Nature Discovery for Kids 2025

Nature Discovery class.

 Join our naturalist teachers for four weeks of nature discovery in the Bosque at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the park and its mission.

We will explore the park grounds through hands-on, inquiry-based activities. We will flow through different themes each week surrounding the Bosque ecosystem. Activities will range from outdoor exploration to arts and crafts to science experiments!

The camp runs the month of June, Monday-Friday, from 8:30am to 12:00pm and is for children ages 5-10.

    • Week 1 (June 2-6) – River and Pond Life!
      Dive into the watery world of the Rio Grande and local ponds! This week, campers will explore the history of our desert river ecosystem, tracing its role in shaping the landscape and the life it supports. They’ll study the water cycle in the desert, uncovering the delicate  balance of life in this arid environment. Through hands-on activities, campers will learn about the fascinating microorganisms that live in the water, along with larger creatures such as reptiles. It’s an immersive experience that brings the beauty of aquatic life into focus!
    • Week 2 (June 9-13) – Plants and Fungi!
      This week, campers will embark on a botanical adventure through the Bosque! Through hands-on activities, they’ll learn to identify native plants using dichotomous keys, exploring different plant parts and their unique functions. They’ll discover how plants are vital to local ecosystems and gain an appreciation for the natural world around them. By the end of the week, campers will have a deeper understanding of plant diversity and the role these green wonders play in our environment!
    • Week 3 (June 16-20) – Birds and Mammals!
      Get ready to soar like a bird and track like a mammal in this week of discovery! Campers will become expert birders, learning to identify local bird species and understanding their anatomy and behaviors. They’ll explore how birds contribute to the Bosque ecosystem and the important roles they play in nature. In addition, campers will uncover the secrets of the Park’s mammal residents, learning how to spot tracks, scat, and signs of various mammals.  By the end of the week, they’ll be able to identify and appreciate the diverse wildlife that calls the Bosque home!
    • Week 4 (June 23-27) – Bugs and Reptiles!
      Crawl, hop, and slither into the world of insects and reptiles! This week, campers will explore the fascinating world of bugs, learning about their life cycles, behaviors, and essential roles in the ecosystem. From pollinators to decomposers, they’ll gain an understanding of how these creatures help sustain the Bosque environment. Additionally, campers will discover the diverse reptiles that inhabit the area, from lizards to snakes, studying their unique adaptations and survival strategies in the wild. It’s a week full of adventure, curiosity, and fun discoveries!

Example Daily Flow for Camps:

    • 8:30am-9am – Indoor intro activity
    • 9am-10:30am – Outdoor exploration (hikes, walks, play, etc.)
    • 10:30am-10:45am – Snack time (provided)
    • 10:45am-11:45pm – Indoor activity (arts/crafts, microscopes, special presentation, etc.)
    • 11:45am-12:00pm – Wrap up activity/clean up

2025 Session Schedule

If there is space available in the sessions you want to register for, continue reading! If there is not, you may add your name to the wait list by clicking here.

For FRGNC members, each week is $120. For non-member, each week is $150.  If you are a member of the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, the 20% discount will be applied to the cost of these sessions at checkout when you enter the Promotion Code Member. (You are a member if you have a current Friends Day Use placard for the park).  You may also purchase a membership now to get the 20% discount for these sessions and an annual Friends placard. Regular memberships are $30 per year and special memberships for seniors (62+), teachers, people with disabilities, and students (18-23) are $20 per year. If you are registering more than one child, purchase only one membership.  Without a membership, the day use fee is $3 per vehicle per day.

Purchase Regular Family Membership
Purchase Special Family Membership

Refund Policy:

  1. Refunds must be requested by 4:00 pm on the Wednesday before the class begins on the next Monday.  Call RGNC Visitor Center at 505-344-7240. to make the request.   
  2. If a last-minute cancellation must be made, a refund will only be issued if there is another student who can be enrolled to fill the space.  If there is no one else to take the space, no refund will be made.
  3. Class cancellations may occur if there are fewer that 8 students enrolled by the Wednesday before the class begins.  Parents will be notified and have the option of a refund or a transfer to another class, if available.
  4. FRGNC Administration will make the final decisions on refunds.  Refunds are only given by check.  For questions contact the Friends office at 505-343-1373.

What to Know Before You Register

  • Classes will be held regardless of weather.
  • BE ON TIME for class.  Meet the teachers at the group shelter in front of the Education Building, south of the parking lot.  Pick your child(ren) up ON TIME also at the group shelter.  Parents/guardians must sign children in and out of class.
  • We will be outside, so children need to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before class and wear close-toed shoes (no flip-flops).  Children should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and protect from scratchy bushes.
  • Children can bring water in a non-breakable (no glass), easy to carry container, but NO SNACKS please.
  • Cell phones can only be used with permission of the teacher for taking pictures.  No pictures of other children can be taken and NO other uses of cell phones is permitted.

Rules for Students

  • Children must stay with the group at all times.
  • Do not bring electronic games, toys or other distractions.  Check with the teacher for permission before bringing specimens to show.
  • Children must be able to follow instructions and be respectful of fellow students, teachers, volunteers, and the park.  Potential safety hazards will be discussed.  Those who create safety or discipline problems will be asked to leave and their registration fee will not be refunded.

Note:  Registration for each class ends at noon on the Sunday before the class begins on Monday.

If you are enrolling more than one child, please close this window and go back to the website when you have completed the registration and payment.

<