Events Listing

Discovery Green: Mindfulness in Nature

Saturday, January 11

11 am-1 pm

Led by Bethany Foshee of Nature Discovery Center & Heather Sullivan of Mindfulgreen. Join us for a talk about the benefits of mindfulness and nature, followed by three guided meditations on sound, breath, and sensation. Then we’ll lead a mini nature journaling workshop – exploring how art, poetry, and observations help us to find a renewed sense of calm and appreciation for our surroundings. Materials provided or you’re welcome to bring your own journal or sketch book!

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Urban Bird Walk at Discovery Green

Walk with an NDC Naturalist through Discovery Green and the surrounding area to discover the real wildlife of downtown Houston! These free workshops will begin and end at Discovery Green. Wear your walking shoes and meet at the Lakehouse Café in the park.

Friday, February 14, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Lovebirds for Valentine’s Day!

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Urban Bird Walk at Discovery Green

Walk with an NDC Naturalist through Discovery Green and the surrounding area to discover the real wildlife of downtown Houston! These free workshops will begin and end at Discovery Green. Wear your walking shoes and meet at the Lakehouse Café in the park.

Saturday, December 14, 4 – 5 pm

Other Upcoming Urban Bird Walks

Friday, February 14, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Lovebirds for Valentine’s Day!

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Summer Teen Volunteer Applications Due

Summer Teen Volunteer Applications are due today for all teens who want volunteer positions, whether you are wanting to be a docent in the Discovery Rooms, a Camp Counselor, a group Guide, an Animal Care Assistant, water plants in the park, etc.  See our Volunteer Page for more information.

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Summer Program Registration

Members only summer program registration opens February 1, 2020

General summer program registration opens February 15, 2020

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Interactive Nature Table

Second Sundays from 1 to 3 pm

Visitors of all ages are invited to engage with volunteers and staff naturalists at our new themed demo and activity Nature Table in our large Discovery Room. The themes and activities offered at this station will change monthly, but may include live animal interactions, experimental demonstrations, “how to” lessons on using tools of the trade in nature study, themed crafts, and other opportunities for hands-on learning. Stop by and visit with a volunteer or naturalist!

Upcoming Nature Table Topics:
March 8 – Invertebrates
April 5 – Snakes  CANCELLED due to COVID-19
May 10 – Wildflowers CANCELLED due to COVID-19

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Meet the Animals: Warm Blooded – Mammals & Birds

January 26 at 2 pm – Warm Blooded – Mammals & Birds

Get to know our animals with up close and personal animal encounters! Each family-friendly “Meet the Animals” session includes: hands-on exposure to live animals and/or specimens, an informal discussion about the animal’s basic biology and behavior, and a Q/A period with one of our Staff Naturalists.

Cost: $10/family

This is a drop in program with no advance reservations. Please be ready to pay upon arrival.  We accept cash or credit.

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Winter Wonderland Nature Story Time

December 15 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Come celebrate winter with Center staff during a special Winter Wonderland Nature Story Time. We’ll share winter nature themed stories, and guide you through a simple seasonal craft. As an added treat, we’ll serve hot cocoa with fun mix-ins.

This is NOT a drop off program.  This program is intended for preschool and early elementary aged children and their adult caregivers.

Unlike our normal weekly Nature Story Times, attendance for this special event is limited and there is a cost for the event.

Cost: $5/person (including all adult and child attendees)

Advanced registration only.

REGISTER

 

 

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Curious Kids (Winter/Spring 2020) PM

What: Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and their parents or adult caregivers will learn basic science concepts in hands-on classes that encourage and celebrate natural curiosity! Curious Kids lessons may incorporate live animals, plants, natural objects, crafts, puppets, stories, songs, and nature walks.

When: Tuesdays from 10 am – 11:15 am OR 4 pm – 5:15 pm

Cost/Class: Members $15 OR Nonmembers $20

Members-only semester Discount Price: $225

Winter/Spring 2020 Class Topics:

01/14 – Squeaky Squirrels
01/21 – Awesome Owls
01/28 – Underground Animals
02/4 – Dynamic Dinosaurs
02/11 – Fruits and Veggies
02/18 – Animal Parents
02/25 – Magnificent Marsupials
03/03 – Bones and Skeletons
03/10 – Homes and Habitats
03/24 – CANCELLED Seasons and the Sun
03/31 – CANCELLED Pleasing Plants
04/07 – CANCELLED Leaves and Trees
04/14 – CANCELLED Beautiful Bees
04/21 – CANCELLED Spring Wildflowers
04/28 – CANCELLED Spring Birds
05/05 – CANCELLED Spring Butterflies
05/12 – CANCELLED Lovely Lizards
05/19 – CANCELLED Frogs and Friends

Register online here for morning sessions

Register online here for afternoon sessions

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Curious Kids

Are you raising a Curious Kid? Join us at the Center where we’ll explore, ask, discover, and more in our pre-K science program! Our children’s programs feature science-rich, weekly, stand-alone classes that offer you the flexibility to sign-up for individual classes that meet your hectic schedules or for specific topics that inspire your children. Curious Kids lessons incorporate live animals, plants, natural objects, crafts, puppets and/or models, stories, and nature walks. 

Age Restrictions: 3 to 5 years old with an adult caregiver who will remain for the program

Cost / class: Family Level Members $15 / Nonmembers $20

Advanced registration required. 

Register online here

Days & Times: Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:15pm

Winter/Spring 2025 Class Schedule

Date Topic
 01/21
 Furry Friends
 01/28
 Squeaky Squirrels
 02/04
 Wild Cats
 02/11
 Animal Habitats
 02/18
 Animal Defenses
 02/25
 Dinosaurs
 03/04
 What is alive?
 03/18
 Fabulous Fungi
 03/25
 Invertebrates CANCELED
 04/01
 In the Garden
 04/08
 Pond Pals
 04/15
 Terrific Turtles
 04/22
 Spring Nature
 04/29
 Spring Wildflowers
 05/06
 Spring Butterflies
 05/13
 Reptile Rendezvous

For cancellation, refund and other program policies, please read our FAQ for Classes and Camps.

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