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333 N. Hill Circle

Rochester Hills, MI

48307



Classes

You can easily sign up for all of our classes and programs online:


Find the class you'd like to sign up for and click registerFill out the required info, complete payment, and your spot is secure to partake in the fantastic learning opportunities that Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve has to offer.


Please note: If the register box isn't visible for a certain class or event registration may not be open to the public yet or the class may be full. Payments are required at the time of registration to secure your spot so please have your credit or debit card ready when registering for a class or event. 


Refund policy: full refund if class or field trip is canceled by DHNP. If registrant withdraws at least 7 days week in advance of program start date a refund minus 50% processing fee will be given, 14 days or more notice, full refund. No refunds will be made after the one week advance deadline.


Upcoming events

    • 25 Apr 2025
    • 23 May 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • Various

    Registration links are to Oakland Township’s own website (see below). Please contact them directly if you have any questions about registration  248-651-7810

    Registration link to Oakland Township’s website is:

    Program: Pastry & Petals BIWEEKLY 4/25-5/23 9:30-11:30am
    • 25 Apr 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month

    We combine a story with related Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &/or Math activities.

     


    • 25 Apr 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 30
    Register

    Conservation Campfires

    A different kind of program, where the participants all have a say. Bring your stories, questions, and viewpoint for a respectful facilitated discussion of that day’s nature topic.

    S’mores supplies will be provided.



    • 03 May 2025
    • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 1
    Register

    All Ages ($7/5 per person) Get a tour of the Dinosaur Hill fossil collection, search for fossils in our dig pit,and put together your own dinosaur bone snack.


     



    • 09 May 2025
    • 13 Jun 2025
    • 5 sessions
    Register

    Fishing Friends Drop-Off Program ($50 per person for 5 classes)

    Fridays May 9, 16, 30, June 6, & June 13   Grades 4-7

    4:30-6pm

    Beginner fisherfolk can join us for fun with fins! Learn about the parts of different types of fishing rods, identify different types of freshwater fish, what baits to use with which fish, try your hand at tying flies, and cast a line in the creek whenever the weather cooperates. A children’s fishing license will be included with each registration. One session may take place at Rochester Municipal Park, date to be determined.


    • 09 May 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 30
    Register

    Conversation Campfires

    A different kind of program, where the participants all have a say. Bring your stories, questions, and viewpoint for a respectful facilitated discussion of that day’s nature topic.

    S’mores supplies will be provided.



    • 15 May 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 3rd Thursday of the month

    At this program, we’ll read a story, eat a snack, and make a craft that matches the theme. ($6/4 per child per session) Suggested Ages 3-5  

     


    • 16 May 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 W. Snell Road, Oakland Township, MI 48306

    Registration links are to Oakland Township’s own website (see below). Please contact them directly if you have any questions about registration  248-651-7810

    Registration link to Oakland Township’s website is:



    Program: Feathered Friends 5/16 10-11am






    • 21 May 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 12
    Register

    Adult Session, 16 + $6 member, $8 non member

    An introduction to square foot gardening, a healthy pizza snack, and a good starter pack of seedlings to grow into pizza toppings.


    • 23 May 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle
    • 11
    Register

    10-11 am Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month

    We combine a story with related Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &/or Math activities.

     


    • 23 May 2025
    • 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    • 8
    Register

    Bat Chat Saturday. May 23, 8-9:30 pm All Ages($6/$4 individual or  $15/$13 family)

    We’ll discuss the only flying mammals in the world–  1,465 species of bats– including the 9 local bats found in Michigan, and their relatives everywhere except Antarctica. We’ll use night vision binoculars and an echometer touch to both see and hear bats in the woods.

    • 28 May 2025
    • 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 12
    Register

    Kids Session Grades 2-7  $6 member, $8 non member

    An introduction to square foot gardening, a healthy pizza snack, and a good starter pack of seedlings to grow into pizza toppings.


