🌞 Summer of Wonder 2026: A Season of Discovery at the Schrader Center
June 1 – August 7
Summer at the Schrader Environmental Education Center is all about curiosity, creativity, and connection with the natural world. Whether you’re exploring the forest, meeting live animals, or crafting something beautiful from upcycled materials, Summer of Wonder 2026 offers hands‑on experiences for all ages — no pre‑registration required. Unless otherwise noted, programs are $5 per person and free for OI members or Oglebay Park guests with activity cards. Space is limited and offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
🦋 Daily Programs
Winged Wonders Walk‑Through
Monday–Friday • 8:30–10:30 am
OPENING SOON! Step into a living kaleidoscope inside West Virginia’s only butterfly house. Wander among free‑flying butterflies as they sip nectar, land nearby, and reveal their incredible transformation from caterpillar to winged wonder. Learn how to create your own pollinator‑friendly habitat at home. 🦋
📅 Weekly Programs
Sand Art
Mondays • 11 am
Create your own colorful sand‑art masterpiece using locally upcycled glass sand. Supplies are limited — arrive early!
Upcycled!
Tuesdays • 1 pm
Turn “trash” into treasure with a new hands‑on craft each week. Learn how everyday items can be transformed into something beautiful and useful.
June: 2 – T‑Shirt Bags 👕; 9 – Lanterns 🏮; 16 – Popsicle Stick Kazoos 🍧; 23 – Mug Bird Feeders ☕🐦
July: 7 – Eating Utensil Creatures 🍴; 14 – Plastic Bag Crafts 🛍️; 21 – Crayon Painting 🖍️; 28 – Jar‑Lid Sunflowers 🌻
August: 4 – Marble Snails & Acorns 🐌🌰
Waterfall Wednesday
Wednesdays • 2 pm • ~45 minutes
Explore the living waters of Waddles Run with direct access to our beautiful waterfall area. Catch and release salamanders, crayfish, insects, and fish. Wear boots and clothes that can get wet.
Ambassador Animals Meet & Greet
Thursdays • 3:30 pm • ~45 minutes
Meet the Schrader Center’s animal ambassadors and discover the adaptations that help them survive and thrive.
Nighttime Astronomy
Thursdays • 9 pm • up to 120 minutes
Observe the night sky with local experts from the Oglebay Astronomy Club at the Speidel Observatory. All equipment provided.
Scale‑Craft
Fridays • 1 pm
Create a keepsake using naturally shed snake skin and preserved butterfly wing scales. $8 per person
✨ Special Programs
Tea & Tweets
June 17 & July 22 • 8 am • ~60 minutes
Start your morning with a peaceful guided bird walk. Learn to identify local birds by sight and song while enjoying herbal tea. Binoculars and field guides provided; juice boxes available for young birders.
Forest School Mini‑Sessions
June 4, July 9 & August 6 • 1 pm • ~120 minutes
A nature‑based mini‑camp experience for ages 5–11. Children explore the park’s flora and fauna through hands‑on learning, crafts, and games. $10 per child • Minimum of 3 participants required
Beehive Tours
June 22 & July 27 • 3:30 pm
Suit up and explore the world of beekeeping with a Schrader Center Naturalist. Choose your comfort level — up close or from a distance. Those with bee or smoke allergies are strongly discouraged.
Night Hikes
June 12, July 17 & August 14 • 9 pm • ~60 minutes
Experience the park after dark on a guided hike in search of nocturnal wildlife.
👨👩👧👦 Private Family & Group Programming
All Summer of Wonder programs are available as private sessions for your family, scout troop, or group. $10 per person • $50 minimum