The purpose of our Outdoor Classroom is to teach STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and natural history through hands-on discoveries outdoors that stimulate curiosity for children, adults, and families — all resulting in the enhancement of scientific literacy in our community. We envision a future in which all people view themselves as lifelong learners and share a connection to the natural world.
Join our interpretive rangers for one of our Outdoor Classroom programs — camps, field trips, birthday parties, scout programs, Wednesday Wonders, Interpretive hikes, and Junior Explorer adventures. Or check out our Virtual Classroom for online activities that can be completed before or after your visit. The Parklands Education and Interpretation team offers programs and curricula that provide learning opportunities to people of all ages and abilities. Parklands Members receive a discounted price on fee-based programs. We generally hold our educational programs at the PNC Achievement Center in Beckley Creek Park or the Ben Stout House in Turkey Run Park.
Our Parklands Outdoor Adventure Camps let kids experience nature up close. We offer these exploration-based camps to children in grades K–6 in the winter, spring, summer, and fall as well as grades 7-9 during the summer.
Our Outdoor Classroom experiences range all over the Parklands, but in-park field trips start at the PNC Achievement Center in Beckley Creek Park. From there, groups venture out to Floyds Fork, the Humana Grand Allee Wetlands, stone paths tessellated with fossils, and more.
The Parklands Virtual Classroom offers videos, games, activities, and resources for students, teachers, and families. Resources are organized according to science topics. Suggested grade levels for each activity correspond to Next Generation Science Standards, but we encourage learners of all ages to participate. Check back often for new content.
Wednesday Wonders is a family-style program that parents attend with their children. Each week, we’ll explore a new wonder with a hike, a story, a craft, or a science experiment. We recommend morning sessions at the Ben Stout House for learners ages 5–9 and afternoon sessions at the PNC Achievement Center for learners ages 2–5. Parklands Members receive a discounted family price.
For your next birthday, rent one of our classrooms at the PNC Achievement Center, just steps away from the Marshall Playground and Sprayground. One of our Interpretive Rangers will lead a nature experience to make your child’s party an adventure to remember.
The Interpretive Rangers and special guests who lead guided hikes are knowledgeable of the eastern deciduous forests of Kentucky and the native (and not-so-native) species within The Parklands. These hikes are free and available for people of all ages, and they explore all four parks. Topics, times, and levels of difficulty vary. Occasionally, Parklands Members receive exclusive access to Interpretive Hikes, including ones that are part of our Park Roots series. Visit our events page to view information on upcoming hikes and activities.
Perfect for families and children of all ages, the Junior Explorer program gives kids a chance to get outside and explore the park with their families and our education team. This is a family, drop-in style event, which happens once a quarter, with changing topics and locations. Learn new things with your child by doing interactive science experiments, crafts, hikes, and other hands-on nature activities. Participants can earn a Junior Explorer badge through our Junior Explorer passport program. Bring your Junior Explorer passport to any event hosted by The Parklands educational team to get a stamp. Collect three different stamps to get a badge! See how many badges you can collect! Keep an eye on our events page and Facebook page for upcoming Junior Explorer events. (Passports can be picked up at our next Junior Explorer event.)
Our scout programs cultivate outdoor skills and scientific literacy in the scouting community. The Parklands Interpretive Team can customize each program to help your troop fulfill requirements for pins, badges, and belt loops. Day sessions cost $8 per scout.
Beckley Creek Park
Turkey Run Park
Beckley Creek Park
Beckley Creek Park
Beckley Creek Park
There’s always something happening at The Parklands. Check out our upcoming events.
Our park system is nearly five times as large as New York’s Central Park, so you may need some help finding your way around. Chart your course with our interactive map.