From guided field trips to homeschool programs, Blandford Nature Center has something for every curious student. Below you’ll find details about the variety of programs we offer for students of all ages in all educational settings.
We offer in-person and virtual field trips and other customized program options to fit your needs for students in preschool through high school. Traditional in-person field trips takes place in Blandford’s 264 acres of forests, wetlands and meadows and offer an immersive experience with nature and wildlife. If you are unable to come to us, we also offer live virtual field trips with a Blandford Educator.
School Field Trips (Sept-May)
Our programs are fully guided with low student-to-Blandford Educator ratios in order to provide the best personalized content and a high level of engagement. We can host up to 60 students per program, and we cannot accommodate program overlaps. If you have more than 60 students, you will need to book additional programs on different mornings or afternoons. The cost of a field trip is $9 per student per program, with a minimum program fee of $100. We require a minimum of 1 teacher or other adult chaperone for every 5 students in attendance. These required adults are free. Extra adults are welcome at $5 each (our regular admission fee). Fees for additional adults still apply even during our “Admission Free” months. Payment instructions will be sent with your program confirmation email. We request payment at least 1 week prior to your program. If this is a hardship, we may be able to make alternate arrangements by special request.
To request a field trip for the 2025-2026 school year, click here:
In-Person Field Trip Options:
Pre-K & Kindergarten Programs
Seasonal Habitat Series
Fall Wonders
September – November, 1.5 hrs
Explore the woods and fields to learn how plants and animals prepare for winter. The changing season inspires role-playing and sensory investigation of nature.
Winter Explorers
December – February, 1.5 hrs
Discover the beauty of winter and the secrets of animal survival during this cold season. Explore why some animals are active in the winter, why some sleep, and why some leave Michigan during these months.
Signs of Spring
April – May, 1.5 hrs
Spring is an amazing time of growth and change, and the evidence is all around us. Investigate with your senses and explore how and why plants and animals are waking up and becoming active in these warming months.
Standards: K-PS3-1, K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
Core Ideas: PS3.B, LS1.C, ESS2.E, ESS3.A
Other Pre-K & Kindergarten Programs
Whooo is an Owl?
September – May, 1.5 hrs
Meet Blandford’s owls and learn about these amazing birds of prey and what makes them great night hunters. Students will explore the outdoor habitats of owls, dissect owl pellets, and explore the adaptations that help them survive here in Michigan.
Standards: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3
Core Ideas: LS1.C, ESS3.A
Focusing on the Farm Five
September – October / April – May, 1.5 hrs
Investigate the Blandford Farm using your five senses! Learn what a seed needs to grow into a plant as you explore the sights, sounds and smells of the farm. You’ll meet Blandford’s resident farm animals and visit the Children’s Garden to see a working farm in action!
Standards: K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
Core Ideas: LS1.C, ESS2.E, ESS3.A
1st, 2nd, & 3rd Grade Nature/Science Programs
Animal Adaptations
September – May, 1.5 hrs
How do organisms survive and thrive in their environment? Students will learn about the special adaptations that help Michigan animals survive and interact with the world around them.
Standards: 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, 2-PS1-1, 2-PS1-2, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.D, LS4.C, LS4.D, PS1.A
Seeds & Plants
September – November / April – May, 1.5 hrs
A focus on seed movement has students exploring forest and meadows and uncovering the secrets of plant and animal interdependence.
Standards: 1-LS1-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.B, LS2.A, LS4.C, LS4.D
Michigan Ecosystems
October – November / April – May, 1.5 hrs
Young biologists explore different Michigan ecosystems, searching for evidence of biodiverse food chains within these unique habitats. Program includes a close-up view of Blandford’s wildlife.
Standards: 2-LS4-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3
Core Ideas: LS2.C, LS2.D, LS3.B, LS4.B, LS4.C, LS4.D
Predator – Prey Simulation
September – November / April – May, 1.5 hrs
What does it take for an animal to survive in the wild? Students will engage in an action-packed simulation to explore and understand the complex interactions between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores in an ecosystem. They will experience firsthand what it feels like to be a part of the food chain, the value of camouflage, and other animal survival strategies.
