Bowie Nature Park has released its schedule of Fall 2026 Homeschool Programs, running from September through November. Each month has two sessions: a program with a hike, which needs advance registration, and an open-hours session two weeks later, which does not.

September

September 9, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Bowie Nature Center: "Clouds and Climates." Participants learn how weather is created, forecasted and measured with Parks Naturalists, followed by a 45-minute Signs of Weather hike. The registration deadline for this session was September 4.

September 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bowie Nature Center: "Sunshine Scholars" open hours. Students can create a weather measurement tool, complete a fall scavenger hunt, or learn about the fall equinox by measuring shadows over time.

October

October 7, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Joanne's Outdoor Classroom: "Leaves, Limbs, and Twigs." Participants identify tree types, learn about growth cycles and the benefits trees provide to ecosystems, followed by a 45-minute Tree ID hike. Registration deadline is October 2.

October 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bowie Nature Center: "Forest Friends" open hours. Students can make a tree growth slice based on environmental factors, create a craft using twigs, or watch leaves change color through a chromatography experiment.

November

November 4, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at BNP Shelter 1: "Surviving the Night." Participants learn how animals use their senses to find food, communicate, avoid predators and navigate at night, followed by a 45-minute Senses hike. Registration deadline is October 30.

November 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bowie Nature Center: "Senses After Sunset" open hours. Students can create a soundscape nature journal, complete a nocturnal adaptation matching game, or learn how fireflies communicate by replicating bioluminescence with a flashlight.

How to register

Advance registration is required for all participants, including adults and siblings, for the first session of each month. Registration is not required for the second session. Each session is limited to 30 participants, with a waitlist available. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the program.