Hidden Oaks Nature Center

10/15/2026

Rise and shine, anglers! Join us bright and early at 6 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, to kick off trout season at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. Come cast a line in our freshly stocked lakes. We'll have free coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts to help fuel your morning.

Trout Season Celebration!
When: 6 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve

10/17/2026: It’s fall trout season at Hidden Lakes, and we're opening the gates for some early-morning fishing.

10/15/2026

Did you know that we have a number of animal ambassadors out here to help educate the public? That includes Ghillie, so next time you're out here, stop by and say hello.

10/13/2026

Fall is full of opportunities for hands-on play and learning with our latest interactive exhibits at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Check out our updated exhibit room for new exhibits about acorns, animal bones, sandhill cranes and more.

Learning and fun go hand in hand in this space designed for visitors of all ages. Kids especially will love exploring the world around them through hands-on activities, imaginative play and opportunities to let their creativity shine.

The nature center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Admission is always free!

(Photos by Meghan McMahon)

10/09/2026

It's finally starting to look and feel like autumn, and we're taking advantage of the season with the fall installment of our Be a Trailblazer experience. We have new places to explore and photos to take and plenty of reasons to truly embrace this season.

Haven’t joined Be a Trailblazer yet this year? No problem. Fall is a great time to start, with cooler temperatures, changing leaves and so many opportunities for outside exploration. And we've got plenty of prizes up for grabs.

All you have to do to get started is download the free Goosechase app, search for “2026 Be a Trailblazer” or enter code JYBKK4, and start checking off those fall missions. The fall session runs through Dec. 12, with another batch of missions coming in November.

Ready to blaze some trails? Get all the details and start exploring here >>> https://bit.ly/47g5oqS

10/07/2026

Here’s the scoop on what’s happening at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. We’ve got a full schedule of seasonal fun on tap, so make plans to join us for an upcoming program. Here’s a sampling of what’s coming up in the coming weeks and months.

🧱LEGO Brick Nature Creations: Throughout November
🎃 Pumpkin Smash: Nov. 7
🐿️Hibernation Hike: Nov. 14
🎃 Compostin' Pumpkin Drop Off: Nov. 28
🧩 Mindful Puzzling: Throughout December
🧒 Wild Child: Dec. 4
🔥 Caroling Campfire and So Much S’more: Dec. 5
✂️ Holiday Nature Crafts: Dec. 6
🐢 Feeding Time at Hidden Oaks: Dec. 19

Find program details and registration information on our Event Calendar: https://bit.ly/4hz7W9t

Can’t make it for a program? Stop by any time during open hours to meet our animal ambassadors, check out our hands-on exhibits and enjoy a seasonal exploration outside on the trails. Hidden Oaks Nature Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Admission is always free!

10/05/2026

Love birds? You can help protect them right in your own backyard. Small changes can make a big difference for our feathered friends. Find out six easy ways you can help save the birds.

(Photo courtesy of Jen Carusi)

Our birds are disappearing at an alarming rate. Saving them may seem overwhelming, but there are many simple things you can do at home to help.

10/05/2026

Our pal Squirrel needs help finding his best friend, Acorn. Visit Hidden Oaks to see if you can crack the case of Acorn's disappearance by following the clues. Once you've solved the nutty mystery, return to the nature center to receive a prize.

The Case of the Missing Acorn
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays through Oct. 31
Where: Hidden Oaks Nature Center

10/1/2026-10/31/2026: Squirrel's best friend, Acorn, has gone missing! Can you solve the mystery of where she has gone?

10/01/2026

Fall color isn’t just in the trees. Look a little closer and you’ll find red, yellow, green, blue, orange and more throughout the preserves. How many colors can you spot on your next walk?

With their shades of pink, purple, yellow and white, spring wildflowers usually get the credit for bringing the most color to the preserves. And while their bright colors are beautiful, the autumn season is full of color too! After the leaves start to fall, those colors are not as bright and may be....

09/28/2026

Do you recognize the songs and calls of our most familiar birds? You can brush up on our local bird soundtrack on a visit to Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Listen to some of our most common birds while checking out the bird feeder station situation just outside the nature center. It's just one of many things you can do on a visit to the nature center.

09/24/2026

There's so much to discover at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Plan a visit to explore our hands-on exhibits and meet our live animals. Come curious and leave knowing a little more about the world around you. You can even take your curiosity and wonder outdoors to explore the preserve's wooded trail.

The nature center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Admission is always free!