Standards: 2-LS4-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3
Core Ideas: LS2.D, LS4.B, LS4.C, LS4.D
Snowy Survivors
December – February, 1.5 or 2 hrs
Discover the secrets of winter animal survival and investigate how special characteristics help animals thrive during this cold and snowy season. Add snowshoes for a special 2-hour experience! Program is 1.5 hours without snowshoes; 2 hours with optional snowshoeing add-on. Snowshoeing incurs an additional cost of $1.50 per student.
Standards: 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.D, LS2.C, LS3.B, LS4.C, LS4.D
Birds of a Feather
April – May, 1.5 hrs
Explore the amazing worlds of birds and the ways in which they call for mates, build nests, and raise their young. Students will identify distinguishing characteristics of birds, take a hike with binoculars, and meet one of our resident birds of prey.
Standards: 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.B, LS1.D, LS4.C, LS4.D
4th & 5th Grade Nature/Science Programs
Wildlife with a Backbone
October – May, 1.5 hrs
Learn about the five vertebrate groups, including their unique physical characteristics and behaviors. We’ll use live animals, investigative activities, and games to highlight adaptations that different vertebrates use for protection, warmth, and food gathering.
Standards: 3-LS1-1, 4-LS1-1
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.D
Ecosystem Energy
October – November / April – May, 1.5 hrs
Follow the circular flow of energy through our environment, from the sun to the soil, into plants, animals, fungi and back to the earth. Students will explore this cycle through the lens of producers, consumers and decomposers.
Standards: 4-PS3-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1
Core Ideas: PS3.B, PS3.D, LS1.C, LS2.A, LS2.B
Watershed Guardians
April – May, 1.5 hrs
Discover the essential elements of a watershed and investigate key indicators of healthy waterways by evaluating biotic and abiotic factors. Students will explore ways that their actions can impact the watershed and other natural resources around them.
Standards: 3-5-ETS1-2, 4-ESS3-2, 5-ESS2-1, 5-ESS2-2, 5-ESS3-1
Core Ideas: ESS2.A, ESS2.C, ESS3.B, ESS3.C, ETS1.B
K-6th Grade Social Studies Programs
Anishinabek Lifeways
October – May, 1.5 hrs
The cultural heritage of West Michigan comes alive through hands‐on experiences with traditional tools and artifacts. Investigate how the seasons and resources of this area influenced the lives of Anishinaabe people over 400 years ago.
Booking Notes: Programs start at 90 minutes which includes an introduction and the four standard stations listed below. Additional 20-minute stations can be added for an additional fee per student.
Standard Stations:
- Home Life (outdoor)
- Hunting (indoor/outdoor)
- Foraging & Tracking Hike (outdoor)
- Agriculture (indoor)
Additional Stations:
- Cordage (indoor)
- Pine Dancers or Bowl Dice (indoor game)
- Lacrosse or Snow Snakes (outdoor game)
- Fishing (indoor/outdoor)
Social Studies Standards: K-G5.0.1, 1-H2.0.3, 1-H2.0.4, 1-G5.0.1, 3-H3.0.5, 3-H3.0.6, 3-G5.0.2, 5-U1.1.3
Pioneer Life
October – May, 1.5 hrs
Daily life in rural Michigan in the 1870s comes alive as we explore Blandford’s Historic Village. Students will hop back in time to visit an historic log cabin, one-room schoolhouse and blacksmith shop as they explore the tools, machines and toys of the era.
Booking Notes: Programs start at 90 minutes. A 20-minute games/recess station can be added for an additional fee per student.
Social Studies Standards: K-G5.0.1, 1-H2.0.3, 1-H2.0.4, 1-G5.0.1, 2-H2.0.4, 2-H2.0.6, 3-H3.0.5, 3-G5.0.2
Sugarbush Programs for All Ages
Sugarbush
February 24 – Mar 21 Only, 1.5 hrs
Experience the science of maple syrup production in the heart of Blandford’s sugarbush! Identify maple trees and learn the history of maple syrup production through the centuries. Students will experience various methods of tapping, collecting, and boiling using real tools and will taste the sweet results of all of this hard work!
