Explore the Great Outdoors with Classes, Programs + Trails at Stage Nature Center

June 7, 2021
Carrie Budzinski
Articles, FREE, INDOOR ACTIVITIES, NATURE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARKS + PLAYGROUNDS
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Lead Naturalist Debbie Williams guides the nature walk through the 100 acres of the Nature Center

If you’re looking to get back to nature this winter, head to Stage Nature Center in Troy for trails, classes and some giant rocks!

Stage Nature Center is one of my families’ favorite places to visit and the large climbing rocks at the front of the front lawn of the building are part of the reason why. If you’re able to convince your kids to leave the rocks, the interpretive building is open to the public and kids can check out the aqua wall with live reptiles and amphibians, an observation beehive, and many other wildlife displays.

My favorite thing about Stage is the Knee-High Naturalist classes for toddlers. It’s structured & educational based and worth the $14. There are other classes too and current schedule is listed below:

Homeschool & School Enrichment Nature Class: Ages 5 to 10

Identify the five vertebrate groups and the differences between them. Learn what makes a bird a bird or a fish a fish! Meet live animal representatives of some vertebrate groups. On the trail, we watch for animals, animal signs and play a vertebrate game. Cost: $8.50 per child

- Upcoming Dates: Wednesday, June 9
Knee-High Naturalists: Ages 2 to 4
Listen to a nature story, hike, activities, craft and a snack. In January, we will take a closer look at winter sleepers and hibernators. Cost: $14 per child
- Animals Babies : Thursday, June 17 + Friday, June 18
- Dragons & Damsels: Thursday, July 29 + Friday, July 30
- Wild Dogs: Thursday, August 12 + Friday, August 13
Little Acorns: Ages 2 to 4
Let your child explore the sights and sounds of nature through outdoor activities. Cost: $5 per child
Upcoming Dates: June 26 + August 7
Nature Explorers: Ages 5+
Participate in hands-on, outdoor experiences to investigate different nature-related topics. Cost: $4 per person
- Animal Life Cycles: Saturday June 19
- Meet a Live Owl!: Saturday, July 10
- Sounds of Summer Nights: Friday August 6

Earth Explorers Summer Day Camp: Ages 4 to 5

Children will explore forest, meadow and pond, observing the animals and plants found in those communities. Catching and observing insects, hiking the trails, watching birds and other animals at the feeders, playing simple nature games and making crafts with a nature theme are some of the activities that will take place. Each child will take home a “bug” box and a magnifying lens. Cost: $95

- Upcoming Dates: Tuesday, July 13 – Friday, July 16

If you simply want to stop by to climb rocks or walk the 2 mile unpaved trail it is free and open to the public daily.

Stage Nature Center

Address: 6685 Coolidge Hwy Troy, MI 48098

Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 9 am – 3 pm + Saturday 10 am – 4 pm

Photo credit: Patrica O’Blenes

About Ashley Hubbbard-Porter

Ashley Porter is a Chicago native who now calls Birmingham home. Ashley and her husband Mike and son Jake love attending local festivals, exploring Detroit’s diverse food scene, and venturing outside of Metro Detroit to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Ashley loves connecting with and supporting families in her community, which is why she is so excited to be a part of LittleGuide Detroit.