    • 04 Jun 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 26
    Register

    Conservation Campfires

    A different kind of program, where the participants all have a say. Bring your stories, questions, and viewpoint for a respectful facilitated discussion of that day’s nature topic.

    S’mores supplies will be provided.



    • 08 Jun 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Center
    Register

    River Day Sunday, June 8 10am-2pm

    All Ages FREE

    Meander along our trails and stop at our River Day stations to discover what our waterways do for us, and how we can help them. Bring water shoes (or borrow ours) to get in the water and dip net for macroinvertebrates, try your hand at water quality testing, and create a water-based painting.


    • 13 Jun 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month

    We combine a story with related Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &/or Math activities.

     


    • 15 Jun 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 W. Snell Road, Oakland Township, MI 48306

    Registration links are to Oakland Township’s own website (see below). Please contact them directly if you have any questions about registration  248-651-7810

    Registration link to Oakland Township’s website is:

    https://oaklandtownship.recdesk.com/Community/Program









    • 19 Jun 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    • 10
    Register

    10-11 am Every 3rd Thursday of the month

    At this program, we’ll read a story, eat a snack, and make a craft that matches the theme. ($6/4 per child per session) Suggested Ages 3-5  

     


    • 20 Jun 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    Register

    Michigan Wildlife Trivia Campfires

    $15 member team/$12 per non member Team    All ages.

    Enjoy cooking a hot dog and s’more over the open flame while answering trivia questions about Michigan’s wild plants and animals. Special prize awarded to winning team. S’mores & hot dog supplies will be provided, please advise if gluten-free or vegan products are necessary when registering.

     

    June 20– 6-8 pm Mindblowing Mammals       



    • 23 Jun 2025
    • 26 Jun 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 11
    Register

    Nature Camp Sample!

    Ages 6-11

    (per child $105 / $85 for DHNP members)

    June 23-June 26 Nature Camp Sample  1-4pm each day

    4 days with at least 4 different nature topics– a sample of some of the camp activities we’ve done in past years. Bugs, Birds, Mammals, Geology, and Space activities abound!


    • 24 Jun 2025
    • 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • 333 North Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    Register

    Dress as your favorite pollinator or pollinated plant and parade from the nature center around the Rochester Community Garden, collecting pollinator goodies on the way! After the parade, we’ll play pollinator games and build pollinator hotels. Special prizes for the best dressed, most uncommon, and most colorful pollinators!

    $4 per person - general public

    Free for Members 

    Everyone attending needs to register. Be sure to answer the "additional guest" box when registering.  Include in that box how many people are coming with you, do not include yourself in that number.  

    • 27 Jun 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month

    We combine a story with related Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &/or Math activities.

     


    • 28 Jun 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Gallagher Creek Park, 2780 Silver Bell Road, Oakland Township, MI 48306

    Registration links are to Oakland Township’s own website (see below). Please contact them directly if you have any questions about registration  248-651-7810

    Registration link to Oakland Township’s website is:

    https://oaklandtownship.recdesk.com/Community/Program









    • 02 Jul 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    • 6
    Register

    Dino Dig Sand Castle Competition July 2

    10 am-1 pm Kids

    ($10 per Team of 4– only 6 teams per time slot)

    Each team of 4 gets a section of our dig pit to make a sand castle in. The winning team receives a gift card.


    • 02 Jul 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    • 6
    Register

    Dino Dig Sand Castle Competition July 2

    6-8pm Adult Session

    ($10 per Team of 4– only 6 teams per time slot)

    Each team of 4 gets a section of our dig pit to make a sand castle in. The winning team receives a gift card.


    • 07 Jul 2025
    • 11 Aug 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 12
    Register

    Monday Drop Off Classes

    July 7-Aug 11 (6 sessions!)

    Fee covers all 6 dates: $105 per child non-member    $85 per child for DHNP members

    9 am—12 pm Dinosaurs (ages 5-10)

    Dig for dino bones and other fossils. Sculpt and paint a dinosaur of your own. Create pasta dinosaur skeletons. Use your imagination to assemble dinosaur toys in different configurations. Can we put the T-Rex skeleton together?



