Family Programs

RECURRING PROGRAMS

Open House

Winter Months: Open House will be held once a month while the ponds are thawed. Once the ponds start freezing, Open House will not occur. Check the calendar or Facebook for current updates.

Our property is open to the public (park in the lower lot and walk-in only). Our trails provide room for winter activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, etc. Please remember we are a dog free property. You are welcome to explore our property. Please practice leave no trace and respect the wildlife as you wander.

June – August: Every Saturday from 9:3oam-1:30pm

We are excited to again offer our weekly Saturday Open Houses this summer! Come down to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Ask a naturalist your essential questions about animals and plants. Borrow field guides, insect nets, and binoculars. Or rent a canoe and explore the ponds ($10/canoe suggested donation or free for members – become a member today!).

Nature Nuts

Every Tuesday from 10 – 11am

Nature exploration comes naturally, especially for little kids! Children ages 1 to 4 (and an accompanying adult) join Montana Audubon teacher naturalists for guided outdoor play and learning about the local area. Weekly themes are posted below on our calendar.

Advance registration is REQUIRED by clicking here

Suggested donation of $5/child

FREE for members – become a member today!

February Themes: Winter Wonderland
Feb. 2nd- Rock Hunt
Feb. 9th- Nature Valentines-Cancelled due to extreme cold-
Feb. 16th- Frozen Pond Exploration
Feb. 23rd- Fun in the Snow (west end of property)

March Themes: Winter
March 2nd- Winter Numbers
March 9th- Cold Weather Experiments
March 16th- Winter Treasure Hunt
March 23rd- Fort Building
March 30th- 5 Senses

Weekend Wonders Family Programs

3rd Saturday of every month from 9:30 – 11:00am

These naturalist-led programs are designed for all ages of explorers. Every month features a different topic that will get you and your family outdoors, learning about the plants and animals in our big backyard. Monthly themes are listed below, or (see our calendar).

Upcoming Themes:
March: Birding Basics

Advance registration is REQUIRED by clicking here.

Suggested donation of $5/person

FREE for members – become a member today! 

Morning Bird Stroll

2nd Saturday of every month from 8:30 – 10:00am

Enjoy a stroll by the river and learn a few birds along the way. Great for beginning birders. Binoculars and guidebooks available to check out. Please bring a mask.

Advance registration is required by clicking here

FREE for members – become a member today!

Suggested donation of $10/adults or $5/students

Birthday Parties

Need a new outdoor option for birthday parties this year?!

Overview

Put a unique twist on your child’s birthday party! Make it a fun and educational adventure at the Montana Audubon Center. We offer parties for children ages 2 and up. All of our programs are hands-on, and encourage inquiry-based learning and fun.

Cost is $125 for up to 15 children. Parties larger than 15 children are $175.

Email [email protected] or call 406-294-5099 to inquire and reserve a time.

What you bring:

• Food, decorations (no helium balloons, please!), party favors, etc.
• Dishware and utensils
• Excited kids and their supervising parents

What we provide:

• Use of the large classroom at the Norm Schoenthal Field Lab
• Tables, chairs, picnic shelter, firepit, water, and restrooms
• Access to the Montana Audubon Center site and adjacent Yellowstone River trail system
• A one-hour program on any of the themes listed below
• A special gift for the birthday kid!
• Available rental of our gas barbeque grill ($15)

Party Themes

• Tricky Tracks & Animal Signs: Learn about animal tracks and other signs they leave behind. Go on a scavenger hunt in search of animals at the Center.
• Bird Brains: Learn what makes birds special, and how to identify some common residents. See if you can communicate with your flock of friends just like birds do.
• Bug Out: Discover what makes insects and spiders unique. Collect them with nets, and get up close and personal to them with magnifying glasses.
• Macroinvertebrate Mayhem: Wade into the water to discover the little critters that live in the ponds.
• Nature Spa: Treat yourself and friends with a nature spa themed birthday. Make tea, natural scrubs and enjoy being out in nature.
• Nature Hike and Forest Games: Learn about native plants and traditional uses while you play games during a nature hike on Norm’s Island.
• Canoeing Adventures: Learn the basics of canoeing, then practice your new skills while exploring the ponds. Add $50 to base fee. (For older groups, we will play canoe games!)
• Dynamic Dinosaurs: During this unique adventure we’ll dig for bones and go on a dinosaur egg hunt. We’ll learn about different types of dinosaurs and make our own dinosaur fossils to take home.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Owl Prowl

Saturday March 6th from 4-5:30pm

Come learn all about owls and the amazing adaptations that allow them to be skilled hunters and denizens of the night. We’ll talk about the different species of owls that live in the area, and go for a hike to look and listen for them. Please bring a mask and a flashlight.

Suggested donation $5/members, $10/non-member, and free for children under 12

Advance registration is required by clicking here