Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar
Game and Parks Events
Kick off the New Year in the great outdoors by participating in First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2023, at Nebraska’s state parks! Nebraska’s annual First Day Hikes are a chance to explore trails, watch wildlife, snap photos and create a lifetime of memories. This year, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages parkgoers to take […]
Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike at Lake Ogallala SRA! Meet at 8 a.m. at the Eagle Viewing Center for an easy, scenic 1.5 mile hike. Along the way, we'll keep an eye out for birds and wildlife! Remember to bring warm clothing, appropriate footwear and water bottles! Dogs are welcome […]
Start the new year off with a First Day Hike at Platte River State Park! Meet at 9 a.m. at the Walter Scott Lodge and join our Park Naturalists for a hike along the falls trail. Following the hike, warm up by the fireplace with hot cocoa or cider and Naturalists will have an activity […]
Start off your New Year's Day with a First Day Hike at Ponca State Park! Meet at the West Shelter in the park and join our park naturalist as we hike the Old Oak Trail looking for winter flora and fauna. We will stop at the Old Oak Tree for photos. This is an easy […]
Registration for the Outdoor Education Center's GSSF Indoor League Series - Match 2 on January 3 -or- 7, 2023. For this series, each match will be offered on two dates - attend on whichever day works best for your schedule (Tuesday or Saturday). This is the SECOND match for this series. Competitors must shoot in two out of the three available […]
Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. Two virtual statewide Zoom meetings will be held on December 15 and January 3 at 5 p.m. Central Time. Register for the December 15 Zoom Meeting > Register for the […]
A Combination Course will provide instruction from knowledgeable and dedicated volunteer instructors in the safe use of firearm and archery equipment, fundamentals of hunting, shooting and hunting techniques, game identification, conservation management as well as hunter ethics. Students 11 years of age and older on the examination day will be able to take the test […]
Do you have a little one who loves animals, nature, and the outdoors? Are you looking for opportunities to explore the outdoors together with your children? Join us for Little Saplings, Schramm Education Center’s early childhood nature discovery program. The program is designed for children ages 2 - 5 and their adult caregiver and will […]
Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. The format for the meetings will be slightly different than years past. All in-person meetings will open at 5 p.m. local time. The first hour will be an open house […]
Looking for a good way to introduce your child to the lifelong habits of safe gun handling and the basic concepts of marksmanship? Whether your child is interested in recreation, competition, or hunting, this class is where they need to be! Explore Rifle is a 4-week course designed for youth ages 8-10, but open to […]
Woodpeckers are special birds known for exactly what their name describes- pecking at wood. There are several types of woodpeckers that range in size, appearance, and habitat. Some are distinct and easy to identify such as the red-headed woodpeckers. But others look quite similar to each other like the downy and hairy woodpeckers. In this […]
Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. The format for the meetings will be slightly different than years past. All in-person meetings will open at 5 p.m. local time. The first hour will be an open house […]
Explore Archery is a fun and perfect fit for beginners of any ability wanting to get started in the sport of archery. If a student is fairly new to archery and looking for a full introductory program, Explore Archery has everything you need - bows, arrows, and enthusiastic instructors! You'll learn range safety, fundamentals of […]
Looking for a good way to be introduced to the lifelong habits of safe gun handling and the basic concepts of marksmanship? Whether you have interest in recreation, competition, or hunting, this class is where you need to be! This Explore Rifle session is a 4-week course designed for youth ages 11-16, but open to […]
Registration for the Outdoor Education Center's GSSF Indoor League Series - Match 2 on January 3 -or- 7, 2023. For this series, each match will be offered on two dates - attend on whichever day works best for your schedule (Tuesday or Saturday). This is the SECOND match for this series. Competitors must shoot in two out of the three available […]
A Combination Course will provide instruction from knowledgeable and dedicated volunteer instructors in the safe use of firearm and archery equipment, fundamentals of hunting, shooting and hunting techniques, game identification, conservation management as well as hunter ethics. Students 11 years of age and older on the examination day will be able to take the test […]
During this month's session we will explore how we can find out what animals have visited an area, all without laying eyes on them! We will learn about animal tracks and other signs, and sharpen our observation skills as we search for any clues that point to what animals are visiting our neighborhood. Registration is […]
Mondays in January, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' advice section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 […]
Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. The format for the meetings will be slightly different than years past. All in-person meetings will open at 5 p.m. local time. The first hour will be an open house […]
Mondays in January, you are invited to join in an evening of firearm education FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro pistol class or a 'next-level' weekly practice and skill-building section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro class features a lesson and time on the firearm range practicing with a pistol […]
This basic USA Archery class is open to students who are new to JOAD or who are still working to advance to Archery 2. Explore Archery is a recommended prerequisite but not required. Our Center Shot Archery Academy* course includes achievement awards, skill training, and games with a focus on guiding each student in improvement […]
Inquiry-based learning prioritizes a learner's questions and ideas by engaging their innate sense of curiosity and awe. As educators we get to be facilitators of learning, here to guide and support the process of investigation. You don't need to know every bird or flower or tree to engage your learners in nature education. Each workshop […]
Our Center Shot Archery Academy* intermediate level class is open to students who have previously been enrolled at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. Lessons will focus on the form, equipment, and attitude needed to shoot a bow in recreational and competitive settings. Each session includes a short lesson and coaching while […]
Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. The format for the meetings will be slightly different than years past. All in-person meetings will open at 5 p.m. local time. The first hour will be an open house […]
Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. The format for the meetings will be slightly different than years past. All in-person meetings will open at 5 p.m. local time. The first hour will be an open house […]
Prairie dogs, bison, beavers, alligators, and wolves. These creatures really don’t have that much in common with each other, except for the fact that they are all keystone species. Keystone species are organisms that have basically hold the rest of the ecosystem together. In this Science of we will be looking closely at different keystone […]
Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. The format for the meetings will be slightly different than years past. All in-person meetings will open at 5 p.m. local time. The first hour will be an open house […]
Take your first shots with us! The biggest challenge for new shooters is getting started. First Shots makes getting started in shooting very easy - and, thanks to NSSF partnership*, it's only $10! At a First Shots seminar, you'll receive: -An educational introduction to the safe and recreational use of firearms -Individual and group training […]
This basic USA Archery class is open to students who are new to JOAD or who are still working to advance to Archery 2. Explore Archery is a recommended prerequisite but not required. Our Center Shot Archery Academy* course includes achievement awards, skill training, and games with a focus on guiding each student in improvement […]
Our Center Shot Archery Academy* intermediate level class is open to students who have previously been enrolled at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. Lessons will focus on the form, equipment, and attitude needed to shoot a bow in recreational and competitive settings. Each session includes a short lesson and coaching while […]
Want to see what archery is all about? Never held a bow before? Not sure where to begin? Try Archery is your place to start! This easy-going program covers basic range rules and procedures, along with starter techniques. Participants get to fling arrows on their very first visit! And whether archery turns out to be […]
Because a prairie winter won’t stop us, it just adds to the adventure.
Celebrate the frosty season by making memories with the whole family to warm you through the cold days of winter. If conditions allow, we’ll do some ice fishing and provide both instruction and gear for this favorite winter activity. Winter crafts will be available for purchase and our park Naturalists will provide some free nature […]
Learn the basics of ice fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at four Discover Ice-Fishing clinics in January. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Youth Fishing Program will host two on-ice and one classroom events. On Saturday, January 14, the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host a Classroom Clinic […]
Mondays in January, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' advice section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 […]
Mondays in January, you are invited to join in an evening of firearm education FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro pistol class or a 'next-level' weekly practice and skill-building section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro class features a lesson and time on the firearm range practicing with a pistol […]
Come along and learn the history of this fun holiday and it’s animal ambassador. Each Wildcat Tales program will include a lesson plan, story, and hands-on activity specifically targeted for early learners ages 2-6 years. The preschool programs will meet at the Nature Center at 10am. Each month is a different program topic! A valid Nebraska […]
This basic USA Archery class is open to students who are new to JOAD or who are still working to advance to Archery 2. Explore Archery is a recommended prerequisite but not required. Our Center Shot Archery Academy* course includes achievement awards, skill training, and games with a focus on guiding each student in improvement […]
Inquiry-based learning prioritizes a learner's questions and ideas by engaging their innate sense of curiosity and awe. As educators we get to be facilitators of learning, here to guide and support the process of investigation. You don't need to know every bird or flower or tree to engage your learners in nature education. Each workshop […]
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 […]
Conservation Education Lunch & Learn Webinar Series 2023 The Benefits of Environmental Education for K-12 Students | January 18, 2023 | 12:30pm – 1:30pm (CST) To register for this free virtual webinar, click here: https://outdoornebraska.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArcO-urzgvGtx3PyOIqmhOQ8B6PmJ5__cG#/registration Environmental education initiatives have been shown to increase students' knowledge about the environment and the natural world. However - increasing […]
Bumpy, lumpy and warty reptiles. Encounter local reptiles of western Nebraska and learn amazing adaptations of this often misunderstood group of animals. This monthly homeschool program will meet at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center south of Gering NE. These programs will be conducted rain or shine, so be prepared for the unpredictable Nebraska weather! A […]
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 […]
No other animal represents Nebraska’s prairies better than the Prairie Chicken, I mean, hello, look at their name! Prairie chickens are known for their memorable performances where they dance, call and try to impress females with their vigor at their booming grounds, or leks. These birds are members of the grouse family and never disappoint […]
This basic USA Archery class is open to students who are new to JOAD or who are still working to advance to Archery 2. Explore Archery is a recommended prerequisite but not required. Our Center Shot Archery Academy* course includes achievement awards, skill training, and games with a focus on guiding each student in improvement […]
Our Center Shot Archery Academy* intermediate level class is open to students who have previously been enrolled at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. Lessons will focus on the form, equipment, and attitude needed to shoot a bow in recreational and competitive settings. Each session includes a short lesson and coaching while […]
Tune into Season 2 of RV There Yet? TV Series, featuring scenic Niobrara State Park, Smith Falls State Park and the Cowboy Trail! The Nebraska episode will air on Discovery on Saturday, January 21 at 7 a.m. Central Time and on Saturday, March 18 at 7 a.m. Central Time. Check out the Nebraska Episode blog.