    • 07 Jul 2025
    • 11 Aug 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 12
    Register

    Monday Drop Off Classes

    July 7-Aug 11 (6 sessions!)

    Fee covers all 6 dates: $105 per child non-member    $85 per child for DHNP members

    1-5 pm Ecology (ages 10-14)

    Experience real wildlife biology research techniques! We’ll be placing camera traps and setting up a citizen science project. Work together to make a dichotomous key to candy. Explore mark and recapture population estimates. Student interests will drive our explorations of the park.





    • 08 Jul 2025
    • 12 Aug 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 8
    Register

    Tuesday Drop Off Classes

    July 8-Aug 12 (6 sessions)

    Fee covers all 6 sessions:  $105 per child/ $85 per child for DHNP members)

    1-4 pm WILD LIFE: BUGS (ages 5-10)

    Meet our resident movie stars up close. Use nets to sweep for insects in the understory and in the creek. Turn logs. We’ll safely capture and identify what we find, and turn them loose at the end of the day.  Build a bug habitat and watch some very hungry caterpillars grow.




    • 11 Jul 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month

    We combine a story with related Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &/or Math activities.

     


    • 16 Jul 2025
    • 13 Aug 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 12
    Register

    Wednesday Drop Off Sessions

    July 16-Aug 13      5 Sessions!

    Ages 5-10

    Fee covers 5 sessions:  $105 per child/ $85 per child for DHNP members)

     

    9am - 12:30 pm Reptiles & Amphibians

    Discover what makes reptiles and amphibians different from one another through games, crafts, and hands on activities. Each day we’ll search for wild reptiles and amphibians in the preserve and spend some time with our resident ambassador reptiles.



    • 16 Jul 2025
    • 13 Aug 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 12
    Register

    Wednesday Drop Off Sessions

    July 16-Aug 13      5 Sessions!

    Fee covers 5 sessions:  $105 per child/ $85 per child for DHNP members)

     

    1-5 pm NATURE ARTS & CRAFTS

    (ages 5-12)

    Discover creative ways to use stones, soil, and plant parts to create artwork. Hike to gather natural objects that we’ll use to weave, paint, and more!

     




    • 17 Jul 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 3rd Thursday of the month

    At this program, we’ll read a story, eat a snack, and make a craft that matches the theme. ($6/4 per child per session) Suggested Ages 3-5  

     


    • 18 Jul 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    Register

    Michigan Wildlife Trivia Campfires

    $15 member team/$12 per non member Team    All ages.

    Enjoy cooking a hot dog and s’more over the open flame while answering trivia questions about Michigan’s wild plants and animals. Special prize awarded to winning team. S’mores & hot dog supplies will be provided, please advise if gluten-free or vegan products are necessary when registering.

     

    July 18  6-8 pm  Baffling Birds
    • 19 Jul 2025
    • 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • 12
    Register

    The Moth Ball July 19, 9-10 pm

    All Ages ($6/4 per person or $15/$13 per family)

    We’ll set up a moth sheet trap and bait them with beer! Identify some common moths and other night time insects in the area– including the night shift of pollinators!



    • 25 Jul 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month

    We combine a story with related Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &/or Math activities.

     


    • 25 Jul 2025
    • 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail, Oakland Township, MI 48363

    Registration links are to Oakland Township’s own website (see below). Please contact them directly if you have any questions about registration  248-651-7810

    Registration link to Oakland Township’s website is:

    https://oaklandtownship.recdesk.com/Community/Program









    • 28 Jul 2025
    • 01 Aug 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail, Oakland Twp, MI 48363
    • 13

    Whether it’s casting a line out into the lake, wading through the wetland in search of frogs and turtles, playing wild &/or historic games, or creating art, this camp will feature a large variety of scientific and nature-based activities. We will picnic outside whenever the weather permits so bring a bagged lunch to keep your little scientist fueled so they can continue inspecting insects, dodging water balloons and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Lost Lake. Program takes place at Lost Lake Nature Center, 846 Lost Lake Trail, Oakland Twp, MI

     

     


    • 01 Aug 2025
    • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
    • 12
    Register

    Pirate Treasure Dig Friday, Aug 1, 4-5:30 pm

    Ages 4-10 ($6/4 per person or $15/$13 per family)

    We’ll make a pirate craft in the nature center. Then follow our treasure maps to where “X” marks the spot and dig for treasures to take home in our popular dinosaur dig.


