Nature Nurture
Bring the Museum Home
Join us for simple science, art, and nature activities that inspire curiosity using everyday materials. Connect with a supportive community, discover new ways to explore with your children, and join special gatherings at the museum.
When:Β Second Tuesday of the month
Where: Burpee Museum, Rockford, Illinois
Time: 9:00am-10:30am
Burpee Clubs: Communities of Curiosity
Pricing:
Drop In Admission β $25 (Best for First-time visitors, occasional participants, friends joining for a session)
Class pricing includes museum admission for the participant
Burpee Museum Member β $5Β (Best for regular attendees who want the best value)
Trees & Leaves
September 8, 2026 at 9-10:30am
π³π Get to Know Your Trees! ππ
Discover the amazing world of trees and find out how much their leaves can tell us! Families will explore a variety of leaf shapes, textures, colors, and patterns while learning how to identify common trees. Get creative with colorful leaf-rubbing artwork and practice observing the natural world like a scientist!
πΏ Family Challenge: Adopt a Tree! Choose a tree near your home and visit it three times throughout the month. Record what changes you notice and discover how your tree transforms over time.
Join us for a hands-on adventure that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the trees all around us!
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Autumn Detectives
October 13, 2026 at 9:00-10:30am
ππ Nature Detectives: Uncover Autumnβs Clues! π°π
Put on your detective hat and discover the secrets autumn leaves behind! Families will explore leaves, seeds, bark, pinecones, and other natural treasures while discovering the shapes, colors, textures, and patterns found in nature.
π Create & Discover: Design your own nature observation journal page to capture the clues you find.
π Family Challenge: Take your detective skills outdoors for a fall scavenger hunt! Can you find different leaf shapes, seeds, interesting textures, and signs that the seasons are changing?
This month is all about slowing down, looking closely, asking questions, and uncovering the science hidden in the natural world. Grab your detective hat and let the discoveries begin! π΅οΈββοΈπΏ
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Nature & Wellness
November 10, 2026 at 9:00-10:30am
πΏπ Nature & Nurture: Exploring Natureβs Rhythms π
Discover how living organisms respond to daily environmental changes! Families will explore how plants respond to sunlight, follow daily biological rhythms, and adapt to changing conditions and how spending time in nature can support human well-being.
π± Explore: Investigate how plants respond to light and darkness, opening and closing leaves or flowers throughout the day.
π¨ Create: Design a plant observation journal to document changes in leaves, flowers, and plant growth over time.
π³ Family Challenge: Observe plants and other living things outdoors to discover patterns in their daily activities.
Join us for a hands-on exploration of plant biology, environmental science, and the connections between nature and human well-being! π
Light & Color
December 15, 2026 at 9-10:30am
π Celebrate the Colorful Side of Nature! π¨β¨
Discover how light interacts with the world around us! Explore the science of visible light, the colors of the spectrum, and how light creates the vibrant patterns we see in rainbows and everyday life.
Families will investigate the colorful side of nature through a creative, hands-on activity, creating a βLight in My Worldβ reflection using drawing, writing, or collage. Connect scientific concepts with personal observations as you explore how light, color, and perception shape the way we experience the world around us!
ππΏ
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Snowflake Mindfulness
January 12, 2027 at 9:00-10:30am
Β βοΈ Every Snowflake Is Unique! π
Celebrate the beauty of winter with a creative activity inspired by the one-of-a-kind patterns of snowflakes! Join us as we learn how snowflakes form and make our own paper snowflakes. Reflect on how every snowflake and every caregiving journey is beautifully different.
This calming, creative experience offers families and caregivers an opportunity to slow down, share conversations, express themselves, and appreciate the unique experiences that shape each of us.
Come create, connect, and celebrate the beauty of being uniquely you! βοΈβ¨
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Nature Gratitude Jar
February 9, 2027 at 9:00-10:30am
π Finding Joy in the Little Things πβ¨
Discover how observing the natural world can inspire curiosity, deepen our understanding of ecosystems, and encourage conservation.
Participants will create a gratitude jar filled with favorite memories and nature-inspired observations. An optional nature collage invites participants to explore meaningful landscapes, habitats, and the beauty of the environment.
Explore how noticing the small details in nature can inspire us to better understand and protect the world around us! π±
Growing Hope
March 9, 2027 at 9-10:30am
π±π· Planting Seeds of Conservation! πΌ
Celebrate spring with a hands-on planting activity! Families will create mini planters from recycled egg cartons while learning what seeds need to germinate and grow.
πΏ Create & Grow: Discover how planting native species, supporting pollinators, and caring for plants can help protect our ecosystems.
π» Explore how small actions today can help conserve the natural world for tomorrow! π±
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Kitchen Nature Prints
April 13, 2027 at 9:00-10:30am
π¨π Prints from the Garden: Nature Meets Art! π₯πΏ
Who knew fruits and vegetables could be art supplies? Get creative as we turn everyday foods into colorful works of art! Families will use celery, apples, potatoes, and washable paint to make unique botanical-inspired prints.
π Explore: Discover the fascinating shapes, textures, and patterns hidden in familiar fruits and vegetables.
Homemade Bird Feeders
May 11, 2027 at 9:00-10:30am
π¦πΏ Bird Biology: Feeding Our Feathered Neighbors
Explore the science of backyard birds! Families will create a bird feeder using recycled materials and birdseed while learning about local bird species, feeding behaviors, and their roles in the ecosystem.
πͺΆ Create: Build a feeder and discover how supplemental food sources can support local wildlife.
π³ Discover: Explore bird biology, habitat needs, and simple ways to support wildlife conservation.
Take home your feeder and start observing the fascinating birds in your own neighborhood! π¬π¦
FAQ
What is the instructional level of these sessions?
Do I need a prior background in science or paleontology to attend?
