Click here to view the program calendar
Pre-registration is required for all programs (including free programs).
Mindfulness at Stage: Teen & Adult Workshop
Ages: 11 and over (Participants ages 11 to 15 must be accompanied by a registered adult)
The Teen & Adult Workshop is designed to cultivate mindfulness exercises by bringing your attention to the natural world. During the workshop, participants will focus on nature, connect with their senses, and practice self-care in order to support mental wellbeing. This program is not intended as therapy or treatment.
The workshops will take place partly outside, weather permitting – please dress for the weather and walking on trails.
Click here to register for Mon, Jan 26, 10 am – 12 pm
Click here to register for Mon, Feb 23, 10 am – 12 pm
Watch this space for additional dates.
Sign up here to receive details about the mindfulness workshops at the Stage Nature Center as soon as they are announced.
Photo Walks by TNS Photo Club
Saturdays, Dec 6, Jan 3, Feb 7, Mar 7, 8-10 am
Ages: All
TNS Member: Free, Non-Member: $2 (No refunds for these programs)
Guided hikes through the SNC. Meet in the parking lot by 8 am. Bring your camera. Dress for the weather.
Click here to register for Dec 6
Click here to register for Jan 3
Click here to register for Feb 7
Click here to register for Mar 7
Winter Toddler Time
Wednesdays, Jan 7 – Feb 25, 10-11:30 am
Fee: $4/child
Registration required
A weekly gathering of parents/caring adults and children for some relaxed winter fun! Each themed session includes indoor activities for toddlers with games, crafts, puzzles, books, and children’s music. Take a self-guided hike on the SNC trails. Tea for parents & hot chocolate for the toddlers. Children must be pre-registered. Only 1 adult per registered child is requested to attend.
Click here to register for Jan 7 – Snow
Click here to register for Jan 14 – Dinosaurs
Click here to register for Jan 21 – Owls
Click here to register for Jan 28 – Groundhogs
Click here to register for Feb 4 – Bees
Click here to register for Feb 11 – Birds
Click here to register for Feb 18 – Wind
Click here to register for Feb 25 – Seeds
Knee-high Naturalists
10-11:30 am
Ages: 2-4
TNS Member: $12, Non-Member: $15
Children with a free adult partner, can attend one or more of the following programs. Each session includes a nature story, hike, activities, craft, and a snack. Fabulous Feet – find out who left tracks in the woods in December. Stranger in the Woods – learn what animals do in winter to survive in January. Whooo Loves You? – discover why owls are hooting in February.
Click here to register for Fabulous Feet on Thurs, Dec 4
Click here to register for Fabulous Feet on Fri, Dec 5
Click here to register for Stranger in the Woods on Thurs, Jan 15
Click here to register for Stranger in the Woods on Fri, Jan 16
Click here to register for Whooo Loves You? on Thurs, Feb 12
Click here to register for Whooo Loves You? on Fri, Feb 13
Little Acorns
Ages: 2-4
Sat, Jan 3 & Tues, Feb 17, 11 am – 12 pm
TNS Member: $4, Non-Member: $6
Let your child explore the sights and sounds of nature through outdoor activities. This program will take place outside, except in the event of inclement weather. You may choose to bring children in strollers or sleds that are sturdy enough for a wood chipped trail. The adult partner is free and must accompany the child throughout the program.
Click here to register for Sat, Jan 3
Click here to register for Tues, Feb 17
Nature Explorers: Animal Tracks
Sat, Jan 17, 1:30 – 3 pm
Ages: All (best for 5 & up)
TNS Member: $5, Non-Member: $7
Enjoy some screen-free time while exploring the natural world! Together we will participate in hands-on, outdoor experiences to investigate different nature-related topics. Join us in January as we explore the trails for signs of wildlife. We will learn how to track wildlife by looking for footprints, scat, feathers, and other signs that they may have left behind. Each participant will also get to make and take home a track mold of their choosing! Dress for the weather. Adults must register and remain with their children.
