Family Programs

New Moon Night Hike:  Friday, February 17th

Owl Prowl:  Friday, February 3rd & March 17th

Scroll down to Special Events for more details!

RECURRING PROGRAMS

Nature Nuts

Tuesdays 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 and on our calendar.

Suggested donation of $5/child

FREE for members – become a member today!

Advance registration is REQUIRED by clicking here.

January Themes:

January 3rd: Winter Ecology

January 10th: Scatology 

January 17th: Fat, Feathers and Fur

January 24th:  All About Owls

January 31st:  Ice Olympics

Weekend Wonders Family Program

2nd Saturday of every month from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Program resumes March 11th, 2023

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 posted below and on our  calendar.

SPECIAL EVENTS

New Moon Night Hike

Friday, February 17th from 6:30pm-8pm

Discover the mystery and magic of the outdoors at night under the New Moon. During this unique guided experience, we’ll tap into our own sensory awareness and mindfulness as we experiment with our ability to navigate in the darkness. We’ll also discuss how different types of animals have adapted to thrive at night.

Wear warm layers, bring a flashlight and good walking shoes.

$10/person, $5/members, Free for children <12 – become a member today!

Advanced registration required by clicking here.

Owl Prowl

Friday, February 3rd & March 17th from 6:30pm-8pm

We’ll talk about the different species of owls that live in Billings and throughout the state, then we’ll go for a hike to look and listen for them. Please wear warm layers and boots (our trails may be snowy, icy and muddy!) for our search for these winged marvels.

Suggested donation $5/Member, $10/Non-Member, Free for children <12 

Advance registration is required by clicking here!

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. Join us for our 2 hour birthday party events!

Cost is $140 for up to 15 children. Parties larger than 15 children are $190.

Email Alina Garner at [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 and an hour of birthday celebration (2 hrs total)
• 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. (*Owl Pellets can be an option-add $30 to the base fee.)
• 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. *(Activities change according to seasons and available plant life.)
• 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.
• Canoeing Games: Take canoeing a step further by learning the basics and then challenging your friends to different canoe games (recommended for ages 10+).
• 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.
• Fun and Games: Play facilitated team building and field day games with your friends during this hour of programming. Capture the flag, low ropes activities, and sardines, just to name a few.