Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center provides wildlife exhibits and rehabilitation, planetarium, and education programs. Visitors can study a variety of (live) small mammals, fish, and amphibians; take a nature hike; enjoy a planetarium show; or take a class just about any day of the week. (Nimble visitors can also crawl through a very long, cool, hollowed-out log.) We recommend planning a visit to catch a program at the Walter R. Schuele Planetarium inside the center. The schedule varies but what’s constant is this: there’s something for all ages, including family-flavored shows every Saturday at 12n, 1pm, 2pm, or 7pm, and Twinkle Tots (for toddlers) on Thursdays at 11:45am and Saturdays at 11am. (NOTE: arrive early – these are popular!)Star Parties are planned every 1st and 3rd Saturday, when, weather permitting, families can join planetarium staff and experienced star-gazers in the field with telescopes to examine the seasonal activities of the sky.After school classes and activities are generally held in six-to-eight-week sessions in the fall, winter, and spring, with programs geared for children in preschool through elementary school. Children through middle school can enjoy Summer Day Camps, slated each year. For more information about after school programming or camps, call 440.871.2900.Birthday parties run $120 for members, $160 for non-members, and include a 30-minute program (for Astronomy parties, in the planetarium; for Wildlife parties, with live animals in the nature center) for up to 30 guests, a two-hour rental of one of two rooms, with tables and chairs, use of kitchen’s refrigerator/sink/microwave, tablecloths, napkins, spoons, cake plates, and paper cups, plus a decorated “wildlife” or “astronomy” cake, and a t-shirt for the birthday boy/girl. Children must be supervised at all times and guests are responsible for food and favors (other than those listed above), and all clean up efforts. And plan ahead – party dates fill quickly.Volunteer Opportunities at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center come in many varieties – for children and adults. A list of current volunteer opportunities can be found at the website.
Step outside to enjoy short walking paths, packed with birdwatching opportunities. Ask the naturalist on duty to give you clues about what species or behaviors you might see.