Summer Science: 5 Free Family-Friendly Nature and Science Programs in August
It’s been a fun summer full of outdoor adventures and late nights...and probably a little too much screen time? Get those little minds warmed back up with regularly-scheduled science and nature programs.
Family Fun! at The Arkansas Innovation Hub: Families learn together with hands-on activities on the third Saturday of every month. The Hub's programs are based on four broad platforms--electricity, computers, additive and subtractive manufacturing and fabrication--and give parents and kids a chance to explore, discover and create. 2-4 p.m. Aug. 15. For info: (501) 907-6570, ARHub.org. FREE!
Feedings at Central Arkansas Nature Center: Curious visitors to the Nature Center can peek at hungry gators and fish, as they enjoy their meals! See the fish eat worms and minnows at 2 p.m. each Wednesday; the alligators (and their chompers!) take their lunch at 2 p.m. each Friday. For info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!
Heifer Hour at Heifer International: Children (K-5) and their parents enjoy a new activity, including a craft, game, children's book or outdoor activity; all geared to help teach about caring for Earth and other people. Materials; cup greenhouse (Aug. 4) & Meat; protein wheel & dolma (Aug. 8). 11 a.m.-noon. For info: (501) 907-2600, Heifer.org. FREE!
Lil' Wild Ones: "Wildlife Water Safari" at Central Arkansas Nature Center: Make your own binoculars and then take a stroll through the wetlands. Lil' Wild Ones is held on the second Saturday at 2 p.m. each month for hands-on, nature-related activities for children ages 4-8. Aug. 8. For info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!
Wild Tales Story Time at Central Arkansas Nature Center: Each Wednesday at 10 a.m. in August, join a nature center educator for story time featuring books about animals and nature, then take a guided discovery walk outside. 10 a.m. For info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!
Bonus!
Wiggle Worms at Museum of Discovery: It's not free, but we love this weekly workshop that introduces science to children ages 6 and younger with a fun experiment. This month's classes: Electricity (Aug. 4, 6 & 8); Moving Water (Aug. 11, 13 & 15); Catapults (Aug. 18, 20 & 22); and Food Discoveries sponsored by Whole Foods Market (Aug. 1, 25, 27 & 29). Programs are held: 10 a.m. Tue. & Sat. and 3:30 p.m. Thu. Free with admission. For info: (501) 396-7050, MuseumofDiscovery.org.