These event are deemed appropriate for younger children
Holidays at the Heard brings the beauty of the holiday season into nature. Guests will see lights and holiday décor along a half mile Heard nature trail. Event includes photos with Father Christmas and Mother Nature, hot beverages and treats for purchase; and family-friendly entertainment. $5-$9. Save $2 per ticket by purchasing online.
Hosted by the Fort Worth Botanical Society at the Pavilion in the Japanese Garden. First ceremony starts at 11:30am. Open to the public. $30. Call to reserve seats.
Butterflies in the Garden – Thru April 3. 9am-4pm. During the five-week exhibit, 10,000, beautiful, exotic butterflies of every hue and size will be released in the conservatory. People will have a chance to walk among hundreds of fluttering butterflies from around the world and learn about the amazing life cycle of the butterfly. Both the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and BRIT will offer programs and exhibits during the exhibit days to enhance attendees’ learning experience. $6-10. Free parking.
Monday-Sunday 10 am - 4pm.
The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, contributing invaluable data to scientists studying bird population trends. Our kids’ version of the count gives children just a taste of the real deal. Ages 5 years and up. $5 per person, in addition to the regular gate fee ($5/vehicle, cash or check only). Registration is required: go to bit.ly/COLsplash to register. Plan ahead, as registration will close at 12 pm on Dec. 23. For help with registration, contact the Frederick P. Herring Recreation Center at 972-219-3560.
Enjoy a tour of the historic Minor-Porter Log House, make a corn husk doll or an ornament to take home to your own Christmas tree, create a hand-dipped candle, enjoy music and snacks, and more. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors through the structures. Visitors are welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and join in at their own pace. There is no additional fee for this activity beyond regular admission to LLELA ($5/vehicle, cash or check only).
Visit the LLELA Nature Preserve’s prairie restoration area to explore the wonders of the night sky. For ages 5 and up. $10. Registration required: bit.ly/COLsplash.
Bird watchers of all skill levels are invited to join an expert birder to explore birding locations at LLELA Nature Preserve. For ages 10 and up. There is no additional fee for this hike beyond the regular gate fee.
Join trail guides as they lead a moonlit stroll through the woods and across the prairie. Howling coyotes, hooting owls, armadillos and other nocturnal sounds will provide an out-of-the-ordinary hiking experience. $10. Registration is required at bit.ly/COLsplash.
Enjoy the peace of nature instead of crowds of shoppers on the LLELA Nature Preserve trails, as guides will read a story and share the wonders of winter and fall in the forest. Bring family and friends for a two-hour hike through forests and prairies. $5 program fee plus regular gate fee ($5/vehicle, cash or check only). All ages are welcome. Registration is required at bit.ly/COLsplash. Registration will close at noon on Nov. 25. For help with registration, contact the Frederick P. Herring Recreation Center at 972-219-3560.
LLELA Nature Preserve is offering a class to help Boy Scouts accomplish objectives related to badges. While the class are designed to meet Scouts’ needs, members of other youth organizations or children simply interested in these topics are welcome to enroll. The class is intended for individual children or very small troops to participate.
It is usually impossible to accomplish all objectives related to a badge in only a few hours, but LLELA Nature Preserve staff will include as much as possible in a series of hands-on, engaging activities.