Wonder Workshops
Ignite curiosity and inspire young minds with Wonder Workshops at Wildcat Bluff Nature Center or directly on your campus!
Tailored for Pre-k through Kindergarten, our interactive experiences allow young explorers to dive into nature in a fun and engaging way. Whether discovering the wonders of the natural world or exploring the forces that shape our environment, each workshop is an exciting expedition. Learn more about our available themes below!
Are Wonder Workshops right for my group?
Wonder Workshops are perfect for organized school groups such as schools, daycares, or large educational programs. For a more casual learning experience, please see our private Coffee and Cuties & Toddler Track offerings!
Plants of the Panhandle
Children will learn about the diverse plants that thrive in this region, from hardy grasses to vibrant wildflowers, through a guided hike/walk. They’ll gain an understanding of how these plants adapt to their environment and contribute to the ecosystem by listening to stories and participating in hands-on activities. This workshop offers a perfect blend of exploration and education and fosters a deep connection with nature.
Kitten Loop Trail Hike/Walk
Activity: Leaf Rubbings
Story: A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis
Critter Country
As students take a guided hike/walk through natural habitats, they will encounter critters such as busy insects and curious mammals that call the Panhandle home. Through engaging stories and interactive activities, they’ll learn about the behaviors, diets, and habitats of these creatures. This workshop provides an exciting opportunity to observe nature up close, sparking a lifelong interest in the animal kingdom.
Kitten Loop Trail Hike/Walk
Activity: Animal Tracks.
Story: Way Out in the Desert by T.J. Marsh and Jennifer Ward.
Wild Engineers
Children will explore how animals and plants engineer their environments to survive and thrive through a short hike/walk. From beaver dams to bird nests, they’ll see real-life examples of engineering in the wild. Young learners will discover the creativity and ingenuity of the natural world, inspiring them to think like engineers themselves through stories and hands-on activities. This workshop highlights the remarkable ways in which nature builds and sustains life.
Kitten Loop Trail Hike/Walk
Activity: Nest Building
Story: Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward
The Current Month Toddler Tracks Theme!
Take a look at this month’s Toddler Tracks theme! If that option excites you, simply select “Current Toddler Tracks Theme” on your booking form to join in on the fun!
Request a Custom Program!
Have a specific theme or set of TEKS to satisfy? Reach out to our team and discuss the limitless opportunities to CUSTOMIZE your Wonder Workshops experience!
- Field trip dates are booked quickly, especially during peak times such as the months of October, April, & May. BOOK EARLY FOR AVAILABILITY!
- Please make sure reservation requests are submitted ahead of reservation deadlines.
- Reservations are booked using Central Standard Time. For guests in the Mountain Time zone, please adjust your reservation request times accordingly.
Admission
Field Trip base cost: $2/student (self-guided with access to Libb’s Trail)
Add-ons
- Guided Hike (+$2/student)
- Added Program (+$2/student)
A minimum of a 1:10 chaperone-to-student ratio for field trip visits is requested.
- One Chaperone per student (1:1) is included with a field trip. Additional chaperones over the 1:1 ratio $2/per.
- Siblings may participate in field trip activities at the field trip cost per student. Non-participating siblings over one year old $1.
Arrival
Please have students remain on the bus while one member of your group makes their way to the Visitor’s Center to check-in. One of our Education Team members will board the bus to welcome you and your students to the Bluff!
Running Behind
We understand! Bus schedules and traffic can be unpredictable. If your group is running behind and will miss your scheduled arrival time, please contact us at 806-355-9547 so we can update your visit schedule. We will make every effort to ensure you are still able to enjoy all your scheduled activities.
Note on Payment
WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT USING CHANGE OR ONE-DOLLAR BILLS. Please exchange all coins and dollar bills for larger currency BEFORE arriving at the DHDC as we cannot accept payment for school visits in one-dollar bills and/or change.
Thank you for choosing the Discovery Center for your field trip!
We are excited to work with your students and provide an exciting learning experience.
Discovery Center staff are not responsible for the supervision or behavior management of any child or student during field trips. Teachers and group leaders are responsible for all supervision and the enforcement of the following expectations:
- Students, chaperones, and group leaders must be mindful and respectful of other groups and guests during your visit.
- Students, chaperones, and group leaders must treat staff respectfully and professionally.
- Students should be closely watched during their time at Wildcat Bluff.
- Teachers and Group Leaders must be present and actively supervise during all education programs and guided hikes.
- Activity spaces and all other Wildcat Bluff property should not be damaged, misused, or stolen by any guest.
- Animals and animal enclosures should be interacted with appropriately. Enclosures should not be shaken, tapped on, hit, or treated disrespectfully in any way.
- Remember to LEAVE NO TRACE. This means:
- Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them to maintain their health and natural behaviors.
- Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to keep natural areas clean.
- No vandalism to rocks or trees
- Stick to established trails always
- Preserve the past and leave natural objects, plants, and cultural artifacts undisturbed.
- Respect the quality of others’ outdoor experiences by keeping noise levels down and yielding on trails.
WBDC Staff will remove any student from a program if these expectations are not met and student behavior becomes a disruption to the learning of others.
When your group follows these expectations, they help Wildcat Bluff provide the best possible educational experience for all students, teachers, and guests, and they help ensure that guests can enjoy its beauty property in the future.
