The programs below are held at Wickiup Hill Learning Center. For an additional offsite program fee, these programs can be held at your preschool location.
The cost for these 1 hour programs is $1/child. Offsite program fee is $2/child plus a $10 travel fee. Crafts are optional for each program and are an additional charge of $1/child. Minimum of 12 children is required. Please call (319) 892-6485 to book a program.
Incredible Insects
Meet our 6 legged friends that keep us company at Wickiup. You can feel a giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach and meet his family. We will also talk about butterflies and other cool insects. Depending on the time of year, we also make a bug house and go on a bug hunt!
Folly Fall
Time for a fun fall hike! We talk about what the animals do to get ready for the winter and hibernation. We also do a ‘color hike’ and have fun while searching for places that the animals may call home during the winter time.
Turkey Talk
Meet Tom the turkey and learn all about his family. We will go on a hike to search for turkey food and make cute pine cone turkeys to take home.
Are you a Napper or a Snacker?
You might be surprised how some animals survive Iowa’s long winters. Mammal skins will help teach students how animals can adjust to Iowa’s chilly weather.
Hugless Douglas
Read the story of Douglas the bear and how he searches for a perfect hug in the forest. A boulder is too big, a tree is too prickly! Get ready to move as we follow the actions of Douglas. Feel bear fur and make your own bear mask.
Creature Feature!
Learn about some amazing animals that we have here at Wickiup. Some of these live animals are slimy and some scaly but all are friendly. Can a turtle crawl out of its shell? Why is that snake sticking its tongue out at me? Let’s find out together!
Nature’s Unhuggables
Come meet our spiders and bats and learn why they aren’t so creepy after all! The Wickiup tarantula is so excited to meet you and show you her pretty pink toes.
Silly Salamanders
We will read The Salamander Room and talk about what they need to survive. We will also talk about frogs and how they are similar to salamanders. We will even dress up a few of you as frogs to help us learn about why they are special little hoppers.
Wetland Wonders
This program is most appropriate in the summer time so that we can walk out and see our wetland. We will also meet our wetland critters and learn about how they use the wetland to survive.
The Mitten
Learn about Hedgie’s adventures as he discovers a lost mitten and a misplaced hat and how his animal friends try to make a home of it. Find out how Wickiup’s animals make their home to get ready for a long winters nap.
Springtime Blossoms
Meet Fletcher the Fox in Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms. We will talk about signs of spring and springtime babies! Discover springtime with your 5 senses as we take a hike and see the signs of spring. We will also learn about animals babies!
HIKE and PLAY
Visit us at Wickiup and lets take a hike! We will start by walking the boardwalk through our wetland, visit the savannah to play with blocks and toys from nature, then finish with a hike back to the prairie and dig in our sandboxes! This is a great way to get your little ones outside and burn off some energy!
Super Hero Recycle!
Bring your super hero capes and let’s read about Michael Recycle, who teaches children how to be hero’s too by recycling at home. We will also take a hike and look for things we can recycle as well as make a neat recyclable craft!
Nature Activity Packs
N.A.P.’s will get you started for investigating, hiking and learning about Iowa’s natural resources. These activity packs are designed to help you explore the wonders of nature around them. Each pack comes with a field guide and a variety of activities for all ages. Free 2 week check out with a $50 security deposit.
