Dodge Nature Center552

The bees in the apiary aren't the only ones busy at Dodge Nature Center. This may well be the hardest working facility around!

There's the barn and its farm animals, including sheep, goats, cows, and a horse; the windmill, which pumps water; the maple trees, which produce sap in season; the museum, which informs, and houses a reptile/amphibian lab; raptors make the rounds to off-site programming; an amphitheater behind the main office serves as an outdoor classroom; and the schoolhouse, the only building left from the area's original farm days, provides more classrooms. Dodge has three campuses, for a total of 320 acres, and hiking trails wind through woodland, prairie, and pond. Its most unique feature, though, is sited on a portion of the main campus.

At Dodge Nature Preschool, the classroom includes 110 acres of outdoor wonders. Children interact regularly with the farm animals, and explore the trails. By bringing the outdoor world in, and taking the class out, the preschool provides a stimulating environment for learning and growth, and tremendous appreciation for the natural world. 1715 Charlton Avenue; 651.455.4555; $285-$485/month, lunch and registration additional. Preschool summer camp also offered.

Two afterschool programs serve older kids: Young Explorers, for K-1; and Junior Naturalists, for grades 5-8. Kids can sign up for school break programming too. Parent/child classes for ages three to five offer daytime fun. On weekends, the center offers family programs.

Summer camps for grades 1-8 include half-day, full day, and Friday only options; grades 6-8 can go for an overnight.

Birthday parties: Two-hour parties (the first hour with a naturalist, the second for gifts and cake) are tailored for different ages and seasons, with plenty of hands-on activities. Bring your own refreshments; $95 for up to 15 guests; $55 members.