ODC Network

Birding Hike (at Cottonwood Park)
2026-07-14 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Cottonwood Park, 5441 143rd Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Join us for a morning birding hike around a local birding hotspot! Walk with one of our naturalists who will guide you through the trails. Our naturalist will help you learn identification techniques and more while identifying birds on the walk. All experience levels are welcome.
Binoculars will be provided.
It is suggested to download Merlin Bird ID and eBird, but not required.
For ages 10 and up.
Guardians stay with the class
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE
Program Location: Cottonwood Park, 5441 143rd Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA

Sensory Hike (at Winstrom)
2026-07-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Winstrom Park, 1774 Perry St, Holland, MI, United States
This program invites children to explore and connect with the natural world by using all five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and, when safe, taste. Through guided activities and observations, participants will slow down and discover the details of nature that are often overlooked, such as the rustling of leaves, the texture of tree bark, and the scents of plants and fresh air.
For ages 7 and under.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Park Township
Program Location: Winstrom Park, 1774 Perry St, Holland, MI 49424, USA

Knee-high Naturalists (at Dragonflies)
2026-07-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-31 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Dragonflies Discovery Preschool, 30 152nd Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.
Parents can drop off their 4-6 year old or stay with the class. Parents or guardians are asked to attend with their 3 year old to help with bathroom use and transitioning into a group learning environment.
For ages 3 to 6.
Guardians drop children off or stay with the class.
Registration is required.
Register and pay for attending children only (except infants).
Fee: $10 per child, 20% discount for members
Program Location: Dragonflies Discovery Preschool, 30 152nd Ave, Holland, MI

Banquet for the Birds (at ODC)
2026-07-17 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Stop by the De Witt Birds of Prey Center during this open house style program and watch a naturalist feed our resident raptors. You will learn about the habitats these birds live in, some of their amazing adaptations, and what they love to eat. You can bring a snack for yourself too!
Plan on a 15 minute walk from the Main Entrance to the De Witt Birds of Prey Center.
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
No registration necessary
Fee: FREE

Floral Print Scarves (at ODC)
2026-07-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Join us as we create a wearable work of art. Participants will use pressed plants and flowers to transfer natural dyes onto fabric, learning the basics of botanical printing along the way. Guided through the process step by step, you’ll design and create your own one-of-a-kind floral scarf to take home. This creative experience is perfect for anyone interested in nature, art, or natural dyes – no prior experience needed.
For ages 18 and up.
Registration required.
Fee: $12 per participant, 20% discount for members
Location: Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI 49423

DeGraaf Nature Center Closed for Macatawa Water Festival
2026-07-18 10:00 - 15:00 | MI

Macatawa Water Festival
2026-07-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Kollen Park, 240 Kollen Park Dr, Holland, MI, United States
The 2026 Macatawa Water Festival will be held at Holland’s Kollen Park. This free community event is designed to help people of all ages learn about our most precious natural resource, Lake Macatawa and its watershed. The festival benefits Project Clarity’s work to improve water quality of the lake.
Over 20 community partners and sponsors will come together to offer water activities and educational experiences designed to engage all ages to learn about restoring and preserving our lake and watershed. Attendees will have the opportunity to try out kayaking and paddling a voyager canoe. Other activities include rain barrel workshops (fees apply and registration required), learning about native and invasive plants, performing water quality experiments, and learning about water filtration and pollutants. Food trucks will be available to purchase lunch, so bring the whole family and make a day of it!

VoLes Volunteer League (at Kollen Park)
2026-07-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Kollen Park, 240 Kollen Park Dr, Holland, MI, United States
July 18th VoLes volunteers will assist with the Macatawa Water Festival in Kollen Park. Times are TBD, and volunteer opportunities will occur in shifts with a variety of activities to choose from.
Our Volunteer League (nicknamed “VoLes”) is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 to 18 year olds who will work with ODC Network staff on a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks at the ODC, DeGraaf Nature Center, and other local natural areas. Past projects have included removing invasive species, cleaning up animal enclosures, and adding nature play features. It’s also a great way to earn those community service volunteer hours!
VoLes club meets twice a month for a total of six meetings per session. Spring, Summer and Fall sessions are available, no prior experience or participation is required to sign up.
There is no fee for this activity, signed photo/liability release forms are required with registration.
Registration required.
Fee: FREE
Schedule also available at https://outdoordiscovery.org/volunteer/

