Public Programs Are Open!
Browse our events below and sign up today to be part of the fun.
All Events
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 6
This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.
Summer Camp - Week 6: Extreme Ecosystems
Discover the incredible ways animals use their instincts and specialized abilities to survive in places that seem impossible for life to thrive.
Summer Camp - Week 7: Grow It, Chop it, Eat it!
Get to the root of it in this fun, food-filled week as you pick, prepare, and feast on garden fresh vegetables.
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 7
This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.
The Square Dance
Back by popular demand, Rye Nature Center’s beloved Square Dance of the late 1980s and early 1990s is returning to the 47 acres!
Grab your partner, do-si-do, and join us for a festive night of family fun, music, and classic square dancing led by a professional caller. We’ll be kicking up our heels right in the parking lot with good food and great company.
This family-friendly event is full of old-fashioned charm, and sure to be a night to remember.
Did you know Oktoberfest sponsors receive free and guaranteed admission to our beloved Square Dance! Support a great cause and enjoy both events — become a sponsor today!
Bee Day
Join an FRNC naturalist as we examine the life of a honeybee and explore their many amazing adaptations.
Adult Birding Program
Join us for a guided walk perfect for beginner and intermediate birdwatchers who are looking to sharpen their skills.
Autumn Explorers (K-1st Grade)
Through forest walks, nature crafts, sensory games, and seasonal stories, children discover the wonder of fall.
Autumn Adventures (2nd-4th Grade)
Older students dive into environmental science with fire-building, obstacle courses, and experiments that bring seasonal ecology to life.
Family Campout Fall
This is the perfect way to introduce your family to the joys of camping. Bring your own tent or borrow one of ours (supplies limited) the price includes dinner, breakfast, and a guided hike.
This event is for members only
Apple Cidering
FRNC’s favorite way to enjoy the annual apple harvest is crushed, squeezed, and in a cup.
Pollinator Pathway
Learn how to best support the needs of pollinators that are vital to our environment and food sources. Join Rye and the surrounding region to create a Pollinator Pathway network of pollinator-friendly habitats.
FREE
Autumn Adventures (2nd-4th Grade)
Older students dive into environmental science with fire-building, obstacle courses, and experiments that bring seasonal ecology to life.
Apple Cidering and Fall Hike
Join us for a cozy autumn adventure! Enjoy a scenic fall hike through colorful foliage, then warm up with hands-on apple cider pressing.
Autumn Explorers (K-1st Grade)
Through forest walks, nature crafts, sensory games, and seasonal stories, children discover the wonder of fall.
Eco-Leadership Academy (9th-12th Grade)
Join us to become a peer leader as we delve deep into the problems that face our local ecosystem, the importance of conservation and sustainability, and master your knowledge of local wildlife and flora.
The Great Leaf Hunt Begins
Throughout October, we will be looking for the largest leaf! The winning leaf will be on display here at our museum.
RNC Annual Oktoberfest Celebration
Come for the food and drinks, stay for the community spirit, lively atmosphere, and record breaking support that made last year’s event our biggest yet.
Autumn Explorers (K-1st Grade)
Through forest walks, nature crafts, sensory games, and seasonal stories, children discover the wonder of fall.
Autumn Adventures (2nd-4th Grade)
Older students dive into environmental science with fire-building, obstacle courses, and experiments that bring seasonal ecology to life.
Autumn Explorers (K-1st Grade)
Through forest walks, nature crafts, sensory games, and seasonal stories, children discover the wonder of fall.
Autumn Adventures (2nd-4th Grade)
Older students dive into environmental science with fire-building, obstacle courses, and experiments that bring seasonal ecology to life.
Woodland Wonders
Step into our forest, where mushrooms pop like umbrellas and salamanders sleep in the soil!
Autumn Explorers (K-1st Grade)
Through forest walks, nature crafts, sensory games, and seasonal stories, children discover the wonder of fall.
Autumn Adventures (2nd-4th Grade)
Older students dive into environmental science with fire-building, obstacle courses, and experiments that bring seasonal ecology to life.
