Alabama Nature Center - Events

We are excited that we have so much going on at AWF, but understand it can be a little overwhelming to find exactly what you are looking for on our website.
CLICK HERE to see upcoming events on our online calendar.

Here are a few highlighted items that may be of interest to you:

Are you looking to schedule an ANC Field Trip?
Alabama Nature Center Field Trips provide fun and exciting field trip opportunities for students in grades K-12 that address the Alabama State Course of Study Objectives through a multi-disciplinary approach using conservation education. Choose from one of our grade-specific, pre-planned Course of Study Field Trips. Staff will choose and plan activities in regards to special topics requested by the teacher, group timetables, weather, and seasonal variations. From fishing in the catfish pond to netting for tadpoles, students are sure to enjoy their time outdoors on a field trip at the ANC.
Click here to find out more about the awesome FIELD TRIP that awaits you!

Are you wanting to bring your preschooler out for our Early Explorers Program?
Early Explorers is a preschool program that ANC offers to the public monthly as well as by appointment for private groups. Best for children 8 and under.

Last Thursday of each month, 10-11am. Includes story time, an Animal Encounter, and light outdoor exploration! Months that include a themed craft will be advertised as such. Program begins promptly at 10am. Cost is $5 per participating child, adults are free. Please sign up in advance. Walk-ins welcome, but space is limited. To sign up, call or email Matt Vines. 
Click here to find out more Early Explorers!

Do you have a homeschooler and would like to participate in our ANC Homeschool Program?
Come experience unforgettable educational adventures at the Alabama Nature Center, a hands-on outdoor education facility encompassing 350 acres of beautiful forests, fields, streams, wetlands,and ponds that are traversed by five miles of trails and boardwalks, as well as our new 23,000 sq. ft. NaturePlex. 
Join us twice a month for nature-infused programs in a small group setting designed exclusively to complement your homeschool curriculum. Topics will include orienteering, animal tracking, pond/creek exploration, animal encounters, and much more!
Click here to find out more about our ANC Homeschool Program!

Thinking about joining us on the weekend?
On Saturdays, enjoy a family hiking adventure with real animal encounters; step into a giant beehive and take part in other interactive displays; see a nature movie and so much more!
The NaturePlex is open 6 days/week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alabama Nature Center Members are able to come out on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. through their personal card access.
Click here to find out more about weekend events.

Does your school or office need some Team Building motivation?
This program consists of a series of real and imaginary obstacles designed to challenge groups and individuals to work together to accomplish a task. Communication, trust, self confidence and learning to define goals are the cornerstones of this program. Components of the ANC Team Building Program include cooperative games, socialization, group initiatives, trust-building games and low ropes course.
Click here to find out more about participating in motivational team building activities.

Interested in sending your child to camp?
Expedition Lanark Summer Day Camp:
Expedition Lanark is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills, build character and open your child’s mind to outdoor adventures and fun. From Tadpoles to Trail Blazers, Counselors in Training, High Adventure, Gross Out Camp and so much more, we have something for your child (ages 5-15) to explore this summer! Click here to find out more about SUMMER CAMP!
Expedition Lanark Spring Break Camp:
Don’t miss out on the river region’s most unique outdoor camp! Spring is just around the corner and so is our Expedition Lanark Spring Break Camp! We always have lots of fun activities planned and with our NaturePlex facility, we are prepared to have fun in any type of weather! Some activities include fishing, canoeing, birding with binoculars, and using game cameras with track stations to see types of wildlife we have on the property! Click here to find out more about SPRING BREAK CAMP!
Thanksgiving Day Camp:
3-Day Camp your kids will gobble up! Don’t miss out on the river region’s newest and most unique outdoor camp... Expedition Lanark Thanksgiving Camp! We always have lots of fun activities planned and with our NaturePlex facility, we are prepared to have fun in any type of weather!  No doubt, we will be fishing, hiking, birding with binoculars, and so much more! There is sure to be a ton of turkeying around! Click here to find out more about THANKSGIVING DAY CAMP!

Christmas time is always a special time at the ANC!
Christmas at the ANC field trips: Opportunities are available for school groups. Please make sure you pick the date and time most appropriate for your group! Come join Santa for a fun-filled day of outdoor Christmas activities! Christmas is just around the corner and Santa is coming to the ANC! Enjoy sleigh rides, nature hikes, a festive craft, and storytime. Take a photo with Santa after telling him about your holiday wishes! 
Click here to find out more about Christmas at the ANC:
Christmas at the ANC on Saturday: Join us for our annual Christmas at the Alabama Nature Center. Enjoy hayrides, Christmas crafts, decorating cookies, a movie special and much more! Learn how to create your own nature ornament, get pictures with Santa, enjoy our Christmas movie special, and make sure to go on the hay ride!  Christmas is always fun here at the ANC, we will have hot chocolate for sale and plenty of activities to keep you warm. This Christmas is sure to be filled with holiday fun at the NaturePlex! Bring your camera and take a picture with jolly Ol’ Saint Nick! Saturday, December 9th from 9am-5pm, activities from 9:30am-3:00pm | General admission applies and includes awesome events throughout the day! 
Click here to find out more about Christmas at Lanark on Saturday.

What else is in store for you? There are planned activities going on all the time at the NaturePlex, so don't miss all the fun!
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