Catch these Game and Parks education events in October

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in October.

Don’t forget to purchase a Nebraska Vehicle Park Entry Permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances. A permit is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot.

Curious Caterpillars is Oct. 2

Bring the little ones out to Curious Caterpillars on Oct. 2 in Lincoln’s Mahoney Park and meet native reptiles, catch insects, discover skulls and pelts, and unwind with coloring in the fall breeze.

Meet at Shelter No. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon for a fun, relaxed morning of outdoor education and exploration designed for toddlers and preschool-age children.

Quality time in nature has several benefits for young children. It increases creativity and problem-solving skills, as well as intellectual, social and physical development

Send questions to [email protected].

James Family Conservatory to host Wise and Wild

Wise and Wild is a program for those aged 18 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 10 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On Oct. 6, the topic for this free event will be Dutch Oven Desserts. Discover Dutch oven cooking and learn pointers for perfect desserts. Help add ingredients and then enjoy some delicious desserts.

A variety of nature-related topics will be shared in this free program for all ages.

Spectacular Spiders the theme for Little Saplings

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at the Schramm Education Center.

The 2026 series, which occurs on the first Wednesday of the month, continues Oct. 7 at 9 and 10 a.m. The topic will be Seed Search. The program is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $5 per child and $5 per adult.

See the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

Sensory Safari is at Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Sensory Safari is an event Oct. 7 where visually and sensory impaired guests will have the opportunity to touch, feel, hear, and smell at interpretive stations located throughout the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

Nature experts from organizations across Nebraska will engage visitors at each station during this special event hosted by the zoo and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Required registration can be completed at the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Discover ‘Science of’ Wasps

Wasps are often misunderstood, but they play important roles in Nebraska’s ecosystems. On Oct. 15, this virtual program explores the biology, behavior, and life cycles of different wasp species, including how they hunt, pollinate, and interact with other insects.

In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.

The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links.

Wildcat Hills homeschool program studies reptiles and amphibians

Slither, hop, and crawl into the amazing lives of reptiles and amphibians. Meet some of Nebraska’s cold-blooded residents and learn how these unique animals survive in the wild during the Wildcat Hills homeschool program Oct. 15.

The free program meets once a month at 10 a.m. at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center south of Gering. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that showcase a different theme, focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations and habitats found only in western Nebraska.

For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bat Bonanza: An Educational Workshop

Celebrate International Bat Week with Nebraska Game and Parks educators in a free workshop discovering the curiosities of native bats at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Schramm Education Center.

Participants will learn about native bat species and their ecology while designing their own bat-themed craft to take home.

This workshop has a limited capacity, so participants, who must be at least 18 years of age, should register at the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Send questions to [email protected].

Wildcat Hills preschool program is Oct. 20

The free, monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program is Oct. 20, with the theme of Reptiles & Amphibians.

The program will meet at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center at 10 a.m. It will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.

For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Homeschool Hikes set for Oct. 21-22

Homeschool families are invited to join a Schramm outdoor educator on a guided hike during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. Oct. 21 and 1 p.m. Oct. 22. This month's theme is Prairies.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up. The cost is $5.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.