Rock Springs provides a fun way to discover our natural and historical world in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Hands-on, engaging activities offer an enjoyable learning experience for youth, preschool to twelfth grade. Participants get up close and personal with nature and our past.

These adventure experiences are designed to last approximately one hour.

The programs available include:

Habitat Sweet Habitat Explore needs shared by all animals. Students will visit different habitat areas.

Making Sense Trail Students will use their five senses to observe the wonders of our natural world.

Map and Compass Course Combining basics of compass use and map reading. Students will work in teams to follow a map to mystery points and answer clue questions.

Native American Games Fun for all ages, these traditional games involve matches of skill, coordination and chance. Includes a brief history of Kansas tribes.

Nature Games These active programs can be tailored to fit your class curriculum and cover topics such as habitat, life cycles, animal interactions, food webs and more.

Old Schoolhouse Games This program begins with a tour of our 1887 one-room schoolhouse and includes games played during this historical period.

Outer Orienteering Use a topographical map, compass and equipment to get a team card punched correctly and back to start. Encourages teamwork through a competitive and physical event.

Priceless Prairie Visit a remnant of tall grass prairie, discover its inhabitants and their food web, learn the effects of fire, act out parts of a plant and explore how the Native Americans and pioneers survived on "The Great American Desert."

Rock Springs Ranch House Step back in time to the turn-of-the-century farmhouse with a functioning water wheel. Learn what life was like for a late-nineteenth century family living in rural Kansas.

Scales and Tales Explore the world of reptiles and amphibians using a combination of props and live animals.

Skins and Skulls Learn about Kansas mammals through hands-on experience with skins and skulls. Other activities about our furry friends may cover adaptation, habitat and management.

Tree Time Hands-on discovery of the forest ecosystem. Activities may cover creative writing, math, science, art and more.

Stream Study Discover the basics of our water resources and have an opportunity to come face-to-face with aquatic stream life. Older students have the option to use tools and lab techniques to determine water quality.

Wilderness Survival Skills Discover and examine many of the plants and animals that exist in our own backyards that if not handled properly could cause us problems.

Night Hike Unravel the mysteries of the night by learning adaptations of nocturnal animals. Flashlights are not necessary as hikers will be using their night vision.

Torches of red, amber and gold light the landscape as autumn colors shine through the Rock Springs canopy.

Educational and school trips teach about the ecosystems, wildlife and plants supported through all seasons by the creek.