Ijams Homeschool Days
Explore, discover, and connect with nature through hands-on adventures designed for homeschool families with homeschooler between the age of 5-12! Each month, Ijams offers an engaging themed program led by environmental educators, combining science, outdoor exploration, and creative play.
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Cost: $20/student/date
Register for as many dates as you’d like. Each session offers unique content tailored to the topic.
Remaining Fall 2025 Classes
December 15, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Astronomy
Meeting Spot: Ijams Visitor Center
Bundle up for a cozy night of stargazing! Enjoy hot cocoa, a warm fire, s’mores, and constellation spotting under the winter sky as we explore the night together.​
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Spring 2026 Classes
January 19, 9:00am–12:00pm
Digging into the Past
Meeting Spot: Ijams Visitor Center
Uncover the history of Ijams and learn how karst topography shapes the land beneath our feet. Families will explore the outside of caves, springs, and rocky outcrops as we connect the natural landscape to the stories of the people who have called this place home.
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February 23, 9:00am–12:00pm
Tracks, Traces & Tales
Meeting Spot: Ijams Visitor Center
Discover the stories our native animals leave behind. Families will learn how to identify tracks and other signs of wildlife, uncover how animals move across the land, and practice reading the tales written on the forest floor.
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March 16, 9:00am–12:00pm
Nature’s Art Studio
Meeting Spot: Ijams Visitor Center
Explore ephemeral spring wildflowers and create art inspired by the natural world. Families will experiment with temporary, nature-based art forms that celebrate beauty, creativity, and the fleeting wonders found outdoors.
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April 19, 9:00am–12:00pm (Sunday)
Birding
Meeting Spot: Ijams Visitor Center
Join an Ijams naturalist for a morning of birding. Families will learn birding basics, explore diverse habitats, and have the opportunity to visit Ijams’ bird banding station to see science in action.
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May 18, 5:30pm–8:30pm
Nature in the Evening
Meeting Spot: Ijams Visitor Center
Experience the natural world as daylight fades. Families will explore ponds and wetlands, search for amphibians, and discover how nature comes alive in the evening hours.
Policies and Information
Please read the following policies carefully when registering. Signing up for Ijams Homeschool Days indicates your understanding and agreement with these guidelines. Our goal is to create a safe, enriching experience for all families!
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Age Requirements
Children must fall within the listed age range (5–12) by the date of their first registered session.
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Adult Attendance
To help us maintain a quality experience on the trails and in our group settings:
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At least one parent or guardian must remain onsite and accompany their homeschooler for the entire program.
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If possible, we ask that only one adult attend per child to help reduce crowding on narrow trails. However, up to two adults per registered student are welcome if needed.
Younger Siblings
Younger siblings are welcome to tag along as long as they remain under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian at all times. Please note that programming is designed specifically for ages 5–12.
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Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Ijams trails are mostly unpaved and may include uneven terrain, rocks, and tree roots. Most are not stroller-friendly. If you plan to bring a stroller or have mobility concerns, please reach out to kpreston@ijams.org ahead of time so we can discuss possible modifications or alternate options.
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Parking
You will receive a parking pass prior to each program day so you can enjoy your visit without any additional fees.
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Group Structure
Depending on the number of participants, homeschool days may run as one large group or be split into two to three smaller groups, generally organized by age.
If you have multiple children registered who fall into different age groups, you're welcome to stay together as a family unit and choose the group that works best for you. We want your experience to be comfortable, flexible, and fun for everyone!
Please contact Kylie Preston with any questions about Homeschool Days at fieldtrips@ijams.org