Spooky Stroll
Come in costume and leave with treats. Hike for everything spooky that nature has to offer.
Autumn Explorers (K-1st Grade)
Through forest walks, nature crafts, sensory games, and seasonal stories, children discover the wonder of fall.
Eco-Leadership Academy (9th-12th Grade)
Join us to become a peer leader as we delve deep into the problems that face our local ecosystem, the importance of conservation and sustainability, and master your knowledge of local wildlife and flora.
Autumn Adventures (2nd-4th Grade)
Older students dive into environmental science with fire-building, obstacle courses, and experiments that bring seasonal ecology to life.
Animal Elections
Join us this Election Day as we learn all about animals’ special strengths.
Autumn Adventures (2nd-4th Grade)
Older students dive into environmental science with fire-building, obstacle courses, and experiments that bring seasonal ecology to life.
Pumpkin Smash and Composting
Join us for a fun, hands-on hour where we turn post-Halloween pumpkins into compost gold and celebrate sustainability.
Nuts, Nests, and Nature’s Rest
Through muddy-boot adventures, campers will discover the magic of fall’s final flurry of activity.
47 for 47 Acres Day
School’s out, so bring the family to Rye Nature Center for an afternoon of fall fun! This special hiking experience invites you to explore the beautiful grounds and connect with nature.
Autumn Adventures (2nd-4th Grade)
Older students dive into environmental science with fire-building, obstacle courses, and experiments that bring seasonal ecology to life.
Survival Skills
Discover the ancient art and science of fire-making in this hands-on workshop where participants will explore different traditional fire-starting methods.
Autumn Explorers (K-1st Grade)
Through forest walks, nature crafts, sensory games, and seasonal stories, children discover the wonder of fall.
Autumn Adventures (2nd-4th Grade)
Older students dive into environmental science with fire-building, obstacle courses, and experiments that bring seasonal ecology to life.
Turkey Hike
Join us for a walk through the woods as we explore the secret life of wild turkeys!
Autumn Explorers (K-1st Grade)
Through forest walks, nature crafts, sensory games, and seasonal stories, children discover the wonder of fall.
Eco-Leadership Academy (9th-12th Grade)
Join us to become a peer leader as we delve deep into the problems that face our local ecosystem, the importance of conservation and sustainability, and master your knowledge of local wildlife and flora.
Mistletoe Magic
The Chamber of Commerce will once again transform Purchase Street into a winter wonderland, offering fun activities, performers, crafts, and games for the entire family.
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Candle Making
Join us as we create wonderful decorations to light up the short days of winter.
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade) (Copy)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Eco-Leadership Academy (9th-12th Grade)
Join us to become a peer leader as we delve deep into the problems that face our local ecosystem, the importance of conservation and sustainability, and master your knowledge of local wildlife and flora.
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Winter Greens
We’ll wander towards the high point in search of greenery and uncover which mosses and winter buds are hiding in plain sight.
Animal Meet and Greet
Join us for a meet and greet with the Nature Center animals! Children and families will get to learn about our resident mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Campfire, Cocoa, S’mores, and Stories
Enjoy a cozy hour around the campfire with nature-based stories and a sweet treat.
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Envirothon Training (9th-12th Grade)
Envirothon® is an academic competition for high school students focusing on solutions to environmental and natural resource conservation.
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Build a Better Birdfeeder
Learn which birds stay for winter, what they eat, and how to help them thrive in cold months.
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Moss and Lichen Hike
Step into the world of mosses and lichens on this observation-focused hike.
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Envirothon Training (9th-12th Grade)
Envirothon® is an academic competition for high school students focusing on solutions to environmental and natural resource conservation.
Maple Sugaring
Learn how to tap a maple tree! Families will learn about the process of creating maple syrup and get a tour of our Sugar Shed.
Maple Sugaring Afterschool Workshop
Learn how to tap a maple tree! Families will learn about the process of creating maple syrup and get a tour of our Sugar Shed.
Winter Birds
Do all birds fly south for the winter? Learn about the birds who live at Rye Nature Center during these snowy months.
