For adults and children ages 12 and up

Join our resident telescope expert and NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Bill Reed for an evening under the stars. We will begin in the planetarium for an overview of the constellations and planets, then review the current events happening in our night sky. Weather permitting, we will head outdoors for telescope viewing through our 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.

Astronomy Club Members: Please register your tickets online in advance to secure your seats for the program.

Fee: $10/person

For ages 8 – 16 with one adult

In this 2 ½ hour program, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside our wildlife staff and experience first-hand how we care for our resident animals. Behind the scenes, you will learn about native and domestic animals while providing food, clean housing and training. There will be plenty of photo opportunities and close encounters with our animals!

For children ages 4 – 6

This 2 ½-hour class is full of hands-on adventures in our classroom, planetarium and the great outdoors! We will investigate the wonders of Earth and the sky above by exploring science, literacy, math, technology, engineering, art and nature, creating the foundation for a love of learning in a fun and natural environment. New curriculum offered each year.

One day per week: Wednesday, Thursday or Friday

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

2024-2025 Yearlong Preschool Programs / 30 week sessions: September 9, 2024 to May 10, 2025

No classes:

November 24 - 30 (Fall break)

December 15 - January 4 (Winter break)

April 20 - 26 (Spring break)

General admission, at no charge, allows you and your family to enjoy live animal exhibits indoors and outdoors, and displays about natural history and space science.

Please follow all steps of the registration process and click "check out" to complete your order. You will receive a confirmation email that you will be asked to present upon arrival to the Center. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org 

KINDERCAMPS

For children ages 4 – 6

The wonder of nature is at your fingertips! Explore the outdoors, make crafts and meet live animals. Dress for messy fun and wear your favorite hiking shoes. With a different and exciting theme each week, you can sign up for one or all of these camps. Sunscreen is recommended.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

9:30 – 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Camp 1: June 14-16

Camp 2: June 21-23                    

Camp 3: June 28-30

Camp 4: July 12-14

Camp 5: July 19-21

Camp 6: July 26-28

Fee $165

SUMMER NATURE NUTS

For children ages 3 - 6

Adventure awaits! Explore the outdoors, make crafts, meet live animals and discover the joys of nature! We will provide water breaks, please do not send water bottles or snacks with your child. Sunscreen is recommended.  Children must be fully bathroom independent

Monday or Tuesday

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

8-week session: June 12 - August 9

Fee: $440/child

Learn about the wonders of wildlife through up close encounters with a variety of the Center’s resident animals in this 20-minute program geared towards toddlers.

Please note: Ticket sales end 15 minutes before start time. 

Discovery STEM Camp

For students who have completed grades 1 - 5

Spend the summer exploring different topics each week! Each camp will include an outdoor hike, STEM activities, animal encounters, and hands-on discovery. Please be prepared to hike with sturdy shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a packed lunch. 

Fee per child per camp: $270

Be a part of A Night for Nature, a brand new event to benefit Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s programs.

Enjoy up-close encounters with our animal ambassadors, and see how our animal programs and wildlife rehabilitation efforts connect people to the natural world.

Your $150 ticket includes passed hors d’oeurves, wine and beer, and a three-course dinner. A portion of the ticket price for A Night for Nature is tax deductible.

Learn more about underwriting opportunities for A Night for Nature.

Attendees must be age 21 and older. Suggested attire is dressy casual.

Unable to join us for A Night for Nature? Make a donation to support the mission of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

More information: dianem@lensc.org or 440-471-8354

For adults and children ages 6 and up

See thousands of stars, planets and constellations on a tour of tonight’s sky. The forecast is always clear in the planetarium dome for excellent viewing!.  This program is approximately 30 minutes.

Cost: $5/person 

Please purchase a ticket for each person in your group. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you cannot register the full number of your group, the program is sold out.

For safety reasons, late admittance to planetarium programs is not permitted.

Recommended for ages 0 - 3

See the moon, stars and explore the sky with lights, sounds and colors in this 20-minute program designed for young children.

Cost: $5/person (including infants)

Please purchase a ticket for each person in your group. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you cannot register the full number of your group, the program is sold out.

For safety reasons, late admittance to planetarium programs is not permitted.

Purchase Eclipse Glasses: http://29430.blackbaudhosting.com/29430/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=04964f37-1a11-4c33-b4fd-66aed5a8f068

Recommended for ages 3 - 7

Blast off and travel through space as you visit different destinations in the solar system and learn about constellations in the night sky! Stellar Stars is approximately 30 minutes. Cost: $5/person 

Please purchase a ticket for each person in your group. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you cannot register the full number of your group, the program is sold out.

For safety reasons, late admittance to planetarium programs is not permitted.

Purchase Eclipse Glasses: http://29430.blackbaudhosting.com/29430/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=04964f37-1a11-4c33-b4fd-66aed5a8f068

Recommended for adults and children ages 7 and up

Take a trip that’s completely out of this world! Travel through space and visit different objects in the solar system, explore constellations in the night sky and learn about NASA’s missions. Mini Missions is approximately 30 minutes in addition to time for check-in. 