Standards: K-LS-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
Social Studies Standards: K-G5.0.1, 1-G5.0.1, 3-H3.0.5, 3-G5.0.2
Middle & High School Programs
Contact us directly if you are interested in a specialized program for Middle or High School students. Some of our standard programs can be scaled up for older students, or we may be able to work with you to develop a customized program that fits the current curriculum and interests of your classroom. We also have 264 acres of biodiversity just waiting for your classroom research projects! For more information and to discuss ideas, please email our Director of Programs, Heather Lewis, at heather@blandfordnaturecenter.org.
Virtual Programs
Can’t come to Blandford? We can bring a Blandford experience to you virtually! A Blandford Educator will present a 45-minute live virtual session with your classroom, using key “show and tell” items related to your program topic and will include time for questions and answers from your students. Your virtual program package will also include pre- and post-program materials, which may include activities, worksheets, games, and links to virtual storybooks and videos. Virtual programs are available for $120. To book a virtual field trip, please choose a topic below and use the following form to submit a request:
Virtual Program Options:
K-3rd Grade
Michigan Wildlife, Habitats, and Adaptations
This is a customizable, virtual learning experience designed for Grades K-3. This program will focus on Michigan wildlife, their habitats, and the adaptations that make them particularly suited to life in Michigan. A Blandford Educator will present several of Blandford’s resident Wildlife Ambassadors as real-life examples of biodiversity and adaptations. Blandford staff will communicate with the teacher to plan and facilitate an experience that suits the science objectives and interests for that class.
3rd-5th Grade
Anishinabek Lifeways
This is a customizable, virtual learning experience designed for Grades 3-5. This program focuses on the lives of the Indigenous Peoples of Michigan 400-500 years ago. The primary focus is how the Anishinabek used natural resources for daily survival and how they interacted with, adapted to, and modified the environment around them. A Blandford Educator will present various tools and artifacts of Anishinaabe culture, including the foods, plants, animals, and other natural resources that were commonly used in daily life.
GRPS 1st & 3rd Grade Field Trips
Blandford Nature Center is pleased to partner with Grand Rapids Public Schools to ensure every First and Third Grade scholar has an immersive learning experience in nature. First and Third Grade teachers can book 1 free field trip to Blandford during the 2025-2026 school year, and the district with provide transportation to and from BNC.
Our nature-based field trip programs are designed to meet state and Next Generation Science Standards or Michigan Social Studies Standards. Using the 264 acres at Blandford Nature Center, we seek to engage and empower students through hands-on education experiences that can positively affect student outcomes and heighten their natural sense of inquiry.
Field Trip Options:
1st Grade Programs
Animal Adaptations
September – May, 1.5 hrs
How do organisms survive and thrive in their environment? Students will learn about the special adaptations that help Michigan animals survive and interact with the world around them.
Standards: 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, 2-PS1-1, 2-PS1-2, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.D, LS4.C, LS4.D, PS1.A
Seeds & Plants
September – November / April – May, 1.5 hrs
A focus on seed movement has students exploring forests and meadows and uncovering the secrets of plant and animal interdependence.
Standards: 1-LS1-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.B, LS2.A, LS4.C, LS4.D
Focusing on the Farm Five
September – October / April – May, 1.5 hrs
Investigate the Blandford Farm using your five senses! Learn what a seed needs to grow into a plant as you explore the sights, sounds and smells of the farm. You’ll meet Blandford’s resident farm animals and visit the Children’s Garden to see a working farm in action!
Standards: K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
Core Ideas: LS1.C, ESS2.E, ESS3.A
Birds of a Feather
April – May, 1.5 hrs
Explore the amazing worlds of birds and the ways in which they call for mates, build nests, and raise their young. Students will identify distinguishing characteristics of birds, take a hike with binoculars, and meet one of our resident birds of prey.
Standards: 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.B, LS1.D, LS4.C, LS4.D
Sugarbush
Late February – March Only, 1.5 hrs
Experience the science of maple syrup production in the heart of Blandford’s sugarbush! Identify maple trees and learn the history of maple syrup production through the centuries. Students will experience various methods of tapping, collecting, and boiling using real tools and will taste the sweet results of all of this hard work!
Standards: K-LS-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
Social Studies Standards: K-G5.0.1, 1-G5.0.1, 3-H3.0.5, 3-G5.0.2
3rd Grade Programs
Michigan Ecosystems
September – November / April – May, 1.5 hrs
Young biologists explore different Michigan ecosystems, searching for evidence of biodiverse food chains within these unique habitats. Program includes a close-up view of Blandford’s wildlife.
