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.
*DREAM CATCHER WORKSHOP
Have you always wanted to know how to make a dream catcher? Well here is your chance! Learn the art of weaving and create a 7-7 1/2 dream catcher. Hoops, beads, and feathers are provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own personal embellishments they’d like to incorporate. Dream catchers are not only beautiful, but can also be healing, meditative, and give rise to a hidden artistic side you never knew you had! This event is ideal for adults and children ages 12+
Instructor: Michelle Moreau, founder of Circle Of Dawn
Sunday, January 19th, 1:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: $40/individual
Advance registration encouraged.
*ANIMALS IN WINTER
Warm up by the fire and enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, an animal encounter, and hands-on activities as we investigate how different types of animals handle the chilly winter weather. This event is ideal for children ages 6+
Instructor: Ash Miller, Irvine Naturalist and Educator
Sunday, Friday, January 31st, 5:00 – 7:00PM
Cost: $8/individual
Advance registration encouraged.
*ANIMAL ART: LOVE BUGS
From the Luna Moth to the Bumblebee, Maryland’s smallest animals can sometimes bring the biggest colors. Join Irvine naturalist Brittany (a MICA-trained artist!) and a collection of colorful insects for an evening of painting. Each artist will get to paint an insect on a small mirror to bring home. Supplies provided.
Instructors: Brittany Roger, Irvine Environmental Educator and MICA-trained artist
Friday, February 14th
6:00 – 8:00PM
Cost: $25/individual
Advance registration encouraged – event will be cancelled if minimum not met
*MAPLE MAGIC
It may sound sappy, but there’s magic in our trees at this time of year! Join Irvine’s naturalists for an outdoor hike-n-learn in great taste. Learn how to identify maple trees and why this is peak season for collecting their sap. Practice using a hand drill to experience how trees are tapped, check buckets for sap and see how the sticky fluid is converted into syrup over fires and an evaporator. You’ll even get a taste of this liquid gold as a reward for all the hard work. This event is great for the entire family.
Multiple sessions offered:
Saturday, February 15th, 10:00-11:30AM
Saturday, February 15th, 1:00-2:30PM
Sunday, February 23rd, 10:30AM-11:30AM
Sunday, February 23rd, 1:00-2:30PM
Saturday, March 1st, 9:00-11:30AM **MEMBERS ONLY Pancake Breakfast**
Cost: $8 (children under 3 are free)
Limited space, pre-registration encouraged.
*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, March 8th
6:30 – 8:00PM
Cost: $10/child (Accompanying adult is free.)
*ANIMAL DIETS
Explore the topic of animal diets: from picky eaters to bottom feeders, learn about the wide variety of animal diets with hands-on activities like a live animal feeding, a DIY bird feeder build, and guided hike.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Irvine Naturalist
Sunday, March 16th, 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Cost: $8/individual
Advance registration encouraged
