Galesburg Parks and Recreation Nature Programs

Galesburg Parks and Recreation Nature Programs includes Little Sprouts: Art in Nature, Second Saturdays: Nature Art, Nature at Night: Compass Nature Quest, Kayak Night: Bring Your Own Kayak, Rent an Adult Kayak, Rent a Tandem Kayak, and Outdoor Nature Preschool Fall 2026 Session. Activities listed in the program include art in nature, a nature walk through the woods, a compass nature quest, evening paddle sessions, and outdoor preschool activities with games, reading time, and guided exploration.

Programs

• Little Sprouts: Art in Nature — 2-5 years old · Saturday, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM · $5 · Held mostly outside at Lakeside Nature Center Shelter; in poor weather, indoors at the Nature Center.
• Second Saturdays: Nature Art — Saturday, 9:30-11:00 AM · $0 · Class is held outdoors at the Lakeside Nature Center Shelter, with a Nature Walk through the woods.
• Nature at Night: Compass Nature Quest — All ages · Friday, 7:00-8:30 PM · $5–$15 · Family-friendly program with parent supervision.
• Kayak Night: Bring Your Own Kayak — All ages; 17 & under must be accompanied by a registered adult · Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00-9:30 PM · $5 · 5 registrants per evening paddle session are needed by the Thursday before, or the session may be cancelled.
• Outdoor Nature Preschool Fall 2026 Session — 3-5 years · Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00-11:30 AM · $450 · Activities, games, reading time, and guided exploration; children will be outdoors at most times, including cold to hot temps, rain, and snow.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Price range: $0–$450
• Current session: Outdoor Nature Preschool Fall 2026 Session (Sep 9–Dec 9, 2026)
• Facility hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

About the provider

Galesburg Parks and Recreation's nature programs are dedicated to inspiring a love and respect for nature in residents of all ages. Most nature programs are free or low-cost, thanks to funding from personal donations. Volunteers are welcomed to help with new and current programs.

• Rent an Adult Kayak — All ages; 17 & under must be accompanied by a registered adult · Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00-9:30 PM · $20 · 5 registrants per evening paddle session are needed by the Thursday before, or the session may be cancelled.
• Rent a Tandem Kayak — All ages; 17 & under must be accompanied by a registered adult · Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00-9:30 PM · $30 · 5 registrants per evening paddle session are needed by the Thursday before, or the session may be cancelled.

All ages are welcome to Nature at Night with parent supervision. For Kayak Night, 17 & under must be accompanied by a registered adult. 5 registrants per evening paddle session are needed by the Thursday before, or that session may be cancelled due to staffing, and account credit issued.

Last updated August 22, 2026.