Standards: 2-LS4-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3
Core Ideas: LS2.C, LS2.D, LS3.B, LS4.B, LS4.C, LS4.D
Snowy Survivors
December – February, 1.5 or 2 hrs
Discover the secrets of winter animal survival and investigate how special characteristics help animals thrive during this cold and snowy season. Add snowshoes for a special 2-hour experience! Program is 1.5 hours without snowshoes; 2 hours with optional snowshoeing add-on.
Standards: 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.D, LS2.C, LS3.B, LS4.C, LS4.D
Wildlife with a Backbone
September – May, 1.5 hrs
Learn about the five vertebrate groups, including their unique physical characteristics and behaviors. We’ll use live animals, investigative activities, and games to highlight adaptations that different vertebrates use for protection, warmth, and food gathering.
Standards: 3-LS1-1, 4-LS1-1
Core Ideas: LS1.A, LS1.D
Sugarbush
Late February – March Only, 1.5 hrs
Experience the science of maple syrup production in the heart of Blandford’s sugarbush! Identify maple trees and learn the history of maple syrup production through the centuries. Students will experience various methods of tapping, collecting, and boiling using real tools and will taste the sweet results of all of this hard work!
Standards: K-LS-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
Social Studies Standards: K-G5.0.1, 1-G5.0.1, 3-H3.0.5, 3-G5.0.2
Anishinabek Lifeways
September – May, 2 hrs
The cultural heritage of West Michigan comes alive through hands‐on experiences with traditional tools and artifacts. Investigate how the seasons and resources of this area influenced the lives of Anishinaabe people over 400 years ago. Students will explore the following stations during this 2-hour program:
- Home Life (outdoor)
- Hunting (indoor/outdoor)
- Foraging & Tracking Hike (outdoor)
- Agriculture (indoor)
- Lacrosse/Snow Snakes (outdoor)
Social Studies Standards: K-G5.0.1, 1-H2.0.3, 1-H2.0.4, 1-G5.0.1, 3-H3.0.5, 3-H3.0.6, 3-G5.0.2, 5-U1.1.3
For more information about Blandford field trips, click here:
To request a GRPS 1st or 3rd Grade field trip, choose one of the following:
*If you wish to book a field trip for a private homeschool group, please choose a topic and make a booking request under the “School Field Trips” tab above.
Fall 2025 Homeschool Series
Blandford runs a 3-part Homeschool Series every spring and fall. Homeschool field trips at Blandford immerse students in nature while engaging their curiosity and connection to the natural world! All of our programs are taught by our highly-experienced and educated staff and are designed with modern science education standards in mind.
Programs are available for children ages 5-12. After registration, we will divide students into small groups based on age. You will receive information about your child’s group approximately 1 week prior to the first program of the season. This is a drop-off program where you are not required to stay with your child. However, we welcome and need parent chaperones for each small group in order to assist our Educators to make this program successful, especailly for our youngest children who may need a little extra assistance. Chaperones will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to chaperone, you must also register yourself for the program, but there is no additional fee. For parents with multiple children, we cannot guarantee your children will be in the same small group since we make up groups based on age, and if you wish to chaperone, we will likely place you with your youngest child. If you wish for your child to be placed in the same group as a friend, please email us at registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org after registration to arrange this. We cannot guarantee that friends will be placed together, but if they are close in age, this is usually possible.
Each registration is sold as a package of three programs on the dates and times below.
Program Dates & Topics:
September 17, 2025 | Pioneer Life – Daily life in rural Michigan in the 1870s comes alive as we explore Blandford’s Historic Village. Students will hop back in time to visit an historic log cabin, one-room schoolhouse and blacksmith shop and they explore the tools, machines, and toys of the era.
October 15, 2025 | Nature Games – We can learn a lot about nature through games! We will explore the trails and play games that illustrate how animals interact and survive in the wild. Many of our games are ones which you can take home and play again with friends and family!
Nov 19, 2025 | Predators & Prey – In an animal food chain, some animals eat, while others are eaten! We will learn about the physical and behavioral differences between predator and prey animals, and we’ll play a game to illustrate what happens when you throw a bunch of these animals together in the same forest.
