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!
Program Date: See upcoming dates at link below.
Program Fees: $30/non-member
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.
Program Date: See upcoming dates at link below.
Program Fees: $35/non-member
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.
Program Date: See upcoming dates at link below.
Program Fees: $5/non-member, FREE for members. Children 15 and under are free. Advanced registrations REQUIRED.
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.
Program Date: See upcoming dates at link below.
Program Fees: $5/non-member, FREE for members
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.
Program Date: See upcoming dates at link below.
Program Fees: FREE
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.
Program Date: See upcoming dates at link below.
Program Fees: FREE
The Naturally Curious Book Club presents a new book each month. Meetings are on select mornings at 10 am. You can view the monthly reading selection and more information on Amilia.
Program Date: See upcoming dates at link below.
Program Fees: FREE
Rotating Programs
Take home your own oyster mushroom growing kit. We will provide all the materials and help you get your kit started then all you have to do is take it home and store it somewhere warm and dry. You will have fresh oyster mushrooms to use in recipes in 4-6 weeks.
Bring a small box or bag to transport your kit home in. It will be in a bag, but a box will make it a little easier to carry.
Program Fees: $20/non-member
Program Date: December 6th, 10 am-12 pm
Learn to ID trees from their bark, buds, and branching! This public program takes place on Saturday, January 24th at 12 – 1 pm and is led by a naturalist.
Program Fees: $5/person. FREE for members.
Program Date: Saturday, January 24th, 12 – 1 pm
A new spin on our classic Yoga + Hike program! You asked – and we agreed! This special winter edition includes a 30 minute hike, 60 minute indoor yoga practice, and hot coffee. Our winter edition will also give you an extra hour to sleep in! Spaces are limited.
Program Fees: $25/non-member
Program Date: Saturday, January 24th, 9 – 10:30 am
In this hands-on workshop, participants explore the science and story of Illinois’ ancient landscapes through art. Using watercolor paints made from glacial sediments—the foundations of the region’s soils—you’ll learn how geology connects to the living prairie and how these relationships have shaped modern soil.
The session begins with a brief introduction to the geological history of the region, followed by an opportunity to create your own soil-based artwork. For a deeper dive, participants can also join in making the paints themselves directly from raw glacial sediments.
Connect with the land—and see the prairie in a whole new hue.
Program Date: Monday, February 9th, 6 – 7:30 pm
Program Fees: $15/non-member
Ah, Valentine’s Day – the perfect time to explore the romantic entanglements of the animal kingdom. Cuddle up with your sweetie (whether human or pet) to get a look into some wacky animal mating rituals. This event is a free, online program for adults. Hop online on February 13th from 6 – 6:30 pm. Registration is required!
Program Date: Friday, February 13th. 6 – 6:30 pm.
Program Fees: FREE!
Early Bird Pricing: Register by February 1st to save $30!
Who doesn’t love a night of trivia? Join us for a classic game of trivia spanning 10 different categories (not just nature trivia!). Take a bid on a silent auction item and test your luck at our raffle drawing. Optional add-ons, such as mulligans, can also be purchased. Seats are purchased by the table. All proceeds benefit The Nature Institute.
Location: KC Hall, 1713 Stamper Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035
When: Sat, February 21st, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Trivia begins at 6 pm. Arrive early to grab a drink and take a look at our silent auction items!
Pricing: Early Bird Price is $120/table (comes out to $15/person). Regular price is $150/table ($18.75/person). Registration is by the table – each table seats 8 people.
Included in the event:
- 10 rounds of trivia
- Stellar and occasionally entertaining hosts and judges
- Access to our silent auction
- Water, lemonade, and soda
Check back for registration!
Spring is here which means it is time to look for some wildflowers. Our earliest wildflowers are the ones that bloom in the forest before the trees get their leaves. They don’t last long so join us for a hike to identify some common spring ephemeral wildflowers.
Program Date: Saturday, March 21st, 10 – 11:30 am
Program Fees: $5/non-member, FREE for members
This hike is not what it seems! This tricky, family friendly hike will have you identifying some interesting phenomena in nature. Bring your dad jokes and your sense of humor to this unusual, April Fool’s Day themed hike.
Program Date: Saturday, April 4th, 1 – 2
Program Fees: $5/non-member, FREE for members
Join Missouri Botanical Garden ethnobotanist Dr. Kate Farley for a springtime walk to learn about useful plants of the Midwest! We will talk about edible and medicinal plants that we find along the trail, including discussions of history and folklore. Plan for a gentle hike of up to two miles, with plenty of stops along the way.
Program Date: Saturday, April 18th, 10:30 – 12:30
Program Fees: $15/non-member