Wilderness Survival 101 

• Saturday, May 4
  No Rain Date (Survival in all weather) 

• 10am-12pm

• Outdoor Discovery Campus - 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall Get directions here

• Admission- Members: $12 Adults and children ages 7 and up.
  Not-yet-Members: $15 Adult and children 7 and up

You never know when you might need survival skills, so why not be prepared!? Join Environmental Educators to learn simple but crucial wilderness survival skills. These include building a shelter, basic fire building techniques, and other important general survival knowledge. This programs is for adults and children ages 7 and up.

Weekend nature Program:

MOther’s Day Nature Walk

• Saturday, May 11

• 10am-11:30am

• Outdoor Discovery Campus - Get directions

• Admission for ages 3 & up:
  -Members: $10/child (age 3-12) $12/adult
  -Not Yet-Member: $12/child (age 3-12), $14/adult
  Prepaid Registration Required- See below

Join Environmental Educators to learn all about mothers and babies of the animal kingdom. Explore the fields and ponds to see if you can spot some amazing mothers in nature and seek out the sights and sounds of Spring on a guided walk along the stroller friendly trails. After our nature walk, each family will plant their own sunflower to take home and care for as it grows. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch for after the program and sit at our tables in the pavilion to enjoy the view of the Outdoor Discovery Campus cloaked in Spring colors! This event is perfect for families and anyone eager to introduce children to the wonders of the outdoors. It's an easy walk suitable for all skill levels, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Kid's Fishing Day!

• Sunday, May 19

• Session 1 - 10:00m
  Session 2: 1:00pm

• Admission: HHNM Members: $12/adults & children (ages 4-12)
  Not Yet Members: $14/adults & children
  ages (4-12)
  Children under 4 are free to attend as spectators only
  **Adult supervision is REQUIRED- this is not a drop-off program. Adults attending must purchase an adult ticket in addition to a Child’s (4-14) fishing ticket**

• Pre-registration is required

Children will learn the skills of fishing or enhance their abilities to land a whopper! There will be a short lesson on fish anatomy plus safe and proper casting/ landing techniques. The Nature Center will provide the bait, so dust off your rod and reel and let’s get hooked on fishing! We will be using bobbers and worms only.  (We recommend a rod taller than your child with a push button reel)

Please note: Only children (ages 4-12) will be fishing during this program however adult supervision is required! Children under 4 are invited to observe along with the angler’s grown-ups.

10am session has limited space remaining.
Call (845) 5314-5506 to register

Stargazing: winter constellations

• Saturday, February 5

• 6pm-7pm

• At the Outdoor Discovery Center

• Age requirement: Children must be age 8 or older to participate

• Pre-registration is required -see below

• Admission: HHNM Members- $9
  Not-yet-Members- $12

Join Environmental Educators Tori & Taylor to observe the winter hexagon– aka the winter circle– a collection of the Northern Hemisphere's brightest stars (Taurus, Orion, Canis Minor, Canis Major, Gemini and Aurigo). Make sure to dress warmly. Bring a flashlight, a blanket, and a camping chair (if you have them). Get cozy with cookies and a warm beverage (provided) as you bask under the beauty of the nighttime Winter sky!

This program is SOLD OUT

SUPERB OWL PARTY

*Part of SuperbOwl Weekend!

• Sunday, February 12

• 10am-12pm

• Admission: Museum Members: $10
  Not-yet-Members: $12 (Children 3 and under Free)

• Pre-registration is required - see below

• Wildlife Education Center (25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson)

Join Nature Educators and our MVO Gus the Screech Owl who will quarterback your morning program! Learn all about our amazing local owls and meet Gus up close to see some of their unique adaptations and characteristics. This program will be a HOOT and you will still have plenty of time to get ready for your Super Bowl party. 

This event is sold out

Full Moon Walk

• Tuesday, August 1

• 8:00pm

• Admission:
  -HHNM Members: $8/Adults, $6/Children (ages 3-12)
  -Not-yet-Members: $10/Adults, $8/Children (ages 3-12)

• Pre-registration is required - see below.

