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 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. Tickets are $10/person; children two and under are free. An adult must accompany children, and tickets are required for both children and adults.
-
Fall 2023 Schedule
-
September 12 – Investigating Texas Insects
Have you ever wondered which insects can be found in Central Texas in the Fall? During this program we will discover the fascinating world of terrestrial and aquatic insect species through hands-on activities.
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) – 40 people max
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) – 20 people max
-
October 10 – Indigenous Cultures Exploration
Let’s learn about the cultures that have existed and thrived in Central Texas for thousands of years! During this program, we will experience the ways of life for indigenous cultures through games and crafts.
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) – 40 people max
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) – 20 people max
-
November 14 – A Walk Through the Woods
Enjoy the crisp autumn air on a guided hike through the Spring Lake Nature Preserve. We’ll explore the changing season through leaf art! Wear closed-toed shoes and don’t forget your water bottle.
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) – 40 people max
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) – 20 people max
-
-
Spring 2024 Schedule
-
February 6 – Celebrating Wetlands
In honor of World Wetlands Day, we will take you on an adventure through the Meadows Center’s prized Wetlands. We will learn all about the plants and animals that call the Wetlands home!
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) – 40 people max
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) – 20 people max
-
March 5 – The Wonders of the Water Cycle
What does it mean to live on a “water planet?” In this month’s program, we will dive into the basics of the water cycle, where we can find water on Earth, and the importance of green spaces and parks for water conservation.
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) – 40 people max
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) – 20 people max
-
April 9 – Eco-Explorers
Let’s hit the trails! We will create our very own field guides and take them into the Spring Lake Nature Preserve. Let’s learn how to tap into our five senses to better understand the natural world.
Classes Offered:
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) – 20 people max
-
May 14 – Pollinator Party!
Butterflies, bees, and moths… oh my! With Spring flowers in full bloom, we will explore the various pollinators that visit the native plants around Spring Lake.
Classes Offered:
- Morning (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) – 20 people max
- Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) – 20 people max
-
-
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.
-
Cancellation Policy
We require five business days' notice if you would like to reschedule or cancel your reservation for a refund. If, for any reason, we must cancel the tour (bad weather, etc.), you will be allowed to reschedule for a future program date or receive a full refund. Refunds will be applied to the credit card that was used for payment. If you cannot attend your reserved program due to an extenuating circumstance, each case will be evaluated by Meadows Center staff for an opportunity to retain your program credit for a future date.