Walk with a Naturalist
Sat, Jan 24, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages: 3-Adult
Fee: $3 (No refunds for this program)
Enjoy a guided hike with one of our naturalists through the peaceful winter forest! Experience the quiet beauty of nature as we explore frosted trees and animal tracks. Our winter trail hike invites you to enjoy the stillness of nature’s cold embrace during this informal, free flowing program. Pre-register online. Adults should remain with their children. Each person participating should enroll and pay the fee.
Owl Prowl – Meet a Live Owl
Sat, Dec 6, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Fri, Jan 9, 5 – 7 pm
Ages: 5-Adult
TNS Member: $10, Non-Member: $12
Have you heard the trill and whinny of the Eastern Screech-Owl or the deep, soft hoot of the Great Horned Owl? On each Prowl, we will immerse ourselves into the nighttime world of the owl and discover what makes them so unique. We will first meet one of our resident owls up close and personal. Then we will brave the cold and prowl the trails to listen and look for these elusive raptors that call the grounds of the Stage Nature Center home. This is a family program; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Each person participating must enroll and pay the fee. There are two prowl times.
Click here to register for Sat, Dec 6, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Click here to register for Fri, Jan 9, 5 – 7 pm
Owl Encounters
Sat, Jan 3, 3 – 4 pm
Sat, Feb 14, 2 – 3 pm
Ages: 5-Adult
Fee: $5
Join us on one of these tours to visit the rehabilitated owls that call the Stage Nature Center home. This tour gives you a chance to learn more about the different owl species, reasons why they each live in captivity, explore their different personalities, and get your owl questions answered. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Space is limited. Registrations may fill before the day of the program.
Click here to register for Sat, Jan 3
Click here to register for Sat, Feb 14
“Deer” Santa!
Saturday, Dec 13, 10 am – 12 pm or 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Ages: 3-8
TNS Member: $16, Non-Member: $20
Santa’s reindeer are very famous, but do you know about the deer that live in Troy? Come and discover all about our local deer on our outdoor “Reindeer Trail”. Join Santa Claus as he tells a few tales about his reindeer and life at the North Pole. Everyone will talk with Santa and Mrs. Claus personally and receive a small gift from them. Children will also enjoy a snack and make a craft. Bring your cameras and take pictures of your little ones with Santa. Please dress for the weather as a short hike is included. Each child participating in the program must be registered. Adults are free and need to remain with the child.
Click here to register for 10 am – 12 pm
Click here to register for 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Stargazing at Stage
Sat, Feb 21, 7 – 8:30 pm
Ages: 8-Adult
TNS Member: $6, Non-Member: $8
Join a member of the Oakland Astronomy Club to explore the winter night sky. We will search for winter constellations, deep space objects and other astronomical phenomena. Telescopes will be provided; however, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own. This program will occur regardless of the sky conditions. This is a family program; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Each person participating must enroll and pay the fee.
Critter Encounter
Sat, Jan 17, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages: 5 – Adult
Fee: $5
Join us to meet some of the animal ambassadors that call the Stage Nature Center home. You will learn more about the different species and get your questions answered. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Space is limited. Registrations may fill before the day of the program.
Story Time at Stage
Saturdays, Jan 10 & Feb 7, 10:30 am
Ages: Recommended for ages 2-6
Fee: $2/child
Come join a naturalist and enjoy a nature-themed story time and craft. Program will run approximately 30 minutes to an hour. The adult partner is free and must accompany the child throughout the program.
Click here to register for Jan 10
Click here to register for Feb 7
Chair Yoga at Stage
Wednesdays, Jan 7 – 28, Feb 18 & 25, 10 – 11 am
Ages: 12-Adult
Fee per Session: TNS Member: $4, Non-member: $6
Ease into yogic postures and experience yogic breathing for improved energy and inner calm. Chair yoga is a modified, gentle form of yoga that is performed either sitting on a chair or standing using a chair for support. This class is ideal for you if you prefer to practice without getting down to floor level. Please bring a towel, water, and insect repellent. Classes will be conducted either in the covered pavilion (outdoors but with a concrete floor) or indoors.