• Outdoor Discovery Center (120 Muser Dr. - off Angola Rd.)

Venture out on a guided moonlit walk to discover the sights and sounds of nature under the Full Sturgeon Moon. Enjoy the trails before sunset and watch the moonrise over the fields and forest at the Outdoor Discovery Center.  Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Recommended for adults and families with children ages 5 and up. 

The event is sold out

Butterfly Day

• Saturday, September 9

• 10am-3:30pm
  -When purchasing a ticket, you will also be reserving a half hour time slot during which you will have several minutes to enter and enjoy the Butterfly Tent at 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:00pm or 2:30pm

  -Monarch Tag & Release 12:00 and 3:00pm

• Admission: HHNM Members: $10 per person ages 3 and up

  Not- yet-Members:  $12 per person ages 3 and up

  Children 2 and under are free

• **Pre-registration is required to guarantee your space(s) in the Butterfly Tent. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows. Pre-registration closes on Friday 9/8 at 3pm.**

Flutter in & join Nature Educators to discover the beauty and incredibly unique qualities of butterflies, moths and caterpillars! Observe Nature Educators release Monarchs at 12pm and 3pm. Children and adults alike will get a thrill getting “up close and personal” with butterflies in the Butterfly Tent (one ticket is included with each paid admission). Register for a ½ hour slot during which you will have several minutes to enter and enjoy the Butterfly Tent, meet them up close and try to hand feed them! Grasshopper Grove will also be open for Nature Play!

(PLEASE NOTE: you may only enter the Butterfly Tent during a portion of your selected time slot) offered at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 1:30pm, 2pm and 2:30pm.) 

ONline pre-REGISTRATION
is closed

Walk-ins are welcome
as space allows

• 11am Butterfly Tent is Sold Out

• 2:30pm Butterfly Tent has limited spaces

Family Camp out

• 6pm Friday, Sept. 15 - 8am Saturday, Sept. 16

• Outdoor Discovery Center - 100 Muser Drive, Cornwall Get directions here

• Admission: Admission for Museum Members: $80 per tent

  -Not-yet members $100 per tent

  -Pre-paid registration is required to reserve a campsite

Bid summer farewell with a night under the stars! After dinner, bring your family, your tent and sleeping bags for an evening of nocturnal fun. Begin your overnight adventure by setting up your campsite with the help of camping veterans. Then join Nature Educators to go stargazing, make s’mores around the campfire, and (for those interested) go for a short night walk and call for owls! Light breakfast snack and coffee will be provided on Saturday morning as you break down your campsite.

We have indoor bathrooms on-site. Don’t forget your tent with a rain-fly (for rain/dew), sleeping bag & (camping) pillow!

Suggestions to bring:

• Bug spray

• Flashlight and/or lantern

• Extra pair of socks

• Comfortable layers for overnight temps

• (Refillable) water bottle

• Sleeping pad

• Camping chairs

Items to avoid:

• Too many snacks (ie- snacks you won’t consume before bed)

• Camping stove

This event is sold out

Wine and Watercolors

• Saturday, September 23rd 

• 3-5pm

• Outdoor Discovery Center - 100 Muser Drive, Cornwall Get directions here

• $35 Members $45 non members
  For ages 21+ only

Join us for an afternoon of plein-air painting and beverages. From the french for "in the open air" plein-air painting is about experiencing painting and drawing amongst nature. While you sip on a refreshing glass of wine, an educator will lead you through the basics of watercolor painting to capture the beauty of a natural landscape. No previous art experience is required!

