Bells Bend Outdoor Center program schedule
School Field Trips
The outdoor center offers field trips designed to provide students with meaningful, enjoyable outdoor experiences enhancing their study of science and appreciation of nature. Field trip options include various hikes, birding, botany, green features tour, stream studies, local history, and many other topics.
School groups may also visit the outdoor center on their own on Wednesdays and Fridays when the office is open or by appointment. For more information about a self-guided visit, please call 615-862-4187.
Public Programs
Program Schedule
To help people of all ages enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Bells Bend Outdoor Center, the outdoor center offers a variety of public programs tailored for all ages. Almost all of our programs are free of charge. Pre-registration for programs is required and can be done by calling the nature center at 615-862-4187.
Preschoolers
(ages 3-5) These programs are designed specifically for young children who are just beginning to develop their innate curiosity for the natural world.
School-aged Children
(ages 6-12) Through hands-on exploration and first-hand experience, children discover the intricacies, as well as the beauty, of the natural world.
Families
(all ages) These programs are fun, friendly, informal gatherings where children and adults can celebrate the wonder and beauty of nature. Topics are often very general, but there is always something of interest for everyone.
Adults
(ages 13 and up) For park visitors who are looking for programs that address natural history topics in an adult manner, these programs incorporate outdoor experiences with meaningful interpretation.
Junior Naturalist Program
The Junior Naturalist program encourages learning through nature study, nature exploration, and nature reflection. Children are not required to attend Outdoor Center programs to complete requirements; independent study in a library and observation in your own backyard is encouraged! Our library has many books and other resources to help you and other materials can be found in the Junior Naturalist resource box, located at the Outdoor Center. Just ask for it!
When you completed the required number of activities (based on your age), contact a naturalist and schedule an interview to show off your work. An interview takes about 30 minutes, and the new Junior Naturalist receives a free patch and certificate of completion.