Give your classroom or community group a one-of-a-kind experience with KNC. Check out the programs below to learn more about KNC’s educational offerings. Bring your group for a field trip to KNC, or we’ll come to your location.
See the programs and details on planning your trip below. Please call or email the Registrar with any questions. We look forward to seeing you!
Ready to start planning for the 2026-2027 school year? Complete our Program Request Form >
New Field Trip Opportunity: Into the Woods (Forest Ecology)
KNC is excited to introduce a brand-new field trip this fall that connects directly with our latest indoor exhibit, The Forest Mosaic.
Special Offer: Grant funding through the Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation is available on a first-come, first-served basis to cover program costs for this new field trip. To learn more or apply for funding, contact . Once the grant funds are fully used, the trip will continue to be available at KNC’s regular field trip pricing. Grant funding does not cover add-ons.
Grade: All ages, but specifically well-suited for PreK-First grade
When: Fall/Winter/Spring at KNC or anytime at your site
Investigate many of nature’s wonders with your five senses and gain a new perspective. Meet one of KNC’s ambassador animals and see how they use their 5 senses. Observe the colors, shapes, patterns and textures of natural objects and get curious about the world around you!
Learning Objectives: Living & non-living, observations, questions & patterns, senses
Grade: 1st-3rd grade
When: Fall/Winter/Spring at KNC or Anytime at Your Site
Insects may be small, but they can be found thriving in diverse and amazing habitats. Learn what sets insects apart from other creepy crawlies by learning about their different characteristics and the life cycle of an insect. Meet a live insect brought by the educator. Head outside to go on a bug hunt and compare it to what you have learned about insects!
Learning Objectives: insects, insect body parts, life cycle, adaptations, metamorphosis
Grades: 3rd – 5th grade
When: Fall/Winter/Spring at KNC or Anytime at Your Site
Learn about carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores using actual animal artifacts. Meet one of KNC’s ambassador animals and figure out how to prove if they are, or are not, a mammal. Students will also get the opportunity to observe and feel various animal furs and skulls to identify and differentiate various mammals in Michigan.
Learning Objectives: carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, animal adaptations
Grade: 3rd-5th grade
When: Fall/Spring at KNC.
From our water and trees to rocks and minerals, discover some of Michigan’s most important natural resources. This onsite program will help students explore the landscape around us and how these elements of nature make our state unique.
Learning Objectives: identification and human use of natural resources, renewable, non-renewable, earth materials
Onsite only at KNC: 1.5 hour indoor/outdoor program – includes a guided hike!
Grade: K – 5th Grade
When: Anytime at KNC.
During Into the Woods (Forest Ecology), students will explore forest health, ecology, life cycles, and environmental stewardship. The program includes time in the Forest Mosaic exhibit and a guided journey through the trees on KNC’s beautiful trails.
Please note, this trip is 2 hours in length and cannot accommodate any add-on features.
Grade: 1st – 5th Grade
When: Fall/Winter/Spring at KNC or anytime at your site
Build a food chain from the ground up and follow the flow of energy from producers to consumers and from sunlight into soil. Discover who eats whom in the forest by becoming a part of the food chain and meet a live animal.
Learning Objectives: Flow of energy, trophic levels, food chain components, habitat characteristics, environmental changes, animal traits & survival
Grade: All ages
When: Fall/Winter/Spring at KNC or Anytime at Your Site
Learn how the practice of paying attention to the present moment can train your brain to focus. Learn how nature can help you be mindful. Practice breathing and noticing outdoors. Show off your mindfulness skills while meeting one of KNC’s ambassador animals.
Learning Objectives: Mindfulness, brain function/focus, calming techniques, benefits of nature on nervous system
Grade: All ages
When: Anytime at KNC or Anytime at Your Site
Grade: All ages
When: Anytime at KNC
Get an up-close look at each bird as you hike to each of their enclosure locations. Learn about the habitats, diets, and adaptations of our ambassador birds. During this program you will meet Gary the American Kestrel, Tukey the Turkey Vulture, Barred the Barred Owl, and the Pigeons Henry, Parmesan, and Gorgonzola.
Please note, this program is entirely outdoors and requires hiking around KNC’s campus. Please dress for the weather. This program is only available onsite at KNC.
Grade: All Ages
Where: at KNC
When: March
Discover about the rich history of Maple Sugaring on this walking tour of our Fern Valley trail. Learn about the life cycle and how to identify Michigan’s sweetest tree, Acer Saccharum, also known as the Sugar Maple. End your time at the Sugar Shack with syrup tasting!
Please note, this program is held outdoors and requires hiking on KNC’s trails. Please dress for the weather. This program is only available onsite at KNC.
Grades: 6th – 12th
When: September – October, May
Wade into the waters at the Kalamazoo Nature Center and search for the macroinvertebrate residents living beneath the surface. Explore KNC’s Trout Run stream’s aquatic health through analysis of the creatures found.
Please note, this trip is 2 hours in length and cannot accommodate any add-on features.
Financial assistance may be available for schools/programs with a high percentage of free and reduced lunch students. Please contact us at for more information.
On-site programs last for approximately 1 ½ hours and usually include an outdoor component. Groups are welcome to stay on KNC’s campus after their program to take a self-guided hike, play or eat lunch. Please let us know your plans.
Program Fees
On-site Program Add-ons
10% discount will be applied if you book 2 or more class/programs for the same day. A maximum of 4 classes/programs can be accommodated in one day (dependent on arrival and departure times, as well as program choice).
Most programs are held outside or have an outdoor component so please come prepared for the weather!
Off-site programs are approximately 1 hour and can be held indoors or outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
Financial assistance may be available for schools/programs with a high percentage of free and reduced lunch students. Please contact us at for more information.
Off-site program fees:
Off-site Program Add-ons