This event is sold out

Wine & Spirits Ghost Tour

• Friday, October 20

• From 7pm-9pm

• Outdoor Discovery Center - 100 Muser Drive, Cornwall Get directions here

• This event is for ages 21 and up

• Admission: HHNM Members: $75
  Not Yet Members: $90
  Prepaid Registration Required- See below

Join us for a night of intrigue, apparitions, and fun! We will have our Soul-mmelier Rob Lipkin “pour his heart out” for your wine tasting pleasure. Carl Heitmuller will divulge about the entities that people have heard and seen, plus his own personal stories of the last 30 years here at the Nature Museum. Our 160-year-old farmhouse will be the setting for an evening of Wine & Spirits! Join us if you dare….

this event is sold out

ISPY Halloween Trail

• Saturday, October 28

• 11am-3pm:
  **Register for a time to begin your I SPY trail. Offered every half hour
  **You may only begin the trail during your 1/2 hour window- no early or late entry can be admitted

• Admission: **All adults and children ages 3 and up require a paid ticket**
  -All tickets are $10 (ages 3 & up)

  -Children ages 2 and under are free - use the “Children 2 and under FREE” option in the cart. These tickets can only be purchased in addition to a paid timed tickets.

• Pre-registration is STRONGLY suggested!

  Day of walk-ins welcome as space allows

• At the Outdoor Discovery Center Get directions here

Have some spook-tacular family fun and sharpen your observation skills as you search for hidden objects along the no-scare iSPY Halloween Trail! But keep your eyes open… you never know who -- or what -- you might meet during this special “scavenger haunt!” Find all of the hidden items and receive a prize! After the trail, head over to the Creature Corner to meet live animals! This self-guided activity is a great way for families with little ghouls and goblins to celebrate Halloween, so don’t delay because it will surely be a scream! Costumes are encouraged! *Please do not touch or remove any of the items from along the iSPY trail- thank you!!**

Please note: Grasshopper Grove will be closed

Online registration is now closed.

Walk-Ins are welcome as space allows.

Availability

• 11am session is sold out

• 11:30am session is sold out

• 2pm sessions is sold out

Wilderness Survival and Bushcrafts

• Saturday, November 11 (No Rain Date -Survival in all weather) 

•  10am-12pm

• Age requirement: Children must be age 8 or older to participate

• Outdoor Discovery Center - 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall Get directions here

• Admission for Adults & Children ages 8 & up:
  -HHNM Members: $12 per person
  Not-yet-Members: $15 per person

• Pre-registration is required- see below 

You never know when you might need survival skills, so why not be prepared!?During this special Wilderness Survival program, you will learn about several important skills for long term outdoor survival. These include bushcraft tool making, foraging, water purification techniques, and some wilderness first aid. No prior experience is necessary. This program is for ages 8 and up.

This program is sold out

Hawk Walk with TC Bird Management

• Saturday, November 18

• 10am

• Outdoor Discovery Center Get directions here

• Age requirement: Children must be age 8 or older to participate

• Admission:

• Members: $120 per person
  Not-yet-Members: $150 per person
  Prepaid registration required - See below Limited to 10 spaces per session

Take a nature walk like no other! You will have a unique and special opportunity to stroll the fields and forest of the Outdoor Discovery Center accompanied by free-flighted hawks and guided by experts from Goshen’s TC Bird Management. After your trek with these birds of prey, see them up close and meet at least three other species of raptors. Learn about proper handling before holding a bird on your own!

This event is sold out

Turkey Tales

• Sunday November 19

• Session 1: 10am
  Session 2: 1pm

• Outdoor Discovery Center - 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall Get directions here

• Admission for Adults & Children (ages 3 -12):
  -HHNM Members: $10/Adult and $8/Child
  -Not-yet-Members: $12/Adult and $10/Child
  -Ages 2 and under are free

• Pre-registration is required- see below 

Kick off the Thanksgiving holiday out in the woods as you search for the signs and sounds of wild turkeys! Learn all about this fascinating bird that is so prevalent this time of year and discover the turkey’s natural history, unique adaptations, and connection to the first Thanksgiving. Check out turkey feathers, a call box, and more up close -- and maybe even come across some live ones along the trail during a guided walk.

Thanksgiving Weekend with the Wildlife Education Center (WEC)

• Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, November 24, 25 & 26

• 12pm-4pm

• At the Wildlife Education Center Get directions here

• Admission: HHNM Members: FREE
  Not-yet-Members: $5 per person ages 3 & up.

