NatureKidsBC

MERRITT - Winter Bird Count for Kids
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
Our next NatureKids day is on Saturday January 10th from 10am-noon for our Annual Kids Winter Bird count. We will meet at the Nicola Cutoff Road, just past Nicola Ranch and spend some time by Nicola River with the spotting scope. We will also go for a short drive along a local ranch, which tends to attract quite a few bird species. It is always a good morning! To register for this explorer day email merritt@naturekidsbc.ca

NORTH VANCOUVER - Winter Walk to First Lake
2026-01-17 10:00 - 11:30
Join North Vancouver NatureKids for a winter walk to First Lake!
Come and join us for a family walk in the snow! Bring snowshoes or microspikes to go for a walk to First Lake in Mt. Seymour Provincial Park.
We will enjoy the snowy day, look for birds and animal tracks, and bring magnifying glasses and a pocket microscope so that we can look more closely at the snow.
This event is weather-permitting. The walk is best for those who are able to walk in snowy, gentle up and down terrain.
Click here to register!

NICOMEKL - Marshmallow Roast & Nature Games
2026-01-18 12:00 - 13:00
Enjoy roasting marshmallows over a covered gas firepit in a lovely backyard in Langley City. Then try your hand at a nature game or nature challenge!More details will be sent out to registrants. To register email nicomekl@naturekidsbc.ca

NELSON - Lantern Making Workshop
2026-01-18 13:00 - 14:45
Join us for our January Explorer Day, where kids and families will gather to create beautiful handmade lanterns together! With the wonderful support of the Polka Dot Dragon Arts Society, participants can choose between simple jar lanterns or more detailed paper-mâché and willow dragonfly lanterns. It’s a lovely chance to create, connect, and prepare something special for the upcoming Lakeside Park lantern festival—or to keep as a meaningful handmade lantern at home.
There will be two creative options to choose from:• Jar lanterns — perfect for younger makers• Paper-mâché + willow dragonfly lanterns — great for those who enjoy a bigger challenge
Space is limited to 25 children (each child must be accompanied by an Adult Helper).
Click here to register!
Date: January 18, 2026
Location: Kootenai Art Therapy Institute, 191 Baker St (2nd Floor)
Mentor: Polka Dot Dragon Arts Society
Time: 1:00–2:45 PM
Cost: Free

All materials will be provided, with the exception of glass jars for the jar lanterns. Please bring a clean recycled jar from home (jam or pasta sauce jars work perfectly!). We’ll have a few extras available in case anyone forgets.
This Explorer Day is free for members of NatureKids BC. Non members may attend if there is space. Please email us if you are not currently a club member: nelson@naturekidsbc.ca. For kids age 5-12 and their families.

DELTA & SURREY - Serpentine Scavenger Hunt
2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:30
The Delta and Surrey NatureKids clubs are getting together for a duck-themed scavenger hunt at the Serpentine Fen Wildlife Management Area!
The Fen contains many different habitats in its 150 hectares. It is also home to over 200 different bird species. Join us for a fun morning in nature!
Click here to register!

WHISTLER - Snowy Survival
2026-01-24 10:00 - 12:00
Our next Explorer Day will be “Snowy Survival” on Saturday, January 24, at Green Lake (details TBD). Sign-in will start at 9:45 am, and the program will run from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We’ll explore how different animals survive winter, with a focus on Green Lake species, including Beavers, River Otters, birds and more!
Registration opens on Monday (January 12) at 8 am. After this time, please send us an email at this address letting us know – whistler@naturekidsbc.ca:

Name and ages of children whom you’d like to register – children must be 5 – 12 years old
Names of parents/guardian(s) who you’d like to register – a reminder that this program is for families, so at least one parent/guardian must also attend