Wilderness Survival (at Cooper-Van Wieren Park)
2026-07-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Dragonflies Discovery Preschool, 30 152nd Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Get ready for an adventure! Join us for an action-packed program where you’ll sharpen your outdoor skills and become a true nature pro! Learn how to build your own shelter and start a fire with the help of a naturalist.
Leave the pocket knives, weapons, and matches at home – we’ve got all the gear you’ll need! Just bring a water bottle, and your sense of adventure.
For ages 8 to 14.
Guardians drop off for this class.
Registration is required for all children attending the program.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Park Township
Program location: Dragonflies/Cooper-Van Wieren Park – meet at Dragonflies Preschool – 30 152nd Ave. Holland, MI

Explore a Story (at ODC)
2026-07-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
It’s time to round up the little ones and come out to the Outdoor Discovery Center for Explore a Story!
We’ll be introducing kids to the outdoors through books and outdoor adventures. We’ll read stories, take hikes, meet animals, and have lots of fun. Dress for the weather, this program is outdoors.
For ages 1-7.
Guardians stay with the class
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: $6 per child, 20% discount for members – pay for attending children only (except infants)

ODC Fishing Derby
2026-07-21 17:00 - 19:30 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Cast your line and reel in the excitement! Join us for the third annual ODC Fishing Derby at the Outdoor Discovery Center on Tuesday, July 21, where kids can participate in friendly competition fishing in one of ODC’s ponds.
This is a buddy-style derby, so each team must be comprised of 1 adult and 1-2 children (under 14). Whether your child is an experienced angler or a first-timer, this event promises fun for all.
Teams will compete for longest and heaviest fish, enjoy the outdoors, and make lasting memories with friends and family. A picnic-style meal, camaraderie, and the joy of fishing await.
All proceeds support the habitat maintenance of the Dylan Compagner Memorial Fishing Pond, located at the ODC.
Registration coming soon!

Birding Hike (at Ely Lake Park)
2026-07-23 09:00 - 10:30 | Ely Lake Park, 5100 116th Ave, Fennville, MI, United States
Join us for a morning birding hike at Ely Lake Park! Walk with one of our naturalists who will guide you through the trails. Our naturalist will help you learn identification techniques and more while identifying birds on the walk. All experience levels are welcome.
Binoculars will be provided.
It is suggested to download Merlin Bird ID and eBird, but not required.
For ages 12 and up.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – program sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Ely Lake Park, 5020 116th Ave., Fennville, MI 49408

Mammal Munchies (at ODC)
2026-07-24 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-08-14 09:30 - 10:30 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Stop by the Eldean Wildlife Exhibit during this open house–style program and watch a naturalist feed our resident mammals. You will learn about the habitats these animals call home, their unique adaptations, and what they love to eat. You can bring a snack for yourself too!
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
No registration necessary.
Fee: FREE

Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC)
2026-07-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.
Parents can drop off their 4-6 year old or stay with the class. Parents or guardians are asked to attend with their 3 year old to help with bathroom use and transitioning into a group learning environment.
For ages 3 to 6.
Guardians drop children off or stay with the class.
Registration is required.
Register and pay for attending children only (except infants).
Fee: $10 per child, 20% discount for members
Program Location: Outdoor Discovery Center – 4214 56th Street Holland, MI

Park Passport Open House (at River Junction Preserve)
2026-07-25 10:00 - 13:30 | River Junction Preserve, 5403 132nd Ave, Hamilton, MI, United States
Don’t forget to bring your Park Passport when you head to River Junction Preserve! You’ll get a stamp at this delightful free open house event, which counts as an extra park visited. Plus, you can grab some fun swag and have the wonderful chance to see an animal up close!
Fee: FREE – No registration required
Program Location: River Junction Preserve, 5403 132nd Ave, Hamilton, MI 49419, USA

Birds of Prey (at Northside Park)
2026-07-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Northside Park, 227 Florence St, Otsego, MI, United States
Ever wondered what sets a bird of prey apart from other birds? Now’s your chance to discover the secrets of these incredible hunters! Join us as we get to know our resident raptors – including hawks, owls, and falcons. You’ll have the opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close, and explore their amazing features, from skulls and wings to talons and feathers. Don’t miss out on this hands-on experience with nature’s most skilled predators!
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program location: Northside Park, 227 Florence St. Otsego, MI 49078

Snake Snacks (at ODC)
2026-07-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Have you ever wondered what snakes eat? What about frogs? Snakes and adult frogs are carnivores and only eat other animals. Come to the ODC this summer to find out what's on the menu as you watch our resident reptiles and amphibians enjoy a meal.
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
No registration necessary.
Fee: FREE