Join the animals and HHNM staff at the Wildlife Education Center for some post-holiday fun! Check out some amazing local wildlife and hear about what they had for their Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy “Meet the Animal” presentations at 1pm and 2:30pm, and make a fun seasonal craft. This weekend is also an excellent time to start your Holiday shopping in our Nature Shop. With gifts for all ages, including science kits, books, toys, locally made-items and more, find the perfect presents all while supporting the programs and Animals of HHNM! Plus, this weekend only, enjoy a free gift with every in-person purchase of any level of Animal Sponsorship in addition to the regular perks, as well as a special Holiday Membership Sale! Animal sponsorships and Gift Memberships make uniquely wonderful holiday presents!

No pre-registration is needed

Make your Own Snow GLobes

• Sunday, December 3

• 10am

• Outdoor Discovery Center - Get directions

• Age requirement: Children must be age 4 or older to participate (ages 3 and under may attend for free to watch)

• Admission for Adults & Children ages 4 & up:
  -HHNM Members: $12 per person
  -Not -Yet Members: $14 per person
  -1 snow globe per every 2 people in your party

• Prepaid Registration Required- See below

Join Environmental Educators for a fun morning of creative, upcycled, seasonal crafting as you learn how to make a Winter Wonderland Snow Globe from a recyclable jar! Use your imagination and just a few other ingredients to turn this everyday item into a unique and beautiful snowscape! They also make a unique holiday gift! This program is for ages 4 and up (ages 3 and under may attend for free to watch)

Winter Solstice Celebration

• Saturday, December 16

• 3-5pm

• Outdoor Discovery Center - Get directions

• Admission for Adults & Children (ages 3-12):
  -HHNM Members: $10 Adults, $8 Children
  -Not-yet Members $12 Adults, $10 Children

• Prepaid Registration Required- See below

All are invited to celebrate the longest night of the year at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum! The winter solstice has long been observed in many cultures around the world. The longest night of the year symbolizes winter, but also the returning of the light as the days begin to lengthen. We’ll go on a scavenger hunt for the hidden Yule Log and then cheer on the lengthening days with a warm fire, and traditional warm beverage. Come celebrate the season in a down-to-earth fashion before the whirlwind of the holidays embraces you!

This event is sold out

Hudson HIghlands Nature Center (HHNC)
Opening Weekend

• Saturday, January 6 & *Sunday, January 14
  *(postponed from 1/7 due to snow)

• 12pm-4pm

• At the Wildlife Education Campus Get directions here

• Admission: Free

Come and enjoy FREE admission to the Wildlife Education Campus (formerly Wildlife Education Center) where you can visit live animals up close, get a complimentary souvenir (one per group/family), and enter a free raffle for a one year HHNC Membership! PLUS join Nature Educators for "Meet the Animal" presentations at 1pm and 2:30pm, explore the Ogden Gallery, and check out the hiking trails!

No pre-registration is needed

Snowman Craft and Cookie Party

• Sunday, January 14

• 10am

• Outdoor Discovery Center - Get directions

• Admission for Adults & Children (ages 3-12):
  -HHNM Members: Adults/$12 Child/$10
  -Not -Yet Members: Adults/$14 Child/$12

• Prepaid Registration Required- See below

Start your frigid fun filled morning off by joining Nature Educators to make your own adorable sock snowman, the perfect craft for a cold winter day! Then get creative as you decorate a snowman sugar cookie to enjoy while listening to a snowman story. Finally (snow permitting) we’ll head outside to build a group snowman!

StarLab: POrtable Planetarium

• Saturday, January 27, 2024

• Four Sessions: *10am, *11am, 12pm & *1pm

• Outdoor Discovery Center - Get directions

• Prepaid registration required. Walk-ins will not be admitted.

