Teach & Inspire
Our programs provide hands-on, outdoor experiences that connect with classroom lessons to increase student’s understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Preschool to 12th Grade Programs
Year-round, At Wehr, At a Milwaukee County Parks, or At Your Facility
Wehr Nature Center offers year-round field experiences using the great outdoors as the context for learning, guided by our talented team of staff and volunteer naturalists. Explore beyond the textbooks and choose the curriculum suited for your classroom or homeschool program.
Summer Library Programs
Age Group: Preschool to 8th Grade
Wehr Nature Center is a provider of the summer library reading program. Please see your local library for more information or download the flyer. Librarians can fill out the form to learn more about the 2024 program, fees and booking information.
Youth & Scout Groups
Join professional naturalists to explore Earth’s astonishing treasures in the beautiful Milwaukee County Park system. We provide Girl Scout, Cub Scout and other Youth programming using fun-filled, hands-on, science-based activities. All programs are offered year-round unless otherwise specified. View available program listings below.
Girl Scout Achievements || Cub Scout Achievements || Youth Program Listing
Funding Assistance
In partnership with the Friends of Wehr Nature Center, we are able to provide the Kids in the Park scholarship program to allow more students to experience the wonders of nature.
What Teachers Are Saying
“All naturalists worked well with the 2nd graders, and they were very patient. The students were able to explore the various habitats and learn many new things.”
2nd Grade teacher, Cooper School
“Great questions and prompts to engage and challenge student’s thinking.”
K5 teacher, Hales Corners Elementary
Get Started Today
Wehr Nature Center offers programing for all ages and abilities! Download the Wehr School Program Guide to select your program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for a program?
Complete this registration form with your date and program preferences. Our registrar will contact you via email to confirm your program request. Reservations for the following school year can be made beginning April 1. We recommend requesting your program as soon as possible, but we require at least one month prior to your preferred date to schedule and confirm. Once confirmed, a confirmation letter and invoice will be sent to the emails of both the teacher and office contact for billing provided on your request form within five business days of booking. Payment is due 30 days prior to your program date. Payment can be made with cash, credit card, or check.
How much do field trips cost?
Field trip fee:
$6 per student for schools within Milwaukee County;
$7 per student for schools outside of Milwaukee County.
In-school program fee:
$110 for one class and $100 for each additional session.
Watershed Investigations programs both at Wehr and in Milwaukee County Parks are $8 (Milwaukee County schools) and $9 (out of county).
All programs have a minimum of $110 and extra adults above a 1:10 ratio pay at the child field trip rate. Some additional fees apply for special programs. We believe in supporting access to nature which is why our school programs are largely subsidized by generous sponsors and donors through the Friends of Wehr Nature Center, our nonprofit support.
What if I need to cancel?
Wehr Nature Center does not cancel field trips based on weather. Alternate, indoor activities will be conducted if dangerous weather prevents outdoor activities. If your school has a weather-related cancellation, Wehr Nature Center will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling. If you cancel, refunds are as follows:
30+ day prior = full refund
15-29 days prior = refund minus $35 fee
0-14 days prior = no refund
Do you have accommodations for students with special needs?
Yes – Please contact Access & Inclusion Coordinator for more information: emily.brown@milwaukeecountywi.gov
How can I prepare for a program?
Please share this one-page overview with your chaperones and consider showing your students any of the number of videos that have been compiled to help prepare them for what to expect on their field trip. Visit Wehr’s YouTube channel to find out more.
What expectations do you have for group leaders and chaperones?
Review our guide for groups here.