Cost: $5/person 

Please purchase a ticket for each person in your group. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you cannot register the full number of your group, the program is sold out.

For safety reasons, late admittance to planetarium programs is not permitted.

Purchase Eclipse Glasses: http://29430.blackbaudhosting.com/29430/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=04964f37-1a11-4c33-b4fd-66aed5a8f068

This 2 ½-hour adventure is full of hands-on fun in our classroom, planetarium and the great outdoors! Whether preparing for Kindergarten or already attending, your little earthling will love this program where we investigate the wonders of Earth and the sky above. Children will explore science, technology, engineering, the arts, math and nature! New curriculum offered each year. Please dress for outdoor adventures!

Take a walk with a hawk! Meet our resident Red-tailed hawk, Sequoia, and learn about these awesome raptors. Then hike with our Wildlife Specialist through the trails to search for hawks in the wild. Come dressed for the weather and slightly rough terrain.

Recommended for ages 2 - 7

Find three different animal constellations in the sky and hear their stories. Then, use your own imagination to see what you can find in the night sky! Sky Safari is approximately 20-25 minutes.

Cost: $5/person

Please purchase a ticket for each person in your group. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you cannot register the full number of your group, the program is sold out.

For safety reasons, late admittance to planetarium programs is not permitted.

Purchase Eclipse Glasses: http://29430.blackbaudhosting.com/29430/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=04964f37-1a11-4c33-b4fd-66aed5a8f068

Work alongside our wildlife staff to prepare food, treats and enrichment for our resident animals. Then offer them what you’ve made! As we focus on nutrition and diets in this behind-the-scenes, 1-on-1 experience, plan to have awesome and close interactions with our animals.

For children ages 2 & 3 years with one adult

Hands-on activities, music, games and simple crafts are just the beginning of a new nature or science-based theme each week. Get ready for live animal encounters and come dressed for the weather as we head out on mini-explorations!

One day per week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday

9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

FALL 2024 15-week Preschool Programs: September 9, 2024 to January 18, 2025                      

No classes:

November 24 - 30 (Fall break)

December 15 - January 4 (Winter break)

April 20 - 26 (Spring break)

For children ages 1 & 2 years with one adult

Little ones love nature! Join us for fun and adventure in this 1-hour program which will feature a different nature theme each week. Meet an animal, create a simple craft, enjoy playtime, and experience nature indoors and outdoors. Forest Friends is a great introduction to the Center’s preschool programs.

One day per week: Mondays

9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m

FALL 2024 15-week Preschool Programs: September 9, 2024 to January 18, 2025                      

No classes:

November 24 - 30 (Fall break)

December 15 - January 4 (Winter break)

April 20 - 26 (Spring break)

For children ages 3-5

This 2-hour program introduces children to the wonders of science and nature!  Our play-based nature and science themed curriculum includes social skill development, hands-on activities, math and literacy skill building, animal encounters, hikes, story time, crafts and planetarium visits. New curriculum offered each year. Children must be fully bathroom independent.

One day per week:  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

or

Wednesday or Thursday

12:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m

2024-2025 Yearlong Preschool Programs / 30 week sessions: September 9, 2024 to May 9, 2025

No classes:

November 24 - 30 (Fall break)

December 15 - January 6 (Winter break)

April 20 - 26 (Spring break)

Family Rocket Day

August 6, 2022

10 am-12 pm OR 2 pm – 4 pm

Recommended for families with children 6 and up. Work together as a family to build and launch a model rocket. Learn about recent mission launches and where to stream upcoming historic launches, too.

Price includes one rocket for the family, additional rockets available:

$75 per family

$40 each additional rocket

For adults and children ages 12 and up

Calling all local sky enthusiasts! Join us for Astronomy Club and explore the world of astronomy in a fun, social environment. Planetarium Specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador Bill Reed will share what’s new in space, the latest gadgets, “astro-tainment,” and mind-blowing facts. Astronomy Club meets at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center monthly and includes the following benefits:

• Monthly meetings and newsletters
• Telescope Night programs
• Telescope rentals
• Volunteer opportunities
• Additional events including movie nights, workshops, and more

Annual Fee: $60/household. Those interested in Astronomy Club are welcome to enjoy their first meeting at no cost. Memberships can be purchased here.

For children ages 2 & 3 years with one adult

Hands-on activities, music, games and simple crafts are just the beginning of a new nature or science-based theme each week. Get ready for live animal encounters and come dressed for the weather as we head out on mini-explorations!

Saturday Dates: September 16, October 14, November 11, December 9 

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Fee: $30 per child per Saturday Class

For children ages 1 – 6 with one adult

Explore the wild things of your backyard and beyond with your little one! Each class you will meet an animal, make a craft and get wild with nature. Topics change weekly, so choose one or more dates!

Saturdays
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

September 30
October 28
November 25
December 16

Fee: $30/child for each class