Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: 10 Exciting Things to Do with Your Kids

Just a short drive from downtown Milwaukee, you’ll find the magnificent Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (SANC), a lush haven teeming with wildlife and offering kid-friendly hikes for families of all ages.

Here’s a quick lowdown for busy parents:

What: SANC covers a breathtaking 185 acres of woodlands, prairies, ponds, and wetlands along the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline.

Where: The center is located in Bayside, WI, just a 10-minute drive north of downtown Milwaukee.

When: SANC is open seven days a week. Visit their website for updated hours.

Here are some fun ideas for what to do with you kids there:

1. Explore the Observation Tower: Start your visit with a climb up the 60-ft Observation Tower. It’s just a short quarter-mile walk from the main building, offering a spectacular view of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.
2. Mystery Lake: Head to Mystery Lake, a peaceful and stunning oasis where your kids can see tadpoles, frogs, and turtles up close in their natural habitat. The new boardwalk makes it easy to access, and the area is stroller and wheelchair-friendly.
3. Meet Emerson the Snapping Turtle: Kids will love meeting Emerson, SANC’s beloved snapping turtle, who has lived here for over 20 years. Originally found abandoned in an apartment bathtub, Emerson now resides in a custom-designed 540-gallon tank. Watch as he swims in his habitat, basks on his rock, and enjoys his favorite snack—apples! You can find Emerson in the Visitor Center, where he’s become a popular stop for families.
4. Visit the Raptor Exhibit: Located near the Visitor Center entrance, visitors can view a live bird of prey, daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Currently, Sky Walker, our Red-tailed Hawk, resides there most days.
5. Lake Michigan Hike: For families with older kids, take the paved trail down to Lake Michigan, then head to the North Lake Terrace Trail and stop by the Milner Lake Michigan Viewing Deck for a fantastic view.
6. Nature Center Exploration: Spend time in the nature center, where interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a cozy reading nook with rocking chairs await. Kids can see live animals and engage in discovery-based learning.
7. Meet a Bald Eagle: Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, catch the Word with a Bird program, where families can see one of the resident raptors up close and learn about the bird’s remarkable characteristics.
8. Guided Hikes: Join one of the center’s guided hikes led by professional naturalists. You’ll learn about the diverse wildlife, native plants, and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit.
9. Special Events: Don’t miss annual events like the Fall Festival and Maple Sugaring Festival. These seasonal celebrations offer unique activities for kids and a chance to connect with the local community.
10. Discover the Wetlands: Wander through the wetlands, where you might catch glimpses of frogs, turtles, herons, and more. The diverse ecosystem is a treasure trove of learning opportunities for budding nature enthusiasts.
11. Ponding: Participate in one of their ponding programs, where your kids can see the creatures that lives in their ponds up close.

For your safety, keep the following rules in mind:

• Stay on designated trails and boardwalks.
• Don’t collect, hunt, or fish. Enjoy nature without taking it home.
• Pack it in, pack it out.
• Pets are not allowed (leashed, carried, or otherwise).
• No bikes on the trails.
• No swimming. The shoreline isn’t tested for water quality, and swimming could be dangerous.

For more information, head to the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center website.

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