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Venture Parks Programs

The Venture Park Education Team provides outdoor learning opportunities for park guests at at four popular southeastern state parks and recreation areas along the Platte River. Our goal is to inspire appreciation and knowledge of natural and cultural resources while promoting greater understanding, support for and participation in conservation and outdoor recreation.

Seasonal events

Nebraska’s Venture Parks host dozens of featured seasonal events year-round. Upcoming annual September events include Archery on Fire at Platte River State Park, Spider Night Hike at Schramm Park, Wise & Wild adult nature series, Homeschool Hikes at Schramm Park and more!

View events calendar

Fall hours

James Family Conservatory and Nature Center

Discover nature-themed activities and live animals in the nature center. Please be aware that the conservatory
may be closed for renovations. Restrooms are available in the lobby. Admission to the nature center is free.

Saturdays

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sundays

12:30-4:30 p.m.

*Cross Country meet courtesy hours: Thursday, Sept. 10 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 11
from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mahoney State Park hosts several track meets at their newly developed running trail.
Stop in for a break during meets!

PRSP Nature Center

The nature center has a classic, nature cabin feel with lots of things to learn about with a naturalist. You’ll find
live animals, furs, insect displays, interesting taxidermy and activities. Admission to the nature center is free.

Saturdays

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Treehouse Classroom

Visit Schramm Park’s newest facility during “Treehouse Time” and embrace the importance of unstructured,
free play as part of healthy development and wellbeing. It is a perfect place to sit in a nook with a book,
ponder a puzzle, build with loose parts or take in the view of the Canyon Ponds and the Platte River. Restrooms
are open during public hours only.

Mondays

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Saturdays

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sundays

Noon-3 p.m.

Schramm Education Center

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit Schramm Education Center

Thursday Evening Summer Series

All activities are free, but registration is required for our Thursday Evening Summer Series. All ages are welcome unless age restrictions are noted.

Introduction to Paddle Sports

June 18 and July 23, 6-7:30 p.m.: Learn paddle sport basics as we discuss water safety rules, paddling technique and give you a chance to try out paddling on the water. We will have a few different options available to try on a first-come, first-served basis, including paddle boards, kayaks, round rafts and canoes. Meet at the kiosk by the floating playground entrance.

Note: You must wear and fit in a life jacket and must be 10 & up to participate. Youth under 10 may be allowed to ride with an adult chaperone if together are within craft weight limits or in tandem. Weight limits vary between paddle crafts. Round Rafts 225 lbs., Paddle boards 250 lbs., Kayaks 250-300 lbs., Canoes 500+ lbs.

Critters & Crawdad Creek

July 9, 6-7:30 p.m.: Search Crawdad Creek for underwater animals with nets and scopes. Learn about animals that call Platte River State Park their home as you meet reptile and amphibian animal ambassadors. Fish call it their home too, so we’ll have a small fishing station set up where first-time anglers (ages 16 and under) can try to catch a fish. Meet at Crawdad Creek.

Wildflowers & Watercolors

June 4, 6-7:30 p.m.: Celebrate Wildflower Week while creating simple watercolor artwork, which you will complete as you explore our pollinator gardens and prairie. Master Gardeners will be available to help you discover the wonders of wildflowers. This event is at the Schramm Education Center classroom.

Rafting & Rocks

June 25 and July 30, 6-7:30 p.m.: We’ll have two activities to try! Round Rafts will be available for floating around on a pond and we will also be at the geological outcrop to explore the limestone layers and assist guests with discovering fossils in the rocks. Meet at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, Geological Outcrop and Pond near the Outcrop/River Launch parking area.

Note: You must wear and fit in a life jacket and must be 8 & up to participate. Youth under 8 may ride with an adult chaperone if together are within craft weight limits or in tandem. Round Raft weight limit 225 lbs. Dress to get wet.

Nature Zines

July 16, 6-7:30 p.m.: Zines are mini-magazines that can be shared to bring joy and spread a positive message about nature. Participants will make zines to keep or share. Materials are provided. Best for ages 7 & up, but younger friends may join and can enjoy alternate activities that we will have available. This event is at the Schramm Education Center classroom.

Additional program information

Cancellations: Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather (such as storms, extreme heat or other local advisories) or due to unforeseen circumstances.

Time: Programs with only a start time will begin at that time and last approximately 20-60 minutes. Programs noted with a start and end time (example: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are open-house style for drop in participation.

Audience: Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Programs are intended for general-audience park guests. If you would like to do these programs with a group, rent a nature center classroom or have other program-related questions email [email protected] or call (402) 332-5022.

What to wear and bring: Please dress appropriately for the activity and the weather. It is optional to bring a water bottle, sun or insect protection, camera, binoculars or other gear.

Fees: Programs are free unless a fee is noted. A Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required on all vehicles entering Nebraska State Parks and Recreation Areas. Free events at Schramm Education Center do NOT include admission to see the exhibits in the center and are held outdoors or in our classroom spaces.