guest, Danielle Spak, from the Birchwood Butterfly Ranch, offering an interactive experience that helps bring butterfly behavior and pollination to life while deepening children’s appreciation for nature’s delicate balance.

In September, our Explorers will investigate mushrooms and other decomposers and discover the important role they play in keeping nature in balance. Children will learn how fungi help recycle nutrients, explore life cycles and ecosystems, and begin to understand why some mushrooms are edible while others are not. We’ll read A Log’s Life by Wendy Pfeffer and A Walk Through Mushroom Town by Nicole and David Charpentier, then create air-dry clay mushrooms—designing unique shapes and colors to take home as creative reminders of what we’ve learned. Through our “Rotspot Explorers” investigation, children will closely examine rotting logs using magnifying glasses to observe decomposition in action. Weather permitting, we’ll finish with an optional exploration walk where children become “decomposer detectives,” searching for fungi and other signs of nature’s recycling process.

In October, our Explorers will dive into pumpkins and fall harvest fun through festive, hands-on learning. Children will build curiosity about seasonal produce as they learn how pumpkins grow and explore their textures, seeds, and flavors in engaging ways. We’ll read Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell, then head outdoors for a pumpkin scavenger hunt where kids search for hidden pumpkins and practice teamwork and active exploration. Back inside, children will decorate their own pumpkins with paint, markers, and other materials to create a personal harvest-themed keepsake. We’ll also enjoy a pumpkin sensory experience—scooping and touching pumpkin insides and seeds, with optional tasting of pumpkin seeds and pumpkin puree—to encourage a month full of creativity, movement, and autumn wonder.

In November, our Explorers will learn about hibernation and the many ways animals prepare for winter as we explore dens, winter homes, and survival strategies through stories, hands-on building, and imaginative play. We’ll read The Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson in a cozy “den,” created together in our book nook, with popcorn to enjoy as we listen—just like the creatures in the story. Children will design a “bear cave” craft and decorate their dens with natural materials while learning what makes a safe, warm habitat. Through a collaborative sensory activity, kids will build hibernation environments for animals like bears, turtles, hedgehogs, and bats using materials such as cotton, shredded paper, and nature items, discussing why each habitat needs specific features for a long winter nap. This month encourages curiosity about wildlife, observation, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for how animals rest and thrive through the colder season.