Tracks in the Snow
Children will learn the tracks of local animals to find out how they’ve been spending their days.
The Power of Ice
We will learn about glaciers, ice cores, and even pot holes, as children investigate the properties of water when it freezes and how it impacts the living and nonliving things surrounding us!
Winter Wonders (K-1st Grade)
Bundle up and embrace winter! Activities include ice experiments, sledding, hot cocoa, birdwatching, and more to show kids that cold weather is full of discovery.
Pollinator Pathway
Learn how to best support the needs of pollinators that are vital to our environment and food sources. Join Rye and the surrounding region to create a Pollinator Pathway network of pollinator-friendly habitats.
FREE
Winter Survival Skills (2nd-4th Grade)
This teamwork-focused session teaches practical nature skills like orienteering, animal tracking, and making winter snacks, all while learning how wildlife thrives in the cold.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Build a Nest: Bird Architecture
Learn about the clever ways birds build nests using natural materials.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Envirothon Training (9th-12th Grade)
Envirothon® is an academic competition for high school students focusing on solutions to environmental and natural resource conservation.
Maple Sugaring
Learn how to tap a maple tree! Families will learn about the process of creating maple syrup and get a tour of our Sugar Shed.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Buds, Bark, and Beyond!
Discover how to identify trees just as they begin to wake up in anticipation of the summer months.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Rise and Shine
Children will learn how Rye was impacted by the Ice Age and investigate the properties of water when it freezes.
Pollination Nation
Join us as we learn about our local pollinators including honeybees, butterflies, bats, hummingbirds, and moths.
Where Does the Rain Come From?
Learn how our local watershed and Blind Brook is connected to the water cycle and what happens to rain after it hits the ground.
Mammals Rule
Join us as we learn more about this diverse group of animals and what makes them successful in different environments.
Scales and Long Tails
We will learn about two fascinating group of animals - reptiles and amphibians. We will hike in search of local reptiles and amphibians including eastern box turtles and spring peepers.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Envirothon Training (9th-12th Grade)
Envirothon® is an academic competition for high school students focusing on solutions to environmental and natural resource conservation.
Decomposers in Action
Discover the unsung heroes of the forest hidden under the layers of leaves and logs.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Trivia Night
Join us for a night of brain-twisting fun at Rye Nature Center. From pop culture and science to bizarre wildlife facts, our trivia will blow your mind.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Earth Day Every Day
Celebrate Earth Month with hands-on activities that inspire sustainability!
Pollinator Pathway
Learn how to best support the needs of pollinators that are vital to our environment and food sources. Join Rye and the surrounding region to create a Pollinator Pathway network of pollinator-friendly habitats.
FREE
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Fairy House Festival
Step into a world of enchantment and imagination at our first-annual Fairy House Festival.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Family Campout Spring
This is the perfect way to introduce your family to the joys of camping. Bring your own tent or borrow one of ours (supplies limited) the price includes dinner, breakfast, and a guided hike.
This event is for members only
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Springtime Scientists (K-1st Grade)
Explore how the forest and brook come alive in spring! Children will track migrating animals, catch insects with nets, and observe seasonal changes in real time.
Eel Explorers (2nd-4th Grade)
Be a citizen scientist! Kids will study the glass eel migration in Blind Brook using fyke nets, while learning about aquatic ecosystems and the incredible life of an eel.
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 5
This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.
Summer Camp - Week 5: Geology Rocks! Can you dig it?
Become a geologist while discovering local rocks in the RNC quarry. Grasp how experts have used layers of rock in an effort to look at history, while seeing evidence of glacial activity and erosion on our very own property.
Trivia Night For the College Classes of 2024 & 2025
Just graduated? Test your knowledge before the real world does. Join us for a night of brain-twisting fun at Rye Nature Center. From pop culture and science to bizarre wildlife facts, our trivia will have you reaching deep into those degree-earned smarts. Bring a team or come solo and find your trivia pack.
Whether you're wild about trivia or just here for the snacks, here's your chance to prove you’re at the top of the food chain.
Snacks on us. Prizes for the top teams. Nature puns? You bet.
Free program!
Summer Camp - Week 4: Ready, Set, Survive
Learn how to outsmart predators, adapt to the demands of nature, and survive in the wild woodlands of Rye Nature Center.
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 4
This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.
Summer Camp - Week 3: My Architect is a Real Animal
Animal homes tell us an incredible amount about the life and behavior of a species. We will discover why location is key to the survival of termite mounds; observe how beaver dams impact their local environment; and uncover the effects of rising water temperatures on coral reefs.
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 3
This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.
Summer Camp - Week 2: Sustainable Science
Grab your goggles and lab coats as we experiment and observe the chemical reactions that result in the greenest scientific and engineering achievements.
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 2
This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.
Summer Camp - Week 1: Oceans and Aquatic Animals
Learn about creatures both big and small that live in the Blind Brook, the Long Island Sound, and beyond. Discover the amazing adaptations at work under the sea and in the pond!
Paddle Adventure Camp - Week 1
This all-levels program is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley region. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, hiking etiquette, confidence, and friendships in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.
June Bugs - Afternoon Program: Week 3
Children ages 3.5 through 6 years old will connect with nature through outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and hands-on ecology lessons.
June Bugs - Morning Program: Week 3
Children ages 3.5 through 6 years old will connect with nature through outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and hands-on ecology lessons.
June Bugs - Afternoon Program: Week 2
Children ages 3.5 through 6 years old will connect with nature through outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and hands-on ecology lessons.
June Bugs - Morning Program: Week 2
Children ages 3.5 through 6 years old will connect with nature through outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and hands-on ecology lessons.
June Bugs - Afternoon Program: Week 1
Children ages 3.5 through 6 years old will connect with nature through outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and hands-on ecology lessons.
June Bugs - Morning Program: Week 1
Children ages 3.5 through 6 years old will connect with nature through outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and hands-on ecology lessons.
Nature Access Fund Benefit 2025
Join us for the Nature Access Fund Benefit
Friday, May 30, 2025 | 7:00–10:00 PM
Support outdoor education and help us expand access to nature for all. Enjoy an evening of celebration with Friends of Rye Nature Center.
Goat Talks
Come learn how goats support habitat restoration and sustainable land management. Light refreshments will be served.
How Do You Play In The Mud?
Join us for a muddy adventure in nature! While the chefs are cooking, learn more about the Forest School’s approach to play-based and nature-based education from FRNC Educator(s).
REGISTER >
My Naturalist and Me
Stop by this fun-filled hour with your child(ren). Learn all about nature through fun activities like animal meet and greets, crafts, and short hikes.
Wilderness Encounters - Spring Session
Take the next step in your naturalist education! This immersive outside program challenges participants to use their imagination, energy, and teamwork to better understand our local woodlands.
Goat Talks
Come learn how goats support habitat restoration and sustainable land management. Light refreshments will be served.
Goat Talks
Come learn how goats support habitat restoration and sustainable land management. Light refreshments will be served.
Forest Explorers - Spring Session
This program uses Swiss concepts and the principles of place-based education to encourage children's connection with the natural world and nurture their curiosities.
Wilderness Encounters - Spring Session
Take the next step in your naturalist education! This immersive outside program challenges participants to use their imagination, energy, and teamwork to better understand our local woodlands.
Forest Explorers - Spring Session
This program uses Swiss concepts and the principles of place-based education to encourage children's connection with the natural world and nurture their curiosities.
Pond Investigation
Come to the Nature Center and learn all about the animals that call our pond home!
REGISTER >
My Naturalist and Me
Stop by this fun-filled hour with your child(ren). Learn all about nature through fun activities like animal meet and greets, crafts, and short hikes.
Wilderness Encounters - Spring Session
Take the next step in your naturalist education! This immersive outside program challenges participants to use their imagination, energy, and teamwork to better understand our local woodlands.
Support Our Cause
Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps us continue our vital work in conservation, education, and environmental advocacy. Join us in our mission to create a sustainable future for generations to come.