VoLes Volunteer League (at ODC)
2026-08-04 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Our Volunteer League (nicknamed “VoLes”) is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 to 18 year olds who will work with ODC Network staff on a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks at the ODC, DeGraaf Nature Center, and other local natural areas. Past projects have included removing invasive species, cleaning up animal enclosures, and adding nature play features. It’s also a great way to earn those community service volunteer hours!
VoLes club meets twice a month for a total of six meetings per session. Spring, Summer and Fall sessions are available, no prior experience or participation is required to sign up.
There is no fee for this activity, signed photo/liability release forms are required with registration.
Registration required.
Fee: FREE
Schedule also available at https://outdoordiscovery.org/volunteer/

Up Close & Wild (at Wendt Park)
2026-08-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Wendt Park, 14599 James St, Holland, MI, United States
Learn about the reptiles, amphibians and birds that can be found in Michigan with a naturalist from the Outdoor Discovery Center. Live animals will be used in this family friendly presentation that is great for all ages. Time to handle some of the wildlife may be conducted during the program or at its conclusion depending on the size of the audience.
All ages welcome
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on the grass.
Fee: FREE – program sponsor Park Township
Program Location: Wendt Park, 14599, 14503 James St, Holland, MI 49424

Family Birding (at ODC)
2026-08-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Looking for a fun way to learn, enjoy nature, and spend time with your family? Join us for a family-friendly birding hike! Walk along the trails with one of our naturalists, who will guide you and your family in spotting and identifying birds. Learn helpful birding tips, identification techniques, and fun facts about our local feathered friends. This program is perfect for all ages and experience levels.
Binoculars will be provided.
It is suggested to download Merlin Bird ID and eBird, but not required.
For ages 6 and up.
Guardians stay with the class
Registration is required.
Fee: FREE
Program Location: Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA

Homeschool program - Incredible Invertebrates (at ODC)
2026-08-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Join us as we introduce students to the incredible world of invertebrates! Participants will learn what makes an animal an invertebrate, explore the major invertebrate groups, and discover the incredible adaptations that help these animals survive and thrive. Students will also enjoy the opportunity to meet live invertebrate animal ambassadors up close.
This drop-off program is geared for home schoolers ages 6 – 12. Please bring a water bottle and a snack.
For ages 6 to 12.Registration is required. Register and pay for attending children only (except infants).
Guardians do not need to stay with the class.Fee: $10 per student, 20% discount for members.
Program Location: Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA

Nature for Tykes - Camouflage (at ODC)
2026-08-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Bring your little tykes out to discover the wonders of nature! Each program is a hands-on experience that will spark curiosity and create unforgettable memories for both you and your child! This summer we will be learning about wetlands, the similarities and differences between reptiles and amphibians, and the many ways animals camouflage. For ages 7 and under.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is required. Register and pay for attending children only (except infants).
Fee: $6 per child, 20% discount for members
Program Location: Outdoor Discovery Center – 4214 56th Street Holland, MI

Archery Night (at ODC archery range)
2026-08-13 18:00 - 19:30 | 5675 142nd Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Have you always wanted to try out archery? Now is your chance! This program is geared for anyone ages 10 and up. We will go over the basics of archery and you will have time to practice shooting at 3D targets and regular targets.
We will provide all of the equipment. (Sorry, no outside bows.) We will be meeting at the archery range off of 142nd ave.
For ages 10 and up.
Registration is required. Register and pay for all people attending the program (except infants).
Guardians stay with the class
Registration required.
Fee: FREE – program sponsor Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Meet at the ODC Archery Range – 5675 142nd Ave Holland, MI

Family Kayaking (at New Richmond Bridge Park)
2026-08-15 09:30 - 11:00 | 5700 Old Allegan Rd, Hamilton, MI, United States
Paddle the Kalamazoo River with naturalists from the ODC Network. Kayaks, paddles, and vests are provided. The group will launch from the New Richmond Bridge Park (north entrance) and paddle up river into some marshy areas and forested river sections. Then we will turn around and paddle back to the park. This river has a slow current making this an ideal paddle for an inexperienced paddler or someone looking for a relaxed paddle. Paddlers must be at least 10 years old to use a boat on their own. A limited number of double kayaks are available. All equipment provided.
For ages 10 and up. Registration required – boats limited.
Click here to register for a double kayak.Click here to register for a single kayak.
Fee: FREE – program sponsor Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program location: New Richmond Park (north entrance) – 5700 Old Allegan Rd. Fennville, MI