HOUSTON - Equity Ice Falls Hike
2026-01-24 10:00 - 13:00
Equity Ice Falls Family Hike Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Meeting Location: Please meet at 9:30 AM at the Buck Creek Canfor Fish Hatchery and Nature Center. What to Expect:Join us for a scenic intermediate-level winter hike to Equity Ice Falls. This outing is best suited for families who are comfortable with longer or moderately challenging hikes. Please ensure everyone brings water and snacks, and comes dressed in full snow gear. Ice cleats and/or walking poles are optional but may be helpful depending on conditions. A fun (and memorable!) part of this hike is the descent from the falls—there is usually a section where participants slide down part of the trail on their bum. Adults may want to wear snow pants or bring a garbage bag to make the slide more comfortable. This is a family event, and all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We look forward to exploring winter at Equity Ice Falls together and learning about animal tracks! For more information please email houston@naturekidsbc.ca

EAST VANCOUVER - Tracks at Trout Lake
2026-01-25 13:00 - 15:00
Join East Vancouver NatureKids for a fun afternoon of winter wildlife tracking!
Put on your detective hats – there are mysteries waiting in the sand, right in the middle of the city! We’ll follow footprints, find feathers, and use our best observation skills to figure out which wild neighbours call Trout Lake park home. Along the way, we’ll watch and listen for birds, and warm up with tea and a story.
Click here to register!

NICOMEKL - World Wetlands Walk
2026-02-01 12:30 - 13:30
Celebrate our wetlands! Starting at the Upper Hall, our easy Naturekids walk will take you alongside the Little Campbell River. Then check out all the World Wetland Day booths and exhibits! To register email nicomekl@naturekidsbc.ca

VERNON - Twilight Forest Walk
2026-02-07 15:30 - 16:30
Join Vernon NatureKids for a magical walk through the forest.

Come and join us for a casual Twilight walk through the forest!
We will wander the forest trails at an easy pace, keep our senses tuned in, and enjoy the little suprises along the way, including the tiny fairy houses and trinkets people have lovingly left behind.
This will be a relaxed, family-friendly stroll. We will pause to listen for birds, notice tracks and textures, and share simple nature observations as we go.
Come as you are and enjoy a calm evening outside.

Location:
Carlson Park
Please let us know you are coming by registering through this link.

VICTORIA - Outerbridge Nature Park Explore
2026-02-08 09:00 - 23:00
On February 8, from 9 to11 AM, we’ll meet up with our friends from Rocky Point Bird Observatory (RPBO) at Outerbridge Nature Park in Saanich. Here, we can spot colorful birds, listen to their songs, and discover tiny creatures hiding in the bushes—all while enjoying a peaceful walk together. So, grab your binoculars, put on your walking shoes, and bring the whole family for a morning of bird-spotting and nature fun.
Register HERE.
Outerbridge Park is a little nature treasure tucked into the city—gardens, ponds, and winding trails make it the perfect playground for curious kids. Long ago, Mrs. Outerbridge created this special place to welcome birds, wildlife, and people who love nature. Locals used to call it the “Shangri-La Bird and Nature Sanctuary.” In 2005, the park became a public space, and families have been exploring it ever since. More information about the park can be found here.
This event will be part of Rocky Point Bird Observatory’s free, guided bird walks that are offered the second Sunday of each month. RPBO is proud to continue Mrs. Outerbridge’s dream: a place where kids and grown-ups alike can fall in love with birds and the natural world.
Date and Time: Sunday, February 8, from 9 to 11 AM.
Location: Outerbridge Park entrance is adjacent to 1181 Royal Oak Drive. Here is the Google map link. You can find transit directions here as well.
Meeting location: The parking lot off of Royal Oak Drive.
What to bring: Binocs if you have them. Water and a snack. A camera or notebook to record your discoveries.
What to wear. Dress for the weather, wear shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet or dirty.
Weather: We will go in light rain, but this Explorer Day will be canceled in heavy rain.
CANCELLATION: If you register and know in advance that you are unable to make it, please notify us at victoria@naturekidsbc.ca. We understand that busy families often cannot make it at the last minute.
LIABILITY WAIVER: Please read the attached Liability Waiver that you will be asked to sign upon arrival at the Explorer Day.
PHOTOS: At the beginning of the Explorer Day, you will be asked if you consent to have photos taken of your child/children. These photos may be used by NatureKids BC. Your choice does not impact your ability to participate fully in this Explorer Day event.
Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign our waiver form. We plan to start promptly at 9:00 a.m.

