Backpack Explorers

Backpack Explorers for Children

MONDAYS, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Come on an adventure! Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers learn together through science, art, music, stories and culture with fun, hands-on activities. Explore the Museum’s nature trails and exhibitions with one of our incredible Museum educators! New themes weekly!

$15 per child. Members receive 20% discount. Non-members pay Museum admission for accompanying adult. $5 materials fee for siblings younger than 3 who participate in crafts.

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Winter classes:

FEBRUARY 24 – TURTLE AND TORTOISE TIMESOLD OUT
What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Are there any similarities? Dive into the world of shells and scutes to find out!

Spring Classes 2025

Registration is now open for the spring classes. 

Western Fence Lizard

March 3

TAILS & SCALES

Are reptiles as sneaky, slithering and scary as they seem? What is the difference between a reptile and amphibian? Explore these amazing creatures close up. 

Patterns at Play: Fractals in Nature

March 10

PATTERN PROS

Interesting repeating shapes are all around us! Come explore hidden patterns in nature and create your own colorful design. 

Water article. Fort Rock stands on an ice age lake bed. Photo by Jon Nelson.

March 17

JUNIOR GEOLOGIST

Unearth the forces of nature that create the unique geological formations and rocks of the High Desert. Investigate different types of rocks and how they are shaped. 

great horned owl

April 7

ANIMAL TRACKERS

Whose trail is that? Be a detective and use the clues left behind by animals to find out who was in the area and what they were doing. 

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April 14

FIVE SENSES

How do animals use their sense of smell to help them survive? Let’s explore our own senses and compare them to those of the animals of the High Desert.

Cute little child boy looking through a magnifying glass on the tree in the garden. Study of plants.

April 21

MICRO EXPLORERS

Looking through a magnifier makes the world appear quite different! What will you notice when small things look big? Bring your curiosity and find out how different objects look at a microscopic level.

rainbow trout

April 28

FISH FRIENDS

Have you ever wondered what a day would be like for a fish? Uncover the answer as we get close to the Museum’s fish and explore their underwater world.  

white mariposa lily

May 5

PLANT PRINTS

Buds are beginning to burst with the arrival of spring! Plants provide us with so much, including food and oxygen. Plus, they are beautiful! Come explore the green world around you.

Photo by Andrey Zharkikh.

May 12

BUG OUT

Let’s learn about bugs! Where are the best place to find them? What jobs do they have in our environment? Everyone will have a chance to examine the insects of the High Desert up close. 

Douglas squirrel
Tamiasciurus douglasii

May 19 

WHO LIVES IN A TREE?

What sorts of animals spend their days up in a tree? Let’s learn about how trees provide food and shelter for creatures big and small, pokey and fluffy. Come explore the Museum grounds to look for signs of animals around our forest. 

REFUND POLICY: Per High Desert Museum policy, no refunds can be issued. For more information or for questions, contact caddison@highdesertmuseum.org.