Spring is almost here! And that means it's time for spring break, which is a perfect time for learning about nature and the outdoors as plants bloom and animals make their appearance all over central Arkansas.

The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center is hosting six days of free spring break programming with games, animal feedings, art projects and more! 

Take a look at what's in store to see what your kids might be interested in:

Leave No Trace Tuesday

March 19, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Kids discover how they can minimize their impact and leave no trace in the great outdoors through fun activities.

  • 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Introduction of leave no trace principles and a fun activity called Ok vs. No Way.
  • 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Explore the impact of artifact removal.
  • 2-3:30 p.m.: Take a wetland walk and wrap up learning about leave no trace principles. 

Wet and Wild Wednesday

March 20, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Unstructured play is the theme at the drop-in activities happening on Wednesday.

  • 9:30-11 a.m.: Kids find out if they can jump as long as a frog, slide like an otter or measure up to the wingspan of a bird at animal olympics! Events take place at the Nature Center and on the Clinter Presidential Center lawn.
  • Noon-1:30 p.m.: Participants get to construct a fort in any way they'd like.
  • 2-2:30 p.m.: Head to a regularly-scheduled fish feeding.

Jr. Biologist Day

March 21, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Biologists have many types of wild jobs as they study living things. Explore and investigate education stations to learn more about Arkansas fish, wildlife, and nature.

  • 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Take a nature observation walk and see birds, wildlife, tracks and more! Lok for clues to what is around and learn to walk using all five senses.
  • Noon-1 p.m.: Make and take a one-of-a-kind nature journal which will help kids record natural events happening around them.
  • 1-3 p.m.: Play junior biologist bingo at six stations set up to test players' knowledge.

Fishy Friday

March 22, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Learn all about fish with a variety of fun activities.

  • 10-11:30 a.m.: Backyard Bass is a fun casting game for the whole family.
  • Noon: Stop by to try a fish-themed art project.
  • 1-2 p.m.: Participants head through the fish maze to test their knowledge about the underwater animals.
  • 2-3 p.m.: Watch an alligator feeding and learn more about the big reptiles.

All About Birds

March 23, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The end of spring break is for the birds!

  • 10-11 a.m.: Bird bands are what biologists use to track migratory birds; drop in to create a own unique coded bird bracelet.
  • 11 a.m.-noon: Learn how birds use their beaks in diferent habitats then kids can visit the bird beak buffet to test their skills.
  • 12:30-2 p.m.: Help create a giant nest, just like eagles who build huge bird nests.
  • 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Participants figure out which birds might be in their backyard or neighborhood and then create a bag of "best nest" supplies.

Reptile Rendezvous

March 24, 2-4 p.m.
The last day of spring break fun is focused on reptiles!

  • 2-3 p.m.: Join an educator in the theater to learn more about the variety of reptiles that call Arkansas home.
  • 3-4 p.m.:Choose from a selection of different snake skins and design a bookmark; fun for all ages but small children might need some assistance.

For more details on all of these programs and to see what else the Central Arkansas Nature Center has to offer all year round, visit their website.