TRICITIES - Winter Scavenger Hunt
2026-02-08 10:00 - 11:00
Join TriCities NatureKids for a fun winter scavenger hunt!
Observe nature in winter with a fun scavenger hunt!
Everything will be super accessible as the trail is wide, flat and short enough in length for everyone to enjoy. Participants will be using iNaturalist (adults) and iSeek (kids) apps to complete the scavenger hunt. Alternatively, there can/will be printed sheets available to complete the activity.
Click here to register!

RICHMOND- Family Shoreline Cleanup
2026-02-21 13:00 - 14:30
Join us for a meaningful and hands-on Explorer Day as we care for our local shoreline and look for early signs of spring!
Families will participate in a guided shoreline cleanup, helping protect wildlife and keep our beaches clean. If time allows, we’ll also enjoy a short nature walk to spot birds, plants, and seasonal changes around the park.
Location: Garry Point Park, Richmond
Date: Saturday, February 21
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Who: Families with children
What to Bring:

Dress for the weather
Reusable water bottle
Optional: Your own gloves

Register by Clicking Here.
We will provide gloves and garbage bags.
We look forward to making a positive impact together!

HOUSTON - Bee Houses & Pollinators
2026-02-21 13:00 - 15:00
Bee Houses and Pollinators: Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Date: Saturday, February 21st Location: Buck Creek Canfor Fish Hatchery and Nature Center Join us for a fun, hands-on afternoon celebrating pollinators! Families will have the chance to decorate mason bee houses and help build bug hotels using natural materials. Each family will create a small bug hotel to take home, while we work together to build a large pollinator hotel that will stay at the Nature Center. Along the way, we’ll learn about the important role pollinators play in our ecosystems, including bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and more. We’ll also chat about how to create pollinator-friendly gardens. To help continue the learning at home, families will receive pollinator seed packets to plant in their own gardens. This is a great opportunity to get creative, learn something new, and support local wildlife—perfect for curious kids and their grown-ups! For more information please email houston@naturekidsbc.ca

WILLIAMS LAKE- Birds and Birdfeeders
2026-02-21 13:00 - 15:00
Participants will learn basic information about what makes a bird a bird, different classifications, identification/viewing of our winter birds this year through hands on specimens and outdoor observation.
The day will wrap up with building a take home birdfeeder for interested families.
Note: Birdfeeder kits are limited so if this is something that your family is interested in please register at membership@williamslakefieldnaturalists.ca adding NatureKids in the subject line.
As a start to bringing back the NatureKids Club to Williams Lake a free family event is being offered at the Scout Island Nature House on February 21, 2026.
NatureKids is a free outdoor exploration club for children 5-12 years of age.

NORTH VANCOUVER - Build a Mason Bee a Home
2026-02-22 10:00 - 11:30
Build a Mason Bee a home
Date: February 22nd, 2026
Time: 10am – 11.30am
Location: Picnic shelter at Heywood Park, North Vancouver (map pin) – more information on shelter location and parking found here.
Let’s help our Mason Bees by building them a home! The materials Mason Bees use for their ‘nests’ are in short supply so come and give them a helping hand. These docile bees are highly efficient and are major pollinators, certainly one of the unsung heroes of our gardens. Some say one Mason Bee does the work of 500 Honey Bees! We will be building temporary boxes for our bees to safely lay their eggs and keep doing their extremely important work. A fun, practical and worthwhile activity for all the family!
Click here to register!

