Backpack Explorers

Backpack Explorers for Children

Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Come on an adventure! Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers learn together through science, art, music, stories and culture with fun, hands-on activities. Explore the Museum’s nature trails and exhibitions with one of our incredible Museum educators! New themes weekly!

$15 per child. Members receive 20% discount. Non-members pay Museum admission for accompanying adult. $5 materials fee for siblings younger than 3 who participate in crafts.

March 6 – RSVP: Animal Tracks SOLD OUT

Whose trail is that? Be a detective and use the clues left behind by animals to find out who has been where and what they were doing.


 March 13 – RSVP: Watery World – SOLD OUT
Have you ever wondered what a day would be like in the life of a fish? Uncover the answer as we get close to the Museum’s fish and explore their underwater world.


April 3 – RSVP: Eye Spy – SOLD OUT

Did you see that? Animals use their senses to see the world in a different way. Is your eyesight as good as an owl? Let’s use our sense of sight to find out how animals see in our ponderosa forests!


 April 10 – RSVP: Smelly Senses – SOLD OUT

 How do animals use their sense of smell to help them survive? Let’s explore our own senses and compare them to those of the animals of the High Desert.


 April 17 – RSVP: Microscope Adventures  – SOLD OUT

Looking through a magnifier makes the world look quite different! What will you notice when small things look big? Bring your curiosity and find out how different objects look at a microscopic level. 


 May 1 – RSVP: Bug Out – SOLD OUT

Let’s learn about bugs! Where are the best places to find them? What do they eat? What jobs do they have in our environment? Everyone will have a chance to examine the insects of the High Desert up close.


May 8 – RSVP: Who Lives in a Tree? – SOLD OUT

 What sorts of animals spend their days up in a tree? Let’s learn about how trees provide food and shelter for creatures big and small, pokey and fluffy. Come explore the Museum grounds to look for signs of animals around our forest of trees.


May 15 – RSVP: Junior Geologist – SOLD OUT

Unearth the forces of nature that create the unique geological formations and rocks of the High Desert. Investigate different types of rocks and how they are formed.


May 22 – RSVP: Plant Prints – SOLD OUT

Buds are beginning to burst with the arrival of spring! Plants provide us with so much, including food and oxygen—plus, they are beautiful! Use a flower press and make sun-prints. 


Per High Desert Museum policy, no refunds can be issued. For cases of illness or emergency, with notice 24 hours before the class, a class transfer may be issued.