STRATHAM - Wondering what to do with kids during the winter months that seem so long? If your children are between the ages of 2 – 5, they can come over to the Center for the Once Upon an Estuary Program. The cost of the program is $2.00 per child participant and pre-registration is required.
The programs are on select Thursdays in January and February at 9:45 to 11:00 a.m. Each program begins with outdoor activities, games and wintery walks followed by a story, craft and hot cocoa inside the pavilion.
January 17 - “Stranger in the Woods” by Carl Sams: Who’s out and about visiting the woods this winter? Bundle up for a nature walk as we search for signs of animal activity.
January 31 - “Bugs and Bugsicles: Insects in Winter” by Amy S. Hansen: Every fall insects seem to disappear, but where do they go? Come ready for a walk to search for where bugs might be spending the winter.
February 7 - “Under the Snow” by Melissa Stewart: At the end of a day playing in the snow, we get to go home and warm up, but where do the animals go to get warm? Come prepared to play in the snow and get cold!
February 21 - “The Animals’ Winter Nap” by Lynda Graham-Barber: Do you have a favorite blanket or snuggly? Where do the deer, the skunks, and chipmunks curl up on a cold winter night? Compare your winter clothes and homes with theirs.
For kids ages 6 – 11, they have several different options.
Let’s G.O. (Get Outside) - Select Thursdays January 17th and 31st and February 7th and 21st from 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. The cost is $5.00 per -session and registration is required. This is an outdoor program that gives kids the opportunity for supervised but unstructured play around the Discovery Center.
February Vacation Camp: Animal Autographs: February 25, 26, 27, 28 and March 1, from 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The same program runs each day. Join the staff outside exploring the various habitats around the Center on snowshoes while searching for animal signs. Take part in winter activities and games and make a craft to take home. Dress warmly and bring a lunch. The cost is $12.00 for Great Bay Steward members and $15.00 for non-members. Call the Center to register.
Bayventures: “We Will Survive”: Fri., March 15 (SAU 16 Teacher Workshop Day) from 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. How do animals survive in the winter? Where do they find food, shelter and water? Help us create survival shelters to compare how we endure the cold. Make a fleece hat to take home. Bring a lunch and dress warmly for extended outdoor play. The cost is $12.00 for Great Bay Stewards and $15.00 for non-members. Call the Center to register.
To register or for more information for all programs, call (603)778-0015 or email beth.heckman@wildlife.nh.gov . The Center is the educational facility of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and is located at 89 Depot Road on the Stratham/Greenland town line just off Route 33. It is funded by NOAA and administered by NH Fish and Game.
