Irvine Nature Center Youth & Family Programs

Irvine Nature Center Youth & Family Programs offers midday nature programs, family night hikes, field trips, camping experiences, and themed activities such as Backyard Birding, Wildflowers, and Foraging. Families can hike the 8+ miles of trails, visit the 9 resident avian ambassadors in the Aviary, play in the Outdoor Classroom, and discover the Native American Site. The program also includes monthly night-hikes as part of its youth and family offerings.

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Open to the public Tuesday–Sunday with daytime hours that vary seasonally
• Price: Admission is $5 per person for guests age 6 and older, with children 5 and under free; members are free, and admission is free for all visitors on Free Fridays

Irvine Nature Center was founded in 1975 in an old barn at St. Timothy’s School in Stevenson, Maryland, and owes its existence to its founder, Olivia Irvine Dodge. Its mission focuses on preserving ecologically significant places and providing environmental education for children and adults through extensive educational programming that emphasizes environmental literacy and stewardship. Irvine is the largest independent non-profit nature center in the region and has emerged as a leader among Maryland’s environmental education centers, offering award-winning programs and Animal Ambassadors, many of which are rehabilitated animals. The center was voted by Baltimore residents as the best place to play, discover, move, celebrate, learn, and explore nature.

Irvine brings programs to public and private school students, as well as to community and senior centers across Maryland, and offers Free Fridays thanks to a donation from The Orokawa Foundation. Every donation made before May 31 is doubled through a matching gift from Ingrid & Don Obrecht and Christa Riepe. One visitor shared, “Thank you for working so hard to keep Irvine open during the pandemic. It’s a really wonderful place and our community is lucky to have it.”

The campus includes 211 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, an interactive exhibit hall, an Aviary with 9 resident avian ambassadors, an Outdoor Classroom, a Native American Site, and Animal Ambassadors. No pets, dogs, or bikes are allowed on the property, and Irvine is not licensed to help with or take injured animals, instead referring people to local rehabilitation centers.

Last updated July 20, 2026.