Summertime Sweets

Indulge in a tasty hands-on program where you make your own ice cream! After mixing all the ingredients, you’ll shake, shake, shake it up.

Learn the science behind the process as you choose your ice cream flavoring and toppings, then enjoy your delicious summertime sweet!

Summertime Sweets takes place on Fridays from 2:15-2:45pm. It is part of the Summer of Wonder activity series at the Schrader Environmental Education Center.

Summer of Wonder features daily nature activities June 5-August 11. (No programs week of July 3-7.)

No pre-registration required. All ages welcome. $5 per person; free for OI
members or Park guests with activity cards. (Tie-dye has additional fee.)

Program attendance limited–first come, first served. For all programs, please arrive at the listed start time.

We have many events going on throughout the year, check out our calendar to help plan your visit. View all the events happening at Oglebay Institute.

2023 Summer of Wonder Schedule

June 5 – August 11 (No programs week of July 3-7) 

Mondays
10:15-11:15am: Nature Walk
Our naturalists point out animal tracks, flowers, birds, edible plants, and other features of the forest on this guided walk.

Tuesdays
2:15-3pm: Stream Search
Gently catch, study, and release salamanders, crayfish, insects, and fish as we explore Waddles Run. Wear boots and clothes that can get wet!  Check-in at the Schrader Center before our adventure begins.

Thursdays
1:15-2pm: Tie-dye Time! 
Learn about color and design and use your creativity to tie-dye your own clothes. Bring your own clothes to tie-dye (100% cotton, wool, or silk is recommended), or purchase shirts for an additional fee, ($10, sizes limited.) Please be prompt; late arrivals may not be able to join.

9-11pm: Astronomy
Observe the night sky with local experts from the Oglebay Astronomy Club at the Speidel Observatory, located in the field across from the Schrader Center.

Fridays
8-8:45am: Bird Walk
Learn field marks and songs of the local birds that visit our feeders and trails.  Binoculars and field guides provided.

2:15-2:45pm: Summertime Sweets
Make your own ice cream and choose your favorite flavors and toppings in this tasty, hands-on program. Learn the science behind the process, and then enjoy your summertime sweet!

SELF-GUIDED SUMMER NATURE PROGRAMS

Nature backpacks
Check out a themed backpack at the front desk and then explore on your own! Backpacks include all you need to explore the pond, butterfly garden, or forest.  Includes journal for observations.  Free.

Self-guided Scavenger Hunt
Pick up your scavenger hunt list at the front desk and return it completed for a prize!  Free.

Pottery Painting
Choose from a variety of ceramic pieces in the Samara Shop and use your creativity to paint your favorite designs!  We’ll fire it in our kiln overnight for pick up the next day. Ceramic pieces range from $5-$35.

Build-your-own Terrarium
Choose a DIY terrarium kit from the Samara Shop to build onsite or when you’re back home. Handmade terrariums make beautiful additions to your living space!  Terrarium kits cost $15
and up.

PRIVATE FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS

Schedule a private program for your household group!
$10 per person. Minimum 4 people. Pre-registration required.

Campfire Lunch (or Dinner)
Summertime is the time for sitting around a crackling campfire!  Roasting sticks, hotdogs, and s’mores provided for you to cook over the fire, which a naturalist will tend for you.

Animal Meet & Greet
Meet the animals who call the Schrader Center home. Learn about the incredible adaptations of each species as you encounter some of our animal ambassadors.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

National Trails Day Hike
Saturday, June 3, 1-2:30pm
Enjoy some rejuvenating time in nature on the trails of Grand Vue Park in Moundsville.  Meet at the trailhead parking lot, just south of the main office. $5/free OI members. Register online or call 304-242-6855.

Night Hike
Thursday, July 6, 9-10pm
Led by a naturalist, take a walk in the woods to listen for owls and look at stars. Enjoy the music of the night and test your night vision. Please bring a flashlight.  $5/free OI members. Register online or call 304-242-6855.

Moth Madness
Thursday, July 27, 9-10pm
It’s National Moth Week! Celebrate these winged wonders as we lure them in with a lighted sheet for up-close study. Materials provided. $5/free OI members. Register online or call 304-242-6855.

End-of-Summer Campfire Jam
Thursday, August 10, 8-9:30pm
End the summer outside, under the stars! Crackling campfire, live music, and concessions for sale.  BYOB.  $10 per adult, $5 per child. Register online or call 304-242-6855.

Nature Walk
Saturday, August 19, 9-10:30am
Our naturalists point out animal tracks, flowers, birds, edible plants, and other features of the forest on this guided walk.  $5/free OI members. Register online or call 304-242-6855.

Explore nature as a family…

Replace your child’s screen time with green time! Our family nature programs bring families together for quality time learning about nature. So, get outside and explore! Activities ignite children’s interests in science and nature. Children socialize with other kids outside of a traditional classroom setting. They have a lot of fun, too. And parents meet and connect with other parents. Most of all, our programs instill a lifelong appreciation and respect for the natural world.

About the Schrader Center

The Schrader Center offers dozens of seasonal nature programs for all ages. Nature enthusiasts gather here to experience a sense of community around a shared love of nature. Preschoolers through adults enjoy our year-round nature activities. Our hands-on programs expand nature knowledge, promote outdoor discovery and foster lifelong learning.