Youth and Family Weekend Programs

Click on the each program title to register.  Programs with an (*) are eligible for a member discount (Pacesetters and above). Advance registration encouraged – events may be cancelled if minimum not met.

*OWL PROWL
Learn all about native owls and their adaptations as we search for wild owls during a gentle hike, visit with our owl ambassadors, and dig into some owl pellets. Ideal for ages 5+.

Instructors: Ash Miller, Irvine Educator and Animal Caretaker
Friday, November 1st
7:00 – 9:00PM
Cost: $10/individual or $25/family

*LITTLE BIRDS – SINGLE DAY CLASS: Falling Leaves
A single day version of our popular caregiver and child class, Little Birds. Children birth to 3 years will delight in the natural world alongside a caregiver as we experience animal encounters, nature walks, songs, stories, and art. In this session we welcome Fall! Come check out the beautiful colors as we make art with leaves, and even jump in a pile or two on our colorful hike!  Ideal for ages birth-3. 

Instructor: Irvine’s Early Childhood Educators
Sunday, November 10th
10:00 – 11:30AM
Cost: $25/child+caregiver

*CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ MONTH AT IRVINE
Join Irvine educators and community members as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Month at this Free Event! Explore Irvine’s Native American Educational Site with its longhouse and wigwams. Engage in a number of hands-on activities and demonstrations of ancestral skills, including grinding corn, throwing an atlatl, starting a friction fire, making cordage or a buckskin bracelet and more!

American Indians have made, and continue to make, lasting contributions to our nation in every arena. Help celebrate their achievements and learn about some of their history in Maryland. A great event for all ages.

Irvine’s Native American Educational Site, built in partnership with the Baltimore American Indian Center, is a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.  Guided hikes to the site will occur at designate times throughout the event, and the route will also be clearly marked for self-guided walks. Please provide advance notice if you require transportation to the site.

Instructors: Irvine Educators
Sunday, November 10th
10:30AM – 3:30PM (come any time during event window)
Cost: FREE

*TURKEYS & TREATS
Gobblers, hens, jakes, and jennies to snoods, waffles, caruncles, and beards- what do they all mean? Take a fun dive into the world of turkey talk with naturalist and animal caretaker, Mallory. Warm up with tea as you learn fun facts about these elusive birds that call Irvine home, followed by a late-morning hike to search for the resident flock. Ideal for all ages.

Instructors: Mallory Mlynarek, Irvine Educator and Animal Care Manager
Saturday, November 16th
10:30AM – 12:00PM
Cost: $5/individual

*ANIMAL ART: Animal Ornaments
Meet a variety of animals while painting your own nature-inspired ornaments. Participants will be able to take home a custom creation at the end of the class. Ideal for ages 13+

Instructors: Brittany Roger, Irvine Environmental Educator and MICA-trained artist
Friday, December 6th
6:00 – 8:00PM
Cost: $25/individual

*HOLIDAYS WITH HOOT
Celebrate the season with Irvine’s premier family event. Meet our animal ambassador owls to learn more about these amazing birds up close. Enjoy games and crafts, from making holiday gifts to creating a beautiful evergreen swag. Hunt for animals on a scavenger hunt. Enjoy hot chocolate with a game of winter bingo and get photos with Irvine’s mascot, HOOT! Great fun for the whole family.

Instructors: Irvine Educators & Volunteers
Saturday, December 7th
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Early Bird Price: $10/child (ages 2+)  Accompanying adults are free
Pricing After 12/1/24: $15/child (ages 2+)  Accompanying adults are free

*PAJAMA PARTY WITH IRVINE’S ANIMALS
Have you ever wondered what Irvine’s animals are up to when the sun goes down? Take this unique opportunity to visit with them and see who is energized by the dark. Some of the creatures out and about may surprise you! Come wearing your coziest PJ’s and get ready for a fun evening exploring our exhibit hall with a scavenger hunt (flashlights provided), a story, popcorn, and an animal encounter. Ideal for ages 8+.

Instructors: Mallory Mlynarek, Irvine Educator and Animal Care Manager
Saturday, December 14th
6:30 – 8:30PM
Cost: $10/child (Accompanying adult is free.)