Click here to to select one or more dates and register
Pilates at Stage
Tuesdays, Jan 13 & Feb 10, 2 – 3 pm
Ages: 14-Adult
Fee: Free; donations are appreciated
Pilates is for everyBODY! Join an instructor from Club Pilates Troy for a refreshing monthly mat class designed to strengthen, lengthen, and energize your body using simple yet powerful Pilates movements. All levels are welcome-no experience needed, just bring yourself and a mat! Classes will be conducted indoors.
Click here to register for Jan 13
Click here to register for Feb 10
Early Birds & Coffee
Sat, Feb 14, 8 – 10 am
Ages 14 – Adult
Fee: $5
Join the flock for a delightful morning where nature lovers and coffee enthusiasts come together to enjoy two of life’s simple pleasures—birdwatching and sipping freshly brewed coffee. We will venture into the great outdoors, coffee cups in hand, to search for local bird species in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a first-timer, this gathering offers a relaxing and engaging experience, combining the serenity of birdwatching with the warmth of good coffee and great company. Come for the birds, stay for the brew! We will provide coffee and pastries. Bring your own binoculars or borrow one of ours.
Plant Native! It’s for the Birds!
Sat, Feb 14, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Ages: 12 – Adult
TNS Member: $6, Non-Member: $8
Join Angela Nelson, Horticulturist at East Michigan Native Plants, LLC, to discover how native plants provide food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for a wide variety of bird species. This program explores the connections between native plants and the birds they support, along with practical tips for creating bird-friendly landscapes at home or in community spaces. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Each person participating must enroll and pay the fee.
Troy School District Art Show
Stop by the Stage Nature Center to see the Troy School District Art Show featuring K-12 artists on display from February 4th through February 19th during building open hours.
Rent-a-Maple
Tap into history and welcome spring with Stage Nature Center’s popular annual Rent-a-Maple event! Help support our sugar bush by “leasing” a maple tree. Your name will hang on a tree during the syrup season to acknowledge your generous support. Holiday gift leases must be purchased by December 10, 2025.
This year, a limited number of trees will be available for participants to tap themselves or to be tapped by staff members. You have the choice of “leasing” a maple tree that will be tapped by your group of up to 5 participants at $60 per tree, a maple tree that will be tapped by staff members (guests are not present for tapping) at $50 per tree, or a maple tree that that is too young to collect sap from (no tap) at $30 per tree. All tree leases include a Rent-a-Maple package that will contain the following:
- A spile for tree tapping at home
- One pint of pure maple syrup
- Maple sugar candy
- Other special surprises
- A “certificate of appreciation”
Leases must be purchased by January 23, 2026. Rent-a-Maple packages will be available for pick-up at the SNC starting on February 28, 2026. Groups that are tapping their own trees will be scheduled to tap on February 28. For purchasing details, please call the SNC at 248.688.9703.
Maple Syrup Time
Saturdays, March 7, 14 and 21
Plan on taking a hike through the sugar bush of the Stage Nature Center on one of these three days! Discover how maple trees make sugar and people harvest it. This family-friendly program highlights the natural and local history of our region. Tour includes activities to learn more about syrup making.
Scout It Out: Cub Scouts
Fee: $11/scout
Complete your nature-related achievement! All or most requirements are met; however, the badge itself is not included. Register as an individual scout, den or pack. Please dress for the weather. Leaders or chaperones are free and need to remain with their scouts. No refunds for these programs.
Click here to register for Arrow of Light: Into the Wild on Sat, Feb 7, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Click here to register for Wolf: Digging in the Past on Sat, Apr 11, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Scout It Out: Girl Scouts
Fee: $11/scout
Complete your nature-related badge. All or most requirements are met; however the badge itself is not included. Register as an individual scout or troop. Please dress for the weather. Leaders or chaperones are free and need to remain with their scouts. No refunds for these programs.
Click here to register for Junior GS: Animal Habitats on Sat, Feb 7, 2 – 4:30 pm
Click here to register for Daisy GS: Clover Petal on Sat, Apr 11, 2 – 4 p
WATCH THIS SPACE – MORE NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS COMING SOON!