Join the Cornhusker Fly Fishing club in the Schramm Education Center classroom to learn how to tie a fly. Observe them in action as they demonstrate their craft and skill, then try your hand at making a fly to take home. They will provide equipment and materials and answer questions about fly tying and fly […]
*Please note that this class will meet for 6 weeks on Saturdays; class will not meet on Saturday, February 18.* Explore Archery is a fun and perfect fit for beginners of any ability wanting to get started in the sport of archery. If a student is fairly new to archery and looking for a full […]
A fully equipped, turn-key operation and additional incentives are some of the benefits offered to a new restaurant partner at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The agency is seeking proposals for a food service provider at the park conveniently located just off Interstate 80 between Lincoln and Omaha. […]
Mondays in January, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' advice section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 […]
Mondays in January, you are invited to join in an evening of firearm education FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro pistol class or a 'next-level' weekly practice and skill-building section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro class features a lesson and time on the firearm range practicing with a pistol […]
Inquiry-based learning prioritizes a learner's questions and ideas by engaging their innate sense of curiosity and awe. As educators we get to be facilitators of learning, here to guide and support the process of investigation. You don't need to know every bird or flower or tree to engage your learners in nature education. Each workshop […]
Mathematics exists all around us in the natural world. It is our task to bring our children’s attention to the data and help them see the world around them in a mathematical way. In this educator workshop we will be using nature in early childhood to observe, count, measure, collect data, compare and contrast, and […]
You’ve heard of Crappies, Bluegill, Catfish, Pike & Walleye, but what about the fun-sized fish lurking just below the surface that you don’t catch? Nebraska is home to around 80 species of native fish, many of those being small minnows and darters. Even though they are small, they may be some of the most fascinating […]
Take your first shots with us! The biggest challenge for new shooters is getting started. First Shots makes getting started in shooting very easy - and, thanks to NSSF partnership*, it's only $10! At a First Shots seminar, you'll receive: -An educational introduction to the safe and recreational use of firearms -Individual and group training […]
Want to see what archery is all about? Never held a bow before? Not sure where to begin? Try Archery is your place to start! This easy-going program covers basic range rules and procedures, along with starter techniques. Participants get to fling arrows on their very first visit! And whether archery turns out to be […]
Learn the basics of ice fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at four Discover Ice-Fishing clinics in January. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Youth Fishing Program will host two on-ice and one classroom events. On Saturday, January 28, NGPC will host an on-ice event: Discover Ice Fishing at Lincoln’s […]
Mondays in January, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' advice section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 […]
Mondays in January, you are invited to join in an evening of firearm education FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro pistol class or a 'next-level' weekly practice and skill-building section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro class features a lesson and time on the firearm range practicing with a pistol […]
This basic USA Archery class is open to students who are new to JOAD and are looking for archery instruction before the next quarter of level 1 classes is available to new students. Explore Archery is a recommended prerequisite but not required. This class section is always open to new students and is prorated depending […]
Inquiry-based learning prioritizes a learner's questions and ideas by engaging their innate sense of curiosity and awe. As educators we get to be facilitators of learning, here to guide and support the process of investigation. You don't need to know every bird or flower or tree to engage your learners in nature education. Each workshop […]
Do you have a little one who loves animals, nature, and the outdoors? Are you looking for opportunities to explore the outdoors together with your children? Join us for Little Saplings, Schramm Education Center’s early childhood nature discovery program. The program is designed for children ages 2 - 5 and their adult caregiver and will […]
Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the order Odonata, which means “toothed ones”. This order includes some of the most ancient and beautiful insects that have ever roamed the earth, as well as some of the largest flying invertebrates ever to have lived. These are also some of the most popular insects due to them being […]
Take your first shots with us! The biggest challenge for new shooters is getting started. First Shots makes getting started in shooting very easy - and, thanks to NSSF partnership*, it's only $10! At a First Shots seminar, you'll receive: -An educational introduction to the safe and recreational use of firearms -Individual and group training […]
Learn how you can join the Nebraska Game and Parks team during a career fair Feb. 4 at Mahoney State Park near Ashland. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., agency representatives will be at the Peter Kiewit Lodge to talk about full- and part-time job openings at locations across the state.
Bring your birding buddies and join us at E.T. Mahoney State Park for Birds & Binoculars on Saturday, Feb. 4! Located at Lauritzen’s Administration Office, activities will include bird viewing and identification in preparation for the Audubon Society’s “The Great Backyard Bird Count”, along with other birding activities.
Love it or hate it, there is more to snow than meets the eye! Join educators for the "Science of Snow". We will discover how snow is made, explore the beautiful patterns of snowflakes, and create some snow-art (“snart”?). If there’s no snow, not to worry – we will make our own and show you […]