Adult and Family Programs
New Registration System, Better Experience for You
The Nature Institute has switched all registration to Amilia SmartRec. Please check out this information page to learn more about setting up your account and registering for programs.
Check out the lists below to see our upcoming adult and family programs. Click on the name of the program to see more details.
Ongoing Events
The Nature Institute is partnering with Moonbird Yoga to bring you a relaxing morning out in nature. Join us for a 60 minute hike before connecting more in a 60 minute outdoor yoga practice with a view of the Mississippi River. Then, stick around for a coffee from local shop Germania Brew Haus. Mark your calendar and grab your hiking boots, along with your mat, for a nature-centric Saturday morning outing! $30/non-members. Members receive a 15% off discount.
Join Jess Thenhaus, a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide, for a unique outdoor experience at The Nature Institute. Forest Bathing is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. Unplug and unwind as you connect with nature and the ‘more than human world’ in this immersive sensory experience. Experience the healing and wellness- promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), the practice of bathing in the senses in the atmosphere of the forest.
Join us on a night hike through the woods. On the trails of the Mississippi Sanctuary and Olin Nature Preserve the terrain is light to moderate (may include some elevation change) and is appropriate for families. You can expect the hike to be about 2 miles, and will include stops along the way. Guides choose routes based on the group and do not pick the route until the night of the hike. $5 per non-member adult, children 15 and under are free and advanced registration is required. Members are free.
Have an old telescope laying around, but never use it? Always wanted to look at the universe through a telescope, but don’t own one? You are in luck! Come on out to the Talahi Lodge on the scheduled dates and we will have some set up. You can also bring your own and we can help you use it. We will talk about how telescopes work and look at the moon and other night sky objects. Limited Space available, registration required.
With the recent release of the reimagined Nosferatu, we thought why not make 2025 the year of classic horror? Come experience some thrills and chills with somewhat of a “nature” theme (or at least see them in a nature setting!) this year at TNI. This free event takes place monthly from April through October. Watch a classic movie on our giant inflatable screen. Bring your own seating (lawn chairs or blankets), as well as your own snacks. No alcohol is permitted. See below for our upcoming presentations. No pre-registration required. While this event is FREE, donations are welcome! Limited parking is available, so arrive early to grab your seat.
All movies this year will feature an episode of the 1935 movie serial “The Phantom Empire” as a pre-film short.
The evil Denaturizer has struck at The Nature Institute. He has placed poison bombs across the preserve, which can only be accessed by solving an ensemble of crafty puzzles. If allowed to explode, these bombs will wipe out all living things in the Mississippi River from here to the Gulf of Mexico! Can you solve the clues and stop the explosions before it’s too late?
This Outdoor Escape Room is suitable for ages 16 and up and takes place entirely outdoors. This program runs for up to 4 hours and may only be booked for one group at a time. Group size must be 4 – 8 people.
Learners of all ages are welcome to roam with one of our naturalists on a hike that explores the natural world each month. The hike occurs on the 2nd Tuesday each month (some exceptions will apply) starting at 9am. Hikes typically last about an hour and will cover less than two miles.
Join us at Heartland Prairie at Gordon Moore Park in Alton for these bimonthly hikes, held on every second and fourth Tuesday, April through October. These walks are free and open to the public. Walks will focus on identifying native plants and birds. We will discuss the plants in our newer sections at the observation deck until approximately 6:00 p.m. so if you are running late, you can still meet us in the front section of the prairie. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, binoculars and a plant identification book. FREE.
Rotating Programs
These outdoor skills classes are designed for older student (14+) to adult participants. Each class will provide you with bushcraft knowledge and/or skills.
Join us monthly on a Friday evening for a family friendly adventure. Recommended for ages 5 and up, we will explore all that the preserve has to offer! Activities may include short hikes, hands-on investigations, use of scientific tools, art projects, and more. Pre-registration required. 3 family minimum, 15 family max.
Program Fees: $5/person, ages 2 and under are free. FREE for TNI Members at the Family Level or higher. Pre-registration is required.
Join our education staff for a leisurely hike to learn about the many edible plants out on the preserve. You’ll learn the basics of plant ID and then find some of the spring edibles out in the forest. This program takes place on Saturday, May 17th from 1 – 2 pm. This program is open to TNI members only (all levels) and is completely free. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited.
Not a member? Check out our membership page for more information and to become a member.
*Please note: The Nature Institute is an Illinois nature preserve. While we have a permit to collect items during our educational program, visitors may not collect or forage items from TNI at any other times. See more information on our FAQ’s page.