The Family Science Program provides opportunities for families with children to learn together and explore nature through presentations and workshops on different natural history topics.
Events are suitable for children ages 4 and up. They require advanced registration and cost $10 per participant unless otherwise noted (free to Willow Bend members). Past events included the Bald Eagle Celebration, Arizona Wildlife, Radical Reptiles, Amazing Arthropods, and more!
2025 Eaglets: Family Eagle Presentation- March 22, 10:30-11:30am
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center presents Eaglets, an engaging program designed for families with young children (ages 4-12). Experience an up-close encounter with live eagles at the conclusion of the presentation. Special thanks to Tim Macy for sponsoring this event, making it possible for Liberty Wildlife from Phoenix to bring this incredible experience to Flagstaff, as well as Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience and Arizona Game and Fish for their support.
Admission:
-
$10 per participant
-
$35 per family (2 adults + 3 children)
-
Free for Willow Bend Members*
Additionally, join us for an optional Watchable Wildlife Bird Viewing Field Trip from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Kachina Wetlands Preserve (weather permitting). This portion of the event is free. For more information see below.
*Willow Bend members receive free or discounted admission to events and workshops. A Family Membership (2 adults + 4 children) is $50, and an Individual Membership is $35. You can sign up for a membership during registration or by clicking here.
2025 Fully Fledged: Community Eagle Presentation- March 22 12:30-1:30PM
Join a local biologist from Arizona Game and Fish for an in-depth look at the incredible bald eagle and witness these majestic birds up close with a live presentation from Liberty Wildlife. This engaging session is open to all ages but is not specifically designed for young children. Families with children ages 4-12 are encouraged to attend the 2025 Eaglets: Family Eagle Presentation instead. Special thanks to Tim Macy for sponsoring this event, making it possible for Liberty Wildlife from Phoenix to bring this incredible experience to Flagstaff, as well as Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience and Arizona Game and Fish for their support.
Admission:
-
$10/participant
-
$35/family (2 adults + 3 kids)
-
or FREE for Willow Bend Members*.
Additionally, join us for an optional Watchable Wildlife Bird Viewing Field Trip from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Kachina Wetlands Preserve (weather permitting). This portion of the event is free. For more information see below.
*Willow Bend members receive discounted or free admissions to our events and workshops. A Family Membership ( up to 2 adults + 4 kids) is $50. An Individual Membership (one person) is $35. You can sign up for a membership when you continue to the next page and register for the workshop, or by clicking here.
Past Family Science Events
Exploring Earthworms, July 27th, 10-11AM
Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center and the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office for a fun kids program all about worms! Discover why worms are vital for our planet, what they eat, and how their bodies differ from ours. Meet our worm friends, hear a "heartworming" story, and learn about their incredible contributions to the environment. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and explore the fascinating world of worms! FREE but RSVP required.
Nature's Orchestra, June 10th, 10-11AM
Join Willow Bend and Little Music Makers of Flagstaff for a musical time! Learn interactive nature songs and stories, and join us for a nature walk exploring sound in the Willow Bend Gardens. Create your very own craft to perform in our nature orchestra. Event is suitable for ages 2 and up.
Amazing Arthropods, March 25th, 10AM-12PM
Join Willow Bend and Biodiversity Outreach Network for a creepy, crawly and super exciting Amazing Arthropod event. Families will learn all about these amazing little creatures, and get to meet tarantulas, cockroaches, mealworms and a millipede! A short educational presentation will be followed by observations of live animals, and a chance to become an entomologist and look for critters in and around our Willow Bend Gardens. Event is open to families with children 4 and up.
Dog Days of Summer, June 25th, 6:00-7:30PM
Come see Gunnison Prairie Dogs in their home colonies, learn about them from the wildlife experts from the US Forest Service and Habitat Harmony, and enjoy activities with Willow Bend Environmental Center staff! We will meet at Campbell Mesa Trail Head Parking Lot (map) (From I-40 at the Country Club exit, follow Country Club Rd south/west to the driving range, and turn left onto Old Walnut Canyon Rd. When it becomes a dirt road, the trail head is on the left.)
Worm Composting, Oct 23rd, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, in partnership with the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Section, for a family focused workshop all about worms! Explore the world of red wigglers as we cover worm anatomy, ecology, diet, and discuss how vermicompost is made. Participants will learn how to build and maintain their own worm compost bin, and take their new worm farm home to compost all of their food scraps (optional). Program is sponsored by the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Section, but spots are limited and is registration required. Sign-up on our website.
Birds of Arizona, November 17th, 10AM-12PM
Join Willow Bend and Airborne Raptors Unlimited for an educational presentation about native birds of Arizona. Meet LIVE birds including a Peregrine falcon, American kestrel, Gyrfalcon and more!
Cost: $5/participant or FREE for Willow Bend members.
Annual Elk Workshop 9AM and 10AM
Want to learn about and see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? Join us for the Annual Elk viewing workshop!
Hosted through the Arizona Game and Fish Department with support from the Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience (AWWE) and Mormon Lake Lodge. The event includes a presentation and a field trip to watch elk on Mormon lake.
Presentations will start at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Participants will attend a presentation, located in the Kachina room at Mormon Lake Lodge (1991 Mormon Lake Rd, Mormon Lake, AZ 86038), and also go on a field trip. The field trip location will be determined that day based on where the elk are observed. Spotting scopes will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, snacks, and to wear appropriate clothing.
Cost $10/participant (kids 12 and under free). Registration required! Please sign up online or call (928) 779-1745 to secure your spot.
Rad Raptors, Aug 11th @ 10AM-12PM
Arizona Wildlife, Nov 1st, 5:30-6:30PM
Join Willow Bend, Arizona Game and Fish and Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center for a furry, feathery, fun, fact-filled evening! Learn all about Arizona's magnificent Wildlife. How do animals adapt to life in the desert? How do they survive the colder Northern Arizona winter? What do they eat? How do they find shelter? and more...This event is an all time favorite! Get up-close and in-person with some of Arizona's most amazing wildlife!
Who will be visiting this time? A hawk, a Desert Tortoise, a snake, and as always one surprise animal.