Local teachers and youth leaders are invited to book a fall educational opportunity with Oakland County Parks (OCP). Red Oaks and Wint nature centers offer field trips, outreach services, homeschool and preschool educational programming. These opportunities are designed to engage kids of all ages, fueling their curiosity and evoking a sense of wonder at the natural world.

We’ve developed classes for students from preschool through fifth grade. OCP’s naturalists collaborated with Michigan teachers to design our new field trip offerings.  

Programs designed for students and offered through both nature centers align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Michigan Science Standards (MSS). These offerings are 90 minutes each, and the base cost is $4 per person, with park entry included. Some programs require an additional $1-2 materials fee.

Homeschool opportunities are adapted for children ages 6-9 and 10-13. Sessions run 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and are designed as drop-off programs for youth. All students are welcome, including those from a traditional homeschool, pod or virtual learning setting. A release form must be completed with registration. Cost: $10 per session.

Here are just a few of our fall programs offered at Red Oak and the Wint nature centers! Or let us come to you! Some programs can travel—contact the nature centers for more information.

Intended for classroom students pre-K-5^th grade:

Nature Invented It First

• 1^st Grade, LS1-1
  • Learn how nature has inspired engineers to solve human problems through inventions.

Wild About Wolves

• 3^rd Grade; LS2-A, LS1-A, D
  • Did you know that wolves live in Michigan? Have a “howling” good time becoming a wolf and learn how to be a member of the pack, “speak” wolf and catch prey.

Intended for homeschool students:

Fossil Formation

• Red Oaks – Nov. 14; Wint – Nov. 20
  • Discover fossils beyond dinosaur bones! Michigan is lucky to have both a state fossil and a state rock that happens to be a fossil. Investigate fossils found in Michigan and take part in a paleontological adventure.

Owl Pellets Aren’t Puke (also offered as a 4^th – 5^th grade curriculum program)

• Red Oaks – Dec. 12; Wint – Dec. 18
  • Learn how owls are connected to other animals and plants in the food web by dissecting an owl pellet. American Sign Language interpretation will be available at the Wint program.

Click here for more homeschool education programming.

Preregistration with payment is required for homeschool programs. Refunds are issued only for extenuating circumstances. Call 248-858-0916 to register and pay during regular business hours or call either nature center. Online registration.

For more information on Oakland County Parks fall education offerings contact:

For information, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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