Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared towards homeschool families. Each month, families can join a naturalist for a guided hike on the Schramm Park State Recreation Area hiking trails. During the program, participants will ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. Participants will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function. The series will be held the third Wednesday of the month from 9:00 – 10:30 am and the third Thursday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 pm.
Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance to help staff plan for attendance: https://forms.gle/Vjg38GEqXHgGEkLFA . The cost to participate is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program. This includes admission to the Schramm Education Center after the program. Schramm Family Pass members participate free. This program is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Participants should dress in season-appropriate layers and wear closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Hats and water bottles are recommended. The day of the program, come to the Schramm Education Center and check in and pay at the front desk upon arrival.
Dates and topics for the summer/fall 2023 schedule include:
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
9:00 – 10:30 am |
Thursday, July 20, 2023
2:00 – 3:30 pm |
Topic: Snails & Slugs
We’ll hike on the main hiking trail in search of snails. |
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
9:00 – 10:30 am |
Thursday, August 17, 2023
2:00 – 3:30 pm |
Topic: Geology
We’ll hike to the geological display, learn about the three different types of rocks & Nebraska geology, and spend some time looking for fossils. |
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
9:00 – 10:30 am |
Thursday, September 21 2023
2:00 – 3:30 pm |
Topic: Ladybugs
We’ll hike on our hiking trails to look for ladybugs and learn about their eating habits, hibernation, and diversity. |
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
9:00 – 10:30 am |
Thursday, October 19, 2023
2:00 – 3:30 pm |
Topic: Fall Leaves
We’ll hike on our river trail as we compare and contrast leaf colors and shapes and identify trees that grow along the Platte River. |
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
9:00 – 10:30 am |
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2:00 – 3:30 pm |
Topic: Turkeys
We’ll hike the main trails and learn about turkeys: how they roost, their flight, their tracks and scat, and their calls. |
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
9:00 – 10:30 am |
Thursday, December 21, 2023
2:00 – 3:30 pm |
Topic: Hibernation
We’ll hike on the main trails as we search for signs of hibernation and explore how native Nebraska animals hibernate in the colder months. |
No park permit is required in the center’s parking lot. For questions about the program, please contact Jen Ruyle, Outdoor Education Specialist, at 402-332-5022 or jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov.