Many people think Briar Bush is only for young kids but these free/low-cost programs are open to kids and adults of all ages (unless specifically noted.)
Animal Open House
Briar Bush’s museum is home to over 30 animals, including rabbits and rats, skinks and snakes, chinchillas and tarantulas. At the Animal Open House, learn everything about our animals, even get the chance to touch some.
Dates
September 4 and 11
October 2 and 9
November 6 and 13
December 4 and 11
Time
10-11 a.m.
Cost
FREE!
Nature’s Storytime
Join us for a naturally exciting event—nature’s storytime, complete with storybook, live animal, craft and snack.
Have a red-hot time at a blazing campfire! This the Halloween season, we’ll introduce you to scary animals—ball pythons, tarantulas and giant cockroaches—while sharing (only barely) frightening stories about the nature of the season, including Native American legends of the skies. Led by Mike Weilbacher and Ehren Gross, leaders of our summer campfire. Includes mulled cider and s’mores.
Date
Saturday, October 30
Time
7:30 p.m.
Cost
$5/person
Wild Weekend Workshops
Attention kids and adults - be prepared to act silly, look at gross stuff, touch things from nature...and learn a lot! These hands-on, interactive programs are suitable for families and individuals of all age. Rain or shine.
Time
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Cost
$5/person; $10/family of 4
Name
What’s Your Sign?
Each time we take a nature hike, we are surrounded by the signs of animals: chewed seeds, footprints, animal homes and yes, even poop! All of these signs give us clues to the animals that are living in the trees, grasses and waters that surround us. In this program you’ll not only learn how to identify animals by the signs that they leave behind, but you’ll get hands on experience as well! You won’t want to miss this program…it’ll leave its mark on you!
Ages
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Date
August 8
Program #60
Name
The Bad, the Ugly and the Misunderstood
Can buzzards be beautiful? Flowers fiendish? Spiders spectacular? Some of the animals and plants we see may not be as bad…or good…as we think they are. Explore the alter egos of Pennsylvania’s flora and fauna in this program. You’ll never look at the residents of the great outdoors the same way again!
Ages
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Date
September 12
Program #67
Name
The Freaky Facts and Monstrous Myths about Halloween’s Animals
Spiders, owls, snakes and bats…these and other animals are very closely associated with Halloween and all things spooky. But do they really deserve such a frightful reputation? Put on your Halloween costume and come separate freaky fact from monstrous myth about these animals in this program led by The (Ghoulish) Nature Geek! No trick about it…this program is sure to be a treat!
Ages
Recommended for ages 5 and up
Date
October 31
Program #87
Name
Are You Gonna Eat That?
It’s almost time for Thanksgiving and we know what that means…FOOD! But how does the wildlife at Briar Bush find food at this time of year when the temperature and leaves have dropped? During this program we’ll not only take a hike on the trails to find the feasts of Briar Bush’s wild beasts and talk about the right seeds that fit our birds’ needs, but you’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what our outreach animals inside the museum like to feast upon!
Ages
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Date
November 21
Program #93
Name
Naked Maples and Frog Antifreeze: How Nature Survives Winter
Baby, it’s cold outside! We may be able to bundle up in sweaters, jackets and mittens or go into our nice, heated homes and drink hot chocolate, but what about animals? What about plants? Pennsylvania’s plants and animals have all sorts of adaptations to winter’s cold temperatures and longer nights. Migrate on over to Briar Bush to join The Nature Geek for this cool program…just make sure you don’t hibernate through it!
September 4 and 11
Have a red-hot time at a blazing campfire! This the Halloween season, we’ll introduce you to scary animals—ball pythons, tarantulas and giant cockroaches—while sharing (only barely) frightening stories about the nature of the season, including Native American legends of the skies. Led by Mike Weilbacher and Ehren Gross, leaders of our summer campfire. Includes mulled cider and s’mores.
The Freaky Facts and Monstrous Myths about Halloween’s Animals