DELTA, WildRoots Home Learners Club - OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society
2026-02-23 12:00 - 14:00 | 3800-72nd Street, Unit 3, Delta, 3800 72 St, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2
Come and explore the OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society, a non-profit society that specializes in the care of raptors. This group includes eagles, falcons, hawks, ospreys, owls, and vultures. Learn how they rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick, injured, or orphaned raptors.
RSVP today
Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Time: 12:15pm – 2:00pm (check-in at 12:10pm)
Location: 3800-72nd Street, Unit 3, Delta, on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the scəw̓aθən (Tsawwassen), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and other Coast Salish Peoples.
NOTE: The program is held rain or shine so ensure everyone is dressed for the weather. There is a 60 minute indoor program followed by a 30 minute outdoor tour.
NOTE: The program is held rain or shine so ensure everyone is dressed for the weather. There is a 60 minute indoor program followed by a 30 minute outdoor tour.
IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, no baby/toddler siblings can be brought into the program; the minimum age for this activity is Grade 1.
Accessibility: Location is accessible by transit and car with a parking lot. The OWL society has a paved tour path and is wheelchair accessible! Please message me if you have questions or concerns.
*Registration is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. If you can no longer attend, please email us ASAP so another family can attend. Thank you!

KELOWNA- Evergreen Identifications and Pinecone Feeders
2026-02-28 11:00 - 12:30
Join us for a fun and educational Nature Kids BC Explorer Day focused on Evergreens and Winter Bird Survival!
This family-friendly event will begin at City Park, where participants will take part in a short welcome activity and learn how birds survive during the colder months. We’ll explore how evergreen trees provide shelter for birds and practice identifying pine, fir, and spruce trees while discussing why feeders can help birds when natural food sources are limited.
After our outdoor exploration, we will walk together to the Kelowna Library, enjoying some light nature observation along the way. At the library, participants will build their own pinecone bird feeders. Kids will learn about what birds eat, why high-energy foods are important in winter, and how they can support local bird populations at home. We will finish with a short group wrap-up where participants can share what they learned and get ideas for observing birds in their own neighbourhoods.

Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. We look forward to exploring winter wildlife with you!

MISSION- Wilbrand Creek BioBlitz!
2026-02-28 14:00 - 16:00
With help from our friends at Abbotsford Mission Nature Club we will have a chance to observe, identify and record fungi, plants, and animals in Willband Creek Park off Bateman Road in Abbotsford.
Install the free iNaturalist application on your mobile phone, create an account and join the project, called “Biodiversity in Willband Creek Park Bioblitz 2026, Abbotsford, BC”
Bring any of the following items if you have them: binoculars, spotting scope and camera.
Dress for the weather. Bring a snack and water.
Sign up here to register!

COWICHAN- Birdwatching & Explore the Estuary
2026-03-01 11:00 - 14:00
Registration is now open for our next Explorer Day: Click here to register.
Join us as we observe the nesting grounds of the Pacific Great Blue Herons, learn about their life cycle, and then explore the estuary by completing a scavenger hunt. Feel free to bring binoculars if you have them.
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 11:00am – Our events are casual and end times are flexible, but expect to spend an hour or two
Meeting Spot: In front of the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre in Cowichan Bay. Google Maps link.
Registration Link: Click here to register
A reminder that children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The event will be outdoors so please dress for the weather. There is plenty of parking in the adjoining parking lot and on the street and public washrooms on site.