• Recommended for ages 4 and up

• Admission for Adults & Children ages 3 & up:
  -HHNM Members: $15 per person
  -Not -Yet Members: $20 per person

  *Limited space remains for 10am, 11am, and 1pm. Please call to register - 845-534-5506

Take a celestial adventure in the magical night sky via the StarLab inflatable planetarium! Learn how to identify the major constellations and stars while hearing Native American and Greek stories of how they were believed to be created. Feel free to bring a pillow or blanket to get comfy during the show. **Please note, Starlab is not recommended for those with limited mobility as you need to crawl on the floor to enter the Starlab**

Members Only:
maple Tree Tapping

• Sunday, January 28 2024

• 10am - 11:30am

• Outdoor Discovery Center Get directions here

• Admission: (HHNM Members Only!)
  $85 per group (Group size limited to 5)

Members of the Nature Museum are welcome to come join our Environmental Educators in getting ready for the maple sugaring season! Six families will receive the very first maple sugar tours of the season as we head out to the Sugar Bush for a memorable morning. Each family will drill and  tap a tree themselves and can come back to check the tree’s progress.  At the end of the day, each group will receive a bottle of local maple syrup to take home and enjoy! Recommended for ages 4 and up 

Maple Sugar tours 2024

• Saturdays and Sundays, February: 3 & 4*, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24 & 25, March 2 & 3

• Public Tour Times: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
  *(On 2/4 the final tour will go out at 12pm)

• Scout Tours: 10am

• Location: Outdoor Discovery Center - 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall (off Angola Rd.)

• Admission for Adults & Children ages 5 & up:
  -HHNM Members: $12 per person
  -Not -Yet Members: $15 per person
  -Children 4 and under are free

• Prepaid registration is required - click below

Weekend Nature Program

Wolves To Workers

• Weekend Nature Program

• Saturday, March 9th

• 10am

• Outdoor Discovery Campus

• Admission for Adults & Children (ages 3-12):
  -HHNC Members: Adults/$12 Children/$10
  -Not -Yet Members: Adults/$14 Children/$12

• Prepaid Registration Required- See below

Join Environmental Educators to discover the history and reasons behind our incredible relationship with dogs. Learn about the domestication of wolves and how wild wolves became today's working breeds and furry friends! Make a wolf craft and enjoy a meet and greet with an ambassador service dog!

Owl Prowl

• Saturday, March 16

• From 7pm-9pm

• Wildlife Education Campus - Get directions here

• Admission: HHNC Members: $14
  Not Yet Members: $18
  Recommended for ages 7 and up
  Prepaid Registration Required- See below

Owls are unique creatures that have amazed and mystified humans for thousands of years. Enjoy an evening of learning all about their unique adaptations, and meet native and exotic owls close-up. Then set out on a guided after-dark stroll, during which an educator will use a calling device to try and coax owls into the area for you to hear. Dress warm!
This program is recommended for ages 7 and up.

This event is sold out

Weekend Nature Program

Rabbit Ramble

•  Saturday, March 23

• 10am

• Outdoor Discovery Campus

• Admission for Adults & Children ages 3 & up:
  -HHNC Members: Adults $12/ Children $10
  -Not -Yet Members: Adults $14/ Children $12

It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump down the rabbit hole of fun facts about bunnies! Discover how the Eastern Cottontail protects itself from predators and what to do if you come across baby rabbits. You will also have the opportunity to meet a live rabbit up close, make a nature craft, then take to the outdoors to search for signs of wild rabbits on the trails.

Weekend nature Program:

Amphibian Amble

• Saturday, April 13

• From 11:30am-1pm

• Outdoor Discovery Center - Get directions

• Admission for ages 3 & up:
  -Members: $10/child (age 3-12) $12/adult
  -Not Yet-Member: $13/child (age 3-12), $15/adult
  Prepaid Registration Required- See below

Spring brings the awakening of our native amphibians. Learn how to identify them based on sight and sound, and meet some of our local amphibian species close-up. Then head out on a guided wetlands walk in search of our amphibious friends including salamanders, toads, and frogs in their natural habitat! Please wear waterproof footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.