Holiday Winter Walks
Enjoy an evening stroll on our lantern-lit trails during the holiday season. Bring your friends and family out for this self-guided walk on the Sensory Trail at the Outdoor Discovery Center to enjoy the winter evening.
The trail is a ½ mile loop and stroller, wheelchair, and wagon friendly (though may be difficult to maneuver with snow on the trails). Flashlights are welcome. The entire program is held outdoors, please dress appropriately.
Dogs are welcome on the trail but prohibited near the wildlife enclosures.
This program is free, there is no reservation required.
2024 Schedule: 5:30-7:30 pm
- December 2nd
- December 10th
- December 17th
- December 30th
2025 Holiday Sponsors
Haworth Helps
Kyle Geenen Group
Michigan Forestry
Upcoming Programs
Greenery Workshop
Make your own wall decoration or table arrangement and leave the mess behind. We'll provide fresh greens and other natural materials; bring your own gardening gloves, ribbons, or accessories, if you wish to use them.
December 5th, 6 pm-7 pm
Space is limited.
Fee: $25 per person.
DEC 5th
DIY Gift Night
Come craft with us this holiday season to make homemade gifts for family and friends. Assemble your own reusable beeswax food wraps and clay animal track ornaments. Enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider as you build your creations. The cost of the event pays for the price of one beeswax wrap and one ornament, additional gift supplies can be purchased at $6 per gift.
December 12th, 6 pm-7 pm.
Fee: $12 per person, $10 for members.
DEC 12th
Animals in the Winter
How do animals survive Michigan winters? Join us as we talk about how some mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds survive during the colder months. You will have a chance to meet many of our captive animals up close.
Suggested age range: 5-99 yo
December 14th, 11 am-12 pm
Fee: $6 per child, $4 for members.
DEC 14th
Animal Enrichment Craft Night
We aren’t the only ones that enjoy decorations. Decorations are a great way to enrich our animals. Learn why as you help us make animal safe decorations for our mammals. You will get the chance to enter an animal exhibit (without the animal of course) and hang up the decorations you have created.
December 19, 6 pm-7 pm Suggested age range: 6-99 Fee: $6 per person, $4 for members
December 19, 6 pm-7 pm Suggested age range: 6-99 Fee: $6 per person, $4 for members
DEC 19th
Winter Solstice Celebration
The winter solstice has been a special day in some cultures for 1000’s of years. We will dig into what the significance of the solstice is while having some fun celebrating the start of winter with crafts, games, and a snack over a warm fire. Dress for the weather as some of program will be outdoors. Suggested age range: 6-14 yo
Fee: $6 per person, $4 for members
DEC 21st