Outdoor Academy
Get out into nature with our programs just for students grades K-12th!
Are you looking for something fun and educational to do with your student? Are your children interested in science and the great outdoors? Then, register to join the Meadows Center at the Spring Lake Outdoor Academy!
This series of classes is designed for students K-12th to get outside and experience nature firsthand while enjoying the Meadows Center's exhibits and programs at Spring Lake. Homeschool students are encouraged to register.
This event is perfect for smaller groups and families who cannot meet the 15-person minimum for a field trip at Spring Lake.
Classes occur monthly from and feature hands-on activities, including:
- A guided glass-bottom boat ride
- Interactive activities that teach students the interconnections between all living things and water
Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m. at the Meadows Center ticket kiosk for morning classes, and at 1:30 p.m. for afternoon classes.
Pre-registration is required, and classes are limited to 40 participants. Tickets are $9/person; children two and under are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and tickets are required for both children and adults. Parties may register for an individual class or all classes in a season.
Please note: The discounted "All Class Pass" is closed for the Fall semester.
Refund Policy
Purchasers are eligible for a refund up to three months from the purchase date. Reservations may be transferred to a different date up to a week before the original class date. If the Meadows Center must cancel the class due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather, purchasers will be issued a voucher for a different class date.
Due to high demand, we have added afternoon classes to the schedule!
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Spring 2023 Schedule
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February 7 – Celebrate the World of Wetlands
In honor of World Wetlands Day, we will take you on an adventure through the Meadows Center’s prized wetlands to learn all about the plants and animals that call the wetlands home!
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
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March 14 – The Wonders of the Water Cycle
Join us to learn how clouds play an active role in the movement of water in the water cycle. Whether you're cumulus or nimbostratus, you will surely have a sunny time during this program!
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
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April 11 – Eco-Explorers
With spring in full bloom, it’s time to hit the trails! On this adventure-filled day, we will explore the park and create our own field guides while learning to use our five senses to better understand the natural world.
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
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May 9 – Turtle Time
While enjoying a glass-bottom boat ride, you can spot dozens of turtles on any given day. Turtles are one of the most seen and loved animals at Spring Lake. There is no better place to learn about turtles than the Meadows Center! In this program, we will discover all there is to know about the turtles of Spring Lake.
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
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Parking Information
Visitors' vehicles are required to display a permit in the Meadows Center parking lot. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the pay-and-display station located near the ticket kiosk.
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Cancellation Policy
Purchasers are eligible for a refund up to three months out from the date they purchased. Refund requests cannot be accepted a week before the program date. Reservations may be transferred to a different homeschool date up to a week before the original class date. If the class is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather, purchasers will be issued a voucher for a different class date.
