Plan your fall, winter, or spring field trip to Louisville Nature Center!
School classes, scouts, nature enthusiasts, senior citizens, and home-school groups are welcome to spend a couple of hours learning about the native flora and fauna of our area. Spots fill up quickly–often months in advance–so contact us early!
Summer field trips are limited to groups of 15 or less. Have a larger group? We can come to you! Check out our Outreach Programs.
All of our programs align to the Next Generation Science Standards for the grades suggested.
To schedule a field trip please fill out a form.
Olivia Kaiser, Education Programs Manager, at 502-458-1328, or email olivia@louisvillenaturecenter.org.
Birds In My Backyard
Let’s talk about the function of birds’ body parts. Students will experiment with different tools to gain an understanding of how birds’ beaks function. This program includes a visit to the bird blind, outdoor activities, and a hike.
Suggested Grades: 1-4
LS1.A
LS1.D
LS3.B
LS4.B
LS4.C
Animals in my Backyard
Foster your student’s natural curiosity as they learn about the basic needs of animals that live in an urban habitat. Students will learn about some of Kentucky’s backyard animals, and discover the ways that their unique adaptations help each to survive. This program includes a visit to the bird blind, a hike, hands-on activities and live organisms.
Suggested Grades: K-3
ESS2.E
LS1.A
LS1.B
LS1.D
LS4.D
LS4.C
LS2.C
ESS3.B
Insects Don’t Bug Me!
Is that creepy crawlie REALLY an insect? Through outdoor investigation we’ll discover the diversity of insects and explore around our forest to find the best bug habitats. This program includes a hike and interactions with live critters.
This program can be adapted to meet the needs of grades K-5.
LS3.B
LS4.B
LS4.C
All About Plants
Explore the mysteries of the plant world. Students will investigate the anatomy and life cycle of a plant, with a focus on seed dispersal and/or plant parts. This program includes a walk through the sensory garden, a hike, a visit to the Bird Blind, and outdoor activities. NOTE - This program is best suited to the warmer months.
Suggested Grades: K-3
LS1.A, LS1.B, LS1.C, LS2.A
ETS1.C, LS1.B
It's Not Just Dirt
Students dig deep to explore the processes of weathering and erosion. We’ll explore how land is shaped and how rocks and soil are broken into smaller particles. Activities include hiking, searching for soil bugs, and recreating Earth’s natural processes.
Suggested Grades: 2, 4
ESS1.C
ESS2.A
ESS2.C
ESS2.E
Earth Rocks!
This program focuses on the three rock types and the cycles that change them. Students get their hands on some unique rocks that might have formed deep underground, in the ocean, or maybe even in a volcano. They learn the rocks' stories using hand lenses and comparisons to parent materials. This program includes a hike and hands-on activities.
Suggested Grades: 4-5
ESS1.C
ESS2.A
Scout Programs
Louisville Nature Center offers a unique learning opportunity for all Scout groups to experience nature in an interactive environment. Consider LNC when planning outings for your Scout group or looking to fulfill badge requirements.
The cost of the Scout Program is $9 per Scout, with a minimum payment of $90.
To schedule a Scout program, call LNC at (502) 458-1328.
Cancellation Policy: Fees are not refunded if you cancel.