VICTORIA- Adventure Bird Walk
2026-03-08 09:30 - 11:00
On March 8, from 9:30 to11 AM, we’ll meet up with our friends from Rocky Point Bird Observatory (RPBO) for an “Adventure Bird Walk for kids of all ages!” at Outerbridge Nature Park in Saanich.
Here we can spot colorful birds, listen to their songs, and discover tiny creatures hiding in the bushes—all while enjoying a peaceful walk together. So, grab your binoculars, put on your walking shoes, and bring the whole family for a morning of bird-spotting and nature fun.
Outerbridge Park is like a little nature treasure tucked into the city—gardens, ponds, and winding trails make it the perfect playground for curious kids. Long ago, Mrs. Outerbridge created this special place to welcome birds, wildlife, and people who love nature. Locals used to call it the “Shangri-La Bird and Nature Sanctuary.” In 2005, the park became a public space, and families have been exploring it ever since. More information
about the park can be found here.
This event will be part of Rocky Point Bird Observatory’s free, guided bird walks that are offered the second Sunday of each month. RPBO is proud to
continue Mrs. Outerbridge’s dream: a place where kids and grown-ups alike can fall in love with birds and the natural world.
Register HERE.
Date and Time: Sunday, March 8, from 9:30 to 11 AM.
Location: Outerbridge Park entrance is adjacent to 1181 Royal Oak Drive. Here is the Google map link. You can find transit directions there as well.
Meeting location: The parking lot is off of Royal Oak Drive.
What to bring: Binoculars if you have them. Water and a snack. A camera or notebook to record your discoveries. What to wear. Dress for the weather, wear shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet or dirty.
Accessibility: Outerbridge Park’s main paths are usually manageable for strollers (weather in the days prior can affect conditions), while some side trails are not. For babies, backpack carriers are preferable to strollers. The terrain is somewhat rough and not wheelchair- accessible.
Weather: We will go in light rain, but this Explorer Day will be canceled in heavy rain.
CANCELLATION: If you register and are unable to make it, please notify us at victoria@naturekidsbc.ca. We understand that busy families often cannot make it at the last minute.
LIABILITY WAIVER: Please read the Liability Waiver that you will be asked to sign upon arrival at the Explorer Day.
PHOTOS: At the beginning of the Explorer Day, you will be asked if you consent to have photos taken of your child/children. These photos may be used by NatureKids BC. Your choice does not impact your ability to participate fully in this Explorer Day event.
Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign our waiver form. We plan to start promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Looking forward to seeing some of you there!

SALT SPRING ISLAND- Mushrooms in the Spring! Seriously?
2026-03-08 13:00 - 15:00
Enticed by the sounds, sights and smells of spring only Vail Paterson, a local fungi expert and enthusiast could suggest such an outing! He’s back, to lead us towards the wonders of mushrooms in the spring. Previously in the Fall, he enchanted children with names such as Orange Jellies, Lobsters, Oysters and Fairy Parachutes but now has new fungal beauties to share with us.
Vail is an amateur mycologist and identification expert, who enthusiastically photographs and documents wild mushrooms. So far, he has found and identified over 300 species of mushrooms on SSI … including 10 species not previously observed here. These observations have been verified through iNaturalist documentation and DNA sequencing.
This walk along the Chris Hatfield Trail, roughly a 3 km round trip, is open to families with children aged 12 and under. We will enjoy a break on the beach where the children may play, hunt for rocks, eat their snacks and study our finds, using a cool microscope.

Where/when: On Sunday, March 8, at 1:00 pm meet at the Chris Hatfield trail in the Meyer’s Road cul de sac where parking is easily accommodated.
What to bring: Good boots to navigate mud and puddles, warm layers, a hat, water and a snack. As this walk will go ahead, rain or shine bring the gear that will keep your child comfortable. We plan to be back around 3 pm.
Pre-register: With Kathleen at naturesaltspring@gmail.com Only 20 kid spots available
NatureKids Membership is a requirement: Make sure your family is registered with this fantastic organization, free again this year. https://naturekidsbc.ca
Take a moment to peruse the NatureKids’ website, download your child’s Passport to Nature, and slip it in for the outing ready for the leader’s signature.

MISSION- Seed swap and celebration!
2026-03-08 14:00 - 15:00
We’ll meet at Heritage Park to explore all things seeds.
We’ll make native plant seed mud balls and examine seeds under the microscope!
Feel free to bring garden seeds to share.
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Sunday, March 8
Location: Heritage Park, Mission BC
Meeting spot: By the Mary St. parking lot
Register by clicking here, spots are limited!
Accessibility Considerations:
-There is a washroom available near the Heritage Park parking lot.
– Strollers are not recommended as some trails are too narrow or steep to accommodate strollers.
-The walk will be approximately 2km
– Parking is available in the lot off Mary St.
– The nearest bus stop is on Stave Lake Street at 5A Ave.