All programs are 1:00-2:30 pm. Check-in takes place 10 minutes before the program starts in the Environmental Education Center on the main campus at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
Pricing & Registration:
Registration is $38/student for Non-Members and $30.40/student (20% discount) for Members and includes all three programs for the dates listed. Health information must be submitted during registration. Missed sessions will not be refunded. Sessions cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled if possible or a partial refund will be issued. Chaperones who register are required to attend all three session dates. Registration for the Fall 2025 Homeschool series begins August 20th for both Members and Non-Members and will close on September 15th, 2025. A minimum capacity must be reached for Homeschool programs to proceed. Follow the links below to register for this year’s homeschool series.
If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Program Operations, Heather Lewis, at (616) 735-6240 or email registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org.
Registration for the Spring 2026 Homeschool series will open on January 5th, 2026!
Spring 2026 Homeschool Series
Blandford runs a 3-part Homeschool series every spring and fall. Homeschool field trips at Blandford immerse students in nature while engaging their curiosity and connection to the natural world! All of our programs are taught by our highly-experienced and educated staff and are designed with modern science education standards in mind.
Programs are available for children ages 5-12, divided into small groups for age-appropriate content. We welcome up to five parent chaperones per group, especially for our youngest students who may need some extra assistance. Chaperones will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for chaperones is required, but there is no additional fee. For parents with multiple children who wish to chaperone, we strongly suggest registering with your youngest child, if space allows.
Each registration is sold as a package of three programs on the dates and times below. Please note that we have a minimum number of participants required for each age group. If we do not meet this minimum, that age group may be cancelled or merged with another age group.
Program Dates & Topics:
March 18 | Sugarbush – Experience the science of maple syrup production in the heart of Blandford’s sugarbush! Identify maple trees and learn the history of maple syrup production through the centuries. Students will experience various methods of tapping, collecting, and boiling using real tools and will taste the sweet results of all of this hard work!
April 15 | Whooo is an Owl? – Meet Blandford’s owls and learn about these amazing birds of prey and what makes them great night hunters. Students will explore the outdoor habitats of owls, dissect owl pellets, and explore the adaptations that help them survive here in Michigan.
May 20 | Decomposers – What happens to plants and animals when they are no longer living? Decomposers take over! These are nature’s recyclers – helping to return energy and nutrients to the soil to fuel new growth on earth. We will take to the forest to discover organisms big and small – from beetles to birds – that play an important part in recycling nutrients in nature.
All programs are 1:00-2:30 pm. Check-in takes place 10 minutes before the program starts in the Environmental Education Center on the main campus at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
Cost & Registration:
Registration is $40/student for Non-Members and $32/student (20% discount) for Members and includes all three programs for the dates listed. Because children may be dropped off for this program, health information must be submitted during registration. Missed sessions will not be refunded. Sessions cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled if possible or a partial refund will be issued. You are not required to chaperone, but adult chaperones are welcome! There is no charge to chaperone or to visit the Nature Center while your child Chaperones who register are asked to attend all three session dates. Registration for the Spring 2026 Homeschool series begins January 5th for both Members and Non-Members and will close on March 11th. A minimum capacity (including minimum number of chaperones) must be reached for Homeschool programs to proceed. Follow the links below to register for this year’s homeschool series.
If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Program Operations at (616) 735-6240 or email registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org.
We are excited to offer partnerships with local schools to give all students at least one experience in nature every school year! These schools have all made a commitment to bring environmental learning into the classroom and to get students out to Blandford for experiential learning on our trails. In addition to field trips and Blandford on the Road programs, these schools benefit from early scheduling and discounted family memberships.
Northwest Co-op Preschool
West Side Christian School
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School
Great Start Readiness Program at CA Frost Elementary School
If you are interested in partnering with us to provide environmental learning opportunities to multiple classrooms at your school, please contact our Director of Program Operations, Heather Lewis, at 616-735-6240 ext. 115 or email heather@blandfordnaturecenter.org.
Blandford on the Road
If you are unable to bring your class to Blandford but still prefer an in-person program, let us bring the excitement to you! Check out our Blandford on the Road program options by visiting our Wildlife Experiences page.