    • 08 Aug 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month

    We combine a story with related Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &/or Math activities.

     


    • 08 Aug 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    Register

    Michigan Wildlife Trivia Campfires

    $15 member team/$12 per non member Team    All ages.

    Enjoy cooking a hot dog and s’more over the open flame while answering trivia questions about Michigan’s wild plants and animals. Special prize awarded to winning team. S’mores & hot dog supplies will be provided, please advise if gluten-free or vegan products are necessary when registering.

     

    August 8   6-8 pm Peculiar Plants



    • 10 Aug 2025
    • 2:00 PM
    • 333 North Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    • 30
    Registration is closed

    Build a 2 foot or smaller boat from our upcycled materials &/or bring your own supplies. We'll launch them down the creek and see whose boatables really are floatable. Prizes awarded in several categories.

    $6 per person - general public

    $4 per person - members. 

    Everyone attending needs to register. Be sure to answer the "additional guest" box when registering.  Include in that box how many people are coming with you, do not include yourself in that number.  

    • 15 Aug 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Cranberry Lake Park, 388 West Predmore, Oakland Township, MI 48363

    Registration links are to Oakland Township’s own website (see below). Please contact them directly if you have any questions about registration  248-651-7810

    Registration link to Oakland Township’s website is:

    https://oaklandtownship.recdesk.com/Community/Program









    • 21 Aug 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 3rd Thursday of the month

    At this program, we’ll read a story, eat a snack, and make a craft that matches the theme. ($6/4 per child per session) Suggested Ages 3-5  

     


    • 22 Aug 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 333 North Hill Circle
    • 12
    Register

    10-11 am Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month

    We combine a story with related Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &/or Math activities.

     


    • 23 Aug 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • 15
    Register

    Evening Wildflower Hike Aug 23, 7-8 pm

    All Ages ($2 per person/$0 for DHNP members)

    Let’s see what wildflowers the deer have left us! An evening stroll on the hunt for jewelweed, goldenrod, and other summer wildflowers.

     


    • 06 Sep 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 W. Snell Road, Oakland Township, MI 48306

    Registration links are to Oakland Township’s own website (see below). Please contact them directly if you have any questions about registration  248-651-7810

    Registration link to Oakland Township’s website is:

    https://oaklandtownship.recdesk.com/Community/Program









    • 07 Sep 2025
    • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
    • 12
    Register

    Grandparents’ Day Adventure Sept 7, 10 am

    Bring your Grands to the nature center for a fun nature craft, game, and new memories!


    • 12 Sep 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
    • 6
    Register

    Michigan Wildlife Trivia Campfires

    $15 member team/$12 per non member Team    All ages.

    Enjoy cooking a hot dog and s’more over the open flame while answering trivia questions about Michigan’s wild plants and animals. Special prize awarded to winning team. S’mores & hot dog supplies will be provided, please advise if gluten-free or vegan products are necessary when registering.

     

    September 12 – 6-8 pm Interesting Insects    



    • 20 Sep 2025
    • 10:00 AM
    • 12
    Register

    Finding Fungi September 20, 10 am

    All Ages ($6/4 per person or $15/$13 per family)

    Mushrooms are all around us, let’s see what spores can be found of fungus!






HOURS:    Tue/Wed/Thur:  Groups by Appointment

                    Fri:  1pm-5pm     Sat/Sun:  12pm-5pm

Email us for best service

info@dinosaurhill.org

Office: (248) 656-0999

Address:
333 North Hill Circle
Rochester, MI 48307

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