WESTSHORE - Spring Break Wander Lots Hikes
2026-03-15 13:00 - 14:30
Gardens, forest trails, and rocky viewpoints!
3KM for about 1.5hrs
Date and Time: 1pm on March 15th (Sunday)
Location: UVic Multifaith Centre parking lot (pay parking – free options may be nearby if you look around)
RSVP: westshore@naturekidsbc.ca

WESTSHORE - Mill Hill Hike
2026-03-20 13:00 - 14:30
A short summit hike with great views — Calypso orchids often appear here in spring
2KM for about 1.5hrs
Date and Time: 1pm on March 20th (Friday)
Location: Atkins Ave, Langford
RSVP: westshore@naturekidsbc.ca

HOUSTON - First Signs of Spring
2026-03-21 10:00 - 12:00
First Signs of Spring: Date: Saturday, March 21st Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Meeting Location: Four Seasons Park(Meet at the Elementary School Outdoor Classroom) Spring is beginning to wake up, and we’re heading outside to look for the first signs of the season! Join us for a guided nature walk as we explore the park and learn how to spot early spring changes in plants and wildlife. Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes open for signs such as robins returning, ruffed grouse, morning cloak butterflies, colt’s foot, soap berries, pussy willows, ants becoming active, and tree buds starting to swell. Every walk is a little different, and part of the fun is discovering what nature reveals that day. This is a relaxed, family-friendly outing designed to encourage curiosity, observation, and connection with the natural world. Dress for the weather and be ready to explore as we welcome spring together! For more information please email houston@naturekidsbc.ca

WILLIAMS LAKE - Who Was Here?
2026-03-21 13:00 - 15:00
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm (arrive early to sign in)
Location: Scout Island

Participants will be looking for tracks (snow or mud depending on conditions), signs of animals eating, and/or animal resting spots.

Come dressed to be outside and ready to do a bit exploring on site!

As this is a NatureKids program it is geared to children ages 5-12 years of age registered with NatureKids BC. If not already a member of the NatureKids BC program, it is a free membership that can be completed at www.naturekidsbc.ca.
Register for “Who Was Here?” at membership@williamslakefieldnaturalists.ca

COMOX- Exploring Kitty Coleman
2026-03-22 09:00 - 11:00
Join the Comox Valley NatureKids BC Club as we relaunch our explorer days!
Kitty Coleman is one of our hidden gems here in the valley.
We will meet at the covered picnic tables where I will have some activities set up for children to explore.
We will explore the park and end with a fire in the fire pit and some light snacks.
Please dress for the weather and bring a reusable cup for hot chocolate!
Date: Sunday March 22 2026
Time: 9:00am to 11:00am
Location: Kitty Coleman Provincial Park – Covered Picnic Table Area
RSVP: Through the link here

NORTH VANCOUVER - Ivy Be Gone!
2026-03-22 10:00 - 11:30
Join North Vancouver NatureKids for a fun morning for habitat stewardship!
Make room for native species such as sword ferns and salmonberries! Get together with other NatureKids families to remove invasive ivy from the forest around Seymour Heritage Park. We will spend some time learning about local plants, and we will also put on our gloves and do some large-scale ivy removal!
Click here to register!
When:
Sunday, Mar 22 from 10 am to 11:30 am
Things to know:
– Bring snacks and water!
– Come dressed for the weather!
Meeting Location:
Beside the Thrive Centre, at the other end of the Maplewood Farm parking lot. See Google Maps Link here.

TEXADA- Meet Woody and the Drifts
2026-03-22 12:00 - 14:00
Pauly is gifting qathet NatureKids families a special opportunity to meet an inspiring band that recently drifted onto Texada!
Join qathet NatureKids for a tour and a chance to meet Woody and the Drifts, while enjoying their stunning beachfront “million-dollar view.”
This event is by registration only and space is limited.
Please register by email at qathet@naturekidsbc.ca.
Spots will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis
