Galesburg Parks and Recreation's nature programs are dedicated to inspiring a love and respect for nature in residents of all ages! Most of our nature programs are free or low-cost, thanks to funding from personal donations!
Do you want to share your knowledge and love of nature with others? We are always looking for volunteers to help with new and current programs. Call the Recreation Office at 309/345-3683.
Click current and future programs below for more information.
October Programs
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 9:30-11AM
Cost: Free
Location: Lakeside Nature Center Shelter
Let's talk about fall! We will learn some fun fall facts, take a nature hike around the Nature Center, and decorate a small pumpkin with items we collect! Pumpkins available for the first 20 children/participants.
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Cost: $5 per person or $15 per family by October 15
Location: Lake Storey Softball Shelter
NEW location this month! Join us around the firepit at the shelter next to the Lake Storey Ballfields for a night of storytelling, nighttime exploring and s'mores!
Shelter has picnic tables but bring your own lawn chairs for gathering around the fire. Program will be held outside as weather permits, possibly with a walk through the woods, so dress accordingly. In case of bad weather, program will be cancelled with account credit.Register today
Time: 5-6PM
Cost: Free
Location: Lakeside Nature Center Area
Join us for a casual hike through the woods around Lakeside Nature Center with a Staff Naturalist! Family friendly, all ages welcome. We will take the time to enjoy the changes and appreciate the colors that fall brings us!
Pre-register today
November Programs
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 4:30-6:00PM
Cost: $5 per person or $15 per family by November 5
Location: Lakeside Nature Center
Owls are active at dusk, so we hope to spot an owl or two! We have been successful every year in attracting owls to our location! We will learn tips on how to spot these silent hunters. Please wear dark, non reflective clothing. A small flashlight can be brought for walking the trails, but note that it may disturb any owls. No flash photography allowed when we are on the prowl.
We will warm up after our adventure with some hot chocolate!
- Recommended age not set, but there will be long periods of staying quiet and still while we wait and listen, so youth attending must hold those skills.
- Program will be held outside as weather permits, possibly with a walk through the woods, so dress accordingly. In case of bad weather, program will be held mostly inside the Lakeside Nature Center building.
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Lakeside Nature Center
Why do leaves change color? What determines what color they become? Joins us as we learn all about the leaves of fall! Program may be held outside, weather permitting, so dress for outside adventures!
Pre-register today!
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 11AM-12PM
Cost: $5 by November 13
Ages: 2-5 years
Location: Lakeside Nature Center
Join us for hands-on fun and exploratory activities with your child around the Nature Center- we will hunt for "dinosaur" eggs, learn about fossils & create your own, discover dinosaur footprints, and listen to a dino story!
Class will be held outside, weather permitting, at the Lakeside Nature Center Shelter, with a walk through the woods during our egg hunt, so dress accordingly.
Pre-register todayDecember Programs
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 9:30-11AM
Cost: Free for all ages!
Location: Lakeside Nature Center
Winter is coming! We will talk about the changing of the seasons and how birds deal with Illinois winters. Who migrates? Who stays and adapts to the cold? Let's explore our woods and listen!
Class is held outdoors at the Lakeside Nature Center Shelter, with a Nature Walk through the woods, so dress for the weather!
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:00PM
Cost: $5 per person or $15 per family by December 17
Location: Lakeside Nature Center
The Winter Solstice is Monday, December 21, so we will celebrate on Saturday! We will talk about the science behind the annual solstices, take a walk through our luminary-lit woods, enjoy some hot chocolate and s'mores around the yule log! All ages are invited to attend!
Program will be held outside as weather permits, with a luminary walk through the woods, so dress accordingly. In case of bad weather, program will be held mostly inside the Lakeside Nature Center building.Outdoor Nature Preschool
Dates: September 9 - December 9, 2026, Mondays and Wednesdays.
Times: 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Cost: $450
Ages: 3-5 years
Location: Lakeside Nature Center Area
Our experienced teachers will lead activities, games, reading time, along with guided exploration, all to complement the skill building benefits of free play outdoors. Children will be outdoors at most times, including cold to hot temps, rain, and snow. Proper outdoor gear is a required investment by parents, and a list of suggested items will be provided.