Return to Site | View Calendar | Mobile Version

to   


Wednesday June 17, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM    Ricketson Nature Center - Homeschool Wednesday's
Ricketson Nature Center (RNC) is a community-focused outdoor learning space located within Brooklawn Park in New Bedford.The center offers hands-on programs that connect youth and families to nature through art, environmental education, and recreation. From seasonal staycations and workshops to gardening, wildlife exploration, and creative activities, RNC is designed to spark curiosity, encourage wellness, and build a deeper connection to the natural world.RNC Homeschool ProgramRicketson Nature Center Homeschool Program invites youth and families to learn, explore, and grow together in an outdoor setting at Brooklawn Park. This free drop-off program runs Wednesdays from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and Fridays from 1:00–3:00 PM, with a focus on hands-on gardening, nature-based learning, and guided exploration of the park’s trails and natural spaces.Wednesdays (10:00 AM–12:00 PM): Midweek sessions focus on gardening, environmental stewardship, and outdoor learning. Participants will take part in planting, maintaining garden beds, and seasonal projects while learning about ecosystems, weather, and the natural world. Activities may also include nature journaling, light hikes, and creative exploration throughout the park. Fridays (1:00–3:00 PM): Friday sessions expand on outdoor exploration and interactive learning experiences. Programming includes trail walks, group activities, and nature-based games, along with special visits from The Trustees of Reservations and their Mobile Adventures van, which brings additional hands-on activities and unique environmental programming to the site. While this is a drop-off program, parents/guardians are required to remain on-site for children ages 5 and under. Families of older youth are welcome to drop off or stay and engage alongside their children. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.Field Trip Saturday's-Locations TBDThroughout the Spring/Summer-participants will have the opportunity to join monthly field trips to explore parks, trails, and open spaces throughout the South Coast region. These trips are designed to extend learning beyond Ricketson Nature Center, giving youth and families the chance to experience new environments, build outdoor skills, and deepen their connection to local natural resources. Trips will be scheduled in advance, with details and permission information shared with registered families. Transportation will be provide for FREE with pickup locations at various community centers throughout New Bedford.  		Ricketson Nature Center
 
Friday June 19, 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM    Ricketson Nature Center - Homeschool Friday's
Ricketson Nature Center (RNC) is a community-focused outdoor learning space located within Brooklawn Park in New Bedford.The center offers hands-on programs that connect youth and families to nature through art, environmental education, and recreation. From seasonal staycations and workshops to gardening, wildlife exploration, and creative activities, RNC is designed to spark curiosity, encourage wellness, and build a deeper connection to the natural world.RNC Homeschool ProgramRicketson Nature Center Homeschool Program invites youth and families to learn, explore, and grow together in an outdoor setting at Brooklawn Park. This free drop-off program runs Wednesdays from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and Fridays from 1:00–3:00 PM, with a focus on hands-on gardening, nature-based learning, and guided exploration of the park’s trails and natural spaces.Wednesdays (10:00 AM–12:00 PM): Midweek sessions focus on gardening, environmental stewardship, and outdoor learning. Participants will take part in planting, maintaining garden beds, and seasonal projects while learning about ecosystems, weather, and the natural world. Activities may also include nature journaling, light hikes, and creative exploration throughout the park. Fridays (1:00–3:00 PM): Friday sessions expand on outdoor exploration and interactive learning experiences. Programming includes trail walks, group activities, and nature-based games, along with special visits from The Trustees of Reservations and their Mobile Adventures van, which brings additional hands-on activities and unique environmental programming to the site. While this is a drop-off program, parents/guardians are required to remain on-site for children ages 5 and under. Families of older youth are welcome to drop off or stay and engage alongside their children. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.Field Trip Saturday's-Locations TBDThroughout the Spring/Summer-participants will have the opportunity to join monthly field trips to explore parks, trails, and open spaces throughout the South Coast region. These trips are designed to extend learning beyond Ricketson Nature Center, giving youth and families the chance to experience new environments, build outdoor skills, and deepen their connection to local natural resources. Trips will be scheduled in advance, with details and permission information shared with registered families. Transportation will be provide for FREE with pickup locations at various community centers throughout New Bedford.  		Ricketson Nature Center
 
Wednesday June 24, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM    Ricketson Nature Center - Homeschool Wednesday's
Ricketson Nature Center (RNC) is a community-focused outdoor learning space located within Brooklawn Park in New Bedford.The center offers hands-on programs that connect youth and families to nature through art, environmental education, and recreation. From seasonal staycations and workshops to gardening, wildlife exploration, and creative activities, RNC is designed to spark curiosity, encourage wellness, and build a deeper connection to the natural world.RNC Homeschool ProgramRicketson Nature Center Homeschool Program invites youth and families to learn, explore, and grow together in an outdoor setting at Brooklawn Park. This free drop-off program runs Wednesdays from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and Fridays from 1:00–3:00 PM, with a focus on hands-on gardening, nature-based learning, and guided exploration of the park’s trails and natural spaces.Wednesdays (10:00 AM–12:00 PM): Midweek sessions focus on gardening, environmental stewardship, and outdoor learning. Participants will take part in planting, maintaining garden beds, and seasonal projects while learning about ecosystems, weather, and the natural world. Activities may also include nature journaling, light hikes, and creative exploration throughout the park. Fridays (1:00–3:00 PM): Friday sessions expand on outdoor exploration and interactive learning experiences. Programming includes trail walks, group activities, and nature-based games, along with special visits from The Trustees of Reservations and their Mobile Adventures van, which brings additional hands-on activities and unique environmental programming to the site. While this is a drop-off program, parents/guardians are required to remain on-site for children ages 5 and under. Families of older youth are welcome to drop off or stay and engage alongside their children. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.Field Trip Saturday's-Locations TBDThroughout the Spring/Summer-participants will have the opportunity to join monthly field trips to explore parks, trails, and open spaces throughout the South Coast region. These trips are designed to extend learning beyond Ricketson Nature Center, giving youth and families the chance to experience new environments, build outdoor skills, and deepen their connection to local natural resources. Trips will be scheduled in advance, with details and permission information shared with registered families. Transportation will be provide for FREE with pickup locations at various community centers throughout New Bedford.  		Ricketson Nature Center
 
Friday June 26, 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM    Ricketson Nature Center - Homeschool Friday's
Ricketson Nature Center (RNC) is a community-focused outdoor learning space located within Brooklawn Park in New Bedford.The center offers hands-on programs that connect youth and families to nature through art, environmental education, and recreation. From seasonal staycations and workshops to gardening, wildlife exploration, and creative activities, RNC is designed to spark curiosity, encourage wellness, and build a deeper connection to the natural world.RNC Homeschool ProgramRicketson Nature Center Homeschool Program invites youth and families to learn, explore, and grow together in an outdoor setting at Brooklawn Park. This free drop-off program runs Wednesdays from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and Fridays from 1:00–3:00 PM, with a focus on hands-on gardening, nature-based learning, and guided exploration of the park’s trails and natural spaces.Wednesdays (10:00 AM–12:00 PM): Midweek sessions focus on gardening, environmental stewardship, and outdoor learning. Participants will take part in planting, maintaining garden beds, and seasonal projects while learning about ecosystems, weather, and the natural world. Activities may also include nature journaling, light hikes, and creative exploration throughout the park. Fridays (1:00–3:00 PM): Friday sessions expand on outdoor exploration and interactive learning experiences. Programming includes trail walks, group activities, and nature-based games, along with special visits from The Trustees of Reservations and their Mobile Adventures van, which brings additional hands-on activities and unique environmental programming to the site. While this is a drop-off program, parents/guardians are required to remain on-site for children ages 5 and under. Families of older youth are welcome to drop off or stay and engage alongside their children. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.Field Trip Saturday's-Locations TBDThroughout the Spring/Summer-participants will have the opportunity to join monthly field trips to explore parks, trails, and open spaces throughout the South Coast region. These trips are designed to extend learning beyond Ricketson Nature Center, giving youth and families the chance to experience new environments, build outdoor skills, and deepen their connection to local natural resources. Trips will be scheduled in advance, with details and permission information shared with registered families. Transportation will be provide for FREE with pickup locations at various community centers throughout New Bedford.  		Ricketson Nature Center
 
Tuesday July 7, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM    Mass Audubon-DCR Summer Nights at Ricketson Nature Center - Mass Audubon-DCR Summer Nights at Ricketson Nature Center
Join us this summer at the Ricketson Nature Center in Brooklawn Park for a series of engaging evening programs designed for youth and families to connect with nature, creativity, and each other. Held weekly on Tuesday evenings, this program offers a welcoming space to explore the natural world right here in the city. Each session features a unique theme such as owls, bats, fireflies, and other local wildlife. Participants will take part in hands-on activities, guided nature walks, and creative art experiences. These activities are designed to support a variety of interests and learning styles while encouraