Youth Programs

Animal Science (5Y+)

Have you ever wondered how an animal’s adaptions help them survive, find their food or make their home? Students will help create puzzles for our Wildlife Ambassadors to solve, test their sense of smell, and more.
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Bark Ranger (15Y+)

Bring your furry four-legged friend to our new Bark Ranger class. We will talk about trail safety and etiquette for pets, create a memory keepsake, and hike around Oliver Nature Park. After completing the class, your pet will receive a certificate, honorary Bark Ranger dog tag, and collapsible food bowl with treats. Dogs must be on a leash. 1 dog per registered person. Current rabies certificate required. Don’t have a dog? You can participate with a shelter dog!
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Chemistry (5-14Y)

Join us at Oliver Nature Park to investigate the exciting science of chemistry. Students will participate in several hands-on experiments.
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Children’s Gardening (5Y+)

Join us for a children’s gardening class where children will learn about seeds, soil, and plant a mini garden to take home and watch grow! Children will also dissect seeds during class to learn about the inner seed structures.
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Girl Scout - Cadette Archery

Join us at McClendon Park West to find out about archery and take aim outdoors! All equipment provided. Program covers all badge requirements. Physical badges must be purchased though the Girl Scout Council.
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Girl Scout - Space Science STEM Program 

Join us at Oliver Nature Park to work on your Girl Scout Space Science STEM badges. Activities will be available to fulfill many of the new Space Science badge requirements for all levels up to Senior. (Check online for more details.) Afterward, stick around for our free public stargazing event with members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. Pre-registration required. Physical badges must be purchased though the Girl Scout Council.
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Great Backyard Bird Count (All Ages) 

Join us at Oliver Nature Park to participate in Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society Great Backyard Bird Count. Families will count the birds at Oliver Nature Park to help the citizen-science project of collecting data on wild birds. Activities will include games, crafts, bird feeder making, live animals, and nature walks. Pre-registration is not required for this program FREE program.

Hike with a Naturalist (All Ages)

Come enjoy Oliver Nature Park and learn about the wonders of nature on a guided hike with a Naturalist! Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. All participants over 2 years of age must pre-register. Each child/family must have at least one adult attending and registered for the program. We encourage nature walks for the whole family!
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Junior Geologist (5-14Y)

Visitors to Oliver Nature Park are often focused on the plants and animals that live there. But what lies beneath our feet when we visit? Join a naturalist for a geology-related lesson and a walk to explore the inorganic side of nature.
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Junior Physicist (5-14Y)

Every action has a reaction, and what goes up must come down. Join us at Oliver Nature Park to investigate the science of motion and energy with hands-on experiments and demonstrations.  
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Nature Crafts (All Ages)

Let nature be your inspiration. Each class makes three, unique art projects.
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Nature at Night (All Ages)

Join us for an exciting evening exploring nature at night. There will be many activities taking place including games, crafts, owl pellet dissection, glow-in-the-dark geology, making s’mores by the campfire, live animals, storytellers, and night hikes with a naturalist. We will identify some of the sounds and sights of natural night life!
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Stargazing with Astronomers (All Ages) 

Come and explore the night skies with astronomers from the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. Learn about the constellations and planets as you examine the skies with high-powered telescopes. Registration is not required for this FREE program.

Terrarium Workshops (5Y+)

We will be creating a mini ecosystem in an upcycled terrarium. These themed workshops are super fun and stress-relieving not just for adults, but for the children too.
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Wild About Nature (2Y+)

Participants will learn about the local wildlife living in Oliver Nature Park. Get an up-close look at animal specimens and meet our Wildlife Ambassadors. Registration fee covers one adult and one child.
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Archery Alliance (6Y+)

Become a skilled archer with this series of classes with a USA Archery certified instructor. All equipment is provided. This class meets at McClendon Park West. Pre-registration required. Class meets on three dates per session and is divided by age division.
Upcoming session dates

Evening by the Campfire (All Ages)

 Revel in a leap day evening by a roaring fire where you can roast some marshmallows and relax. We’ll be making s’mores by the campfire, stargazing, and listen to the stories behind the common constellations. Bring a camp or folding chair. This event takes place at Rose Park.
Upcoming session dates

Family Camping Trip (all ages)

This is a one-night workshop (10 a.m. Saturday - 11 a.m. Sunday) where each family (up to four people) gets a campsite with nearby restrooms, use of a tent, s’more supplies and a campfire. Enjoy activities such as hiking and fishing during the camping trip. Have the supplies but want to participate in the group activities? Register for BYO session and save.
Upcoming session dates

Intro to Archery (6-14Y)

Take aim at a new hobby! This class is designed for beginning archers to learn the basics and techniques with a USA Archery certified instructor. Archery teaches respect for nature and builds confidence through practice. Bows and arrows are provided. This class meets at McClendon Park West.
Upcoming session dates

Intro to Fishing (3-16Y)

Ready to cast your bait and reel in the big fish, but not sure how or where to start? Join us for beginning fishing classes. We supply the equipment and bait. This class is for junior anglers ages 3-16. (16Y+ must have a valid Texas fishing license to fish in Mansfield parks.)
Upcoming session dates

Intro to Trout Fishing (5-16Y)

Catch a rainbow trout with us, learn about bait and lures specific to trout and what makes a good trout habitat. We supply equipment and bait. (16Y+ must have a valid Texas fishing license to fish in Mansfield parks.)
Upcoming session dates

Junior Angler (6-16Y)

Junior Angler classes provide activities that introduce kids to the life-long sport of fishing. Classes follow a hands-on format to teach basic fishing knowledge and skills, promote ethical behavior regarding fishing and aquatic habitats and encourage junior anglers to get outdoors and go fishing.
Upcoming session dates

Kayaking 101 (7Y+)

Take a break from the hiking trails and get on the water. We will go out in dual-seated kayaks to explore our local lakes. Participants will enjoy a scenic paddle looking for wildlife and plants with a naturalist. We will also instruct on safety, proper techniques, and a eco-friendly approach to paddle sports. Each child ages 7-17 must be accompanied by an adult on the tour.
Upcoming session dates

Take Me on an Adventure (5-12Y)

Kids get to have all the fun. Well not anymore! Have an outdoor adventure with your little one, learn some outdoor skills, and enjoy nature all at the same time.
Upcoming session dates

Adventure Camp (6-12Y)

Looking to have an outdoor adventure close to home this summer? Come to Adventure Camp to try out your new outdoor skills! We will learn about camping, fishing, archery, hiking, and more. The camper’s immediate family will be invited to stay for an evening of fun for Friday night’s class. Campers will share the skills they have learned throughout the week. The evening will end with a campfire and s’mores. Oliver Nature Park drawstring bag and daily snack are included in registration fee. Pre-registration required by Friday May 29th at 12pm. Please note that archery day will be held at McClendon Park West.

Participants in Adventure Camp get a special discount code to continue their adventure in our Summer Kayaking classes as well as our Fall Family Camping Trip!

Monday – Friday, June 1^st- 5^th, 6-9 PM
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Girl Scout Camp - Brownies (7-9Y)

Join us for an exciting week of outdoor adventures and activities at Oliver Nature Park! During this fun filled camp, we will cover all the steps to earn five different Girl Scout Brownie badges: Space Science Adventurer, Bugs, Letterboxer, Pets, and Senses. Oliver Nature Park drawstring bag, daily snack, and 5 scout patches are included in registration fee. Pre-registration required by the Friday June 5th at 12 PM.

Monday – Friday, June 8^th- 12^th, 9 AM–12 PM
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Science & Nature Collide Camp (7-9Y)

Explore science and nature in an outdoor setting in this weeklong camp designed for students ages 7-9 years old. Students will investigate their 5 senses with forest activities. They will also solve clues to find a hidden treasure in the woods. We will research biology by studying bugs in the wild and by learning about responsible pet care.Oliver Nature Park drawstring bag and daily snack are included in registration fee. Pre-registration required by the Friday June 5th at 12 pm.

Monday – Friday, June 8^th- 12^th, 9 AM–12 PM
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Animal Science Camp (5-8Y)

Have you ever wondered how adaptations help animals survive, find their food, or make their homes? Join us for a class all about animals! We will study and observe the native wildlife that lives in our park. Students will also interact with our Wildlife Ambassadors to learn first-hand about animal behavior and how animals use their senses to survive. Each day, we will spotlight a different animal and their habitat. Oliver Nature Park drawstring bag and daily snack are included in registration fee. Pre-registration required by Friday June 12th at 12 pm.

Monday – Friday, June 15^th - 19^th, 9 AM-12 PM
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Bugs Life Camp (5-8Y)

Students will learn all about insects and their allies. During the week we will investigate life cycles, learn scientific names, and even catch a few bug friends. We will learn about butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, and even bees. Daily activities will include looking at specimens, insect collecting, and experiments. Oliver Nature Park drawstring bag and daily snack is included in registration fee. Pre-registration required by the Friday June 19th at 12 pm.

Monday – Friday, June 22^nd- 26^th, 9 AM-12 PM
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Girl Scout Camp – Juniors  (8-12Y)

Join us for an exciting week of outdoor adventures and activities at Oliver Nature Park! During this fun filled camp, we will cover all the steps to earn five different Girl Scout Junior badges: Entertainment Technology, Detective, Trail Adventure, Animal Habitats, and Flowers. Oliver Nature Park drawstring bag, daily snack, and 5 patches are included in registration fee. Pre-registration is required by Friday, July 3rd at 12 pm.

Monday – Friday, July 6^th- 10^th, 9 AM–12 PM
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Science & Nature Collide Camp (8-12Y)

Explore science and nature in an outdoor setting in this weeklong camp designed for students ages 8-12 years old. Students will learn about outdoor safety and plan a hiking adventure. They will discover the science and technology behind detective work and entertainment. They will also explore botany and zoology through hands on activities with flowers and a visit from our Wildlife Ambassadors. Oliver Nature Park drawstring bag and daily snack are included in registration fee. Pre-registration required by the Friday July 3rd at 12 pm.

Monday – Friday, July 6^th- 10^th, 9 AM–12 PM
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Science Starter Pack Camp (9-14Y)

Are you interested in science? Enjoy a science starter pack and learn about a different field of science each day! We will learn about topics in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Then, we will put our new knowledge to use with experiments and hands-on demonstrations. We will also take hikes through Oliver Nature Park to make observations of scientific principles in nature. Oliver Nature Park drawstring bag and daily snack are included in registration fee. Pre-registration by July 10th at 12 pm.

Monday – Friday, July 13^th- 17^th, 9 AM–12 PM
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Into the Forest Camp (5-8Y)

Students will learn all about the layers of the forest including the plants, animals, and insects that live there. Each day we will study a specific layer of the forest: forest floor, herb layer, shrub layer, understory, and canopy. Students will get an up-close look at plants, animals, and more that share an unique ecosystem in our park. Daily activities will include crafts, experiments, nature walks, games, and hands-on nature exploration. Oliver Nature Park drawstring bag and daily snack are included in registration. Pre-registration required by the Friday July 17th at 12 pm.

Monday – Friday, July 20^th- 24^th, 9 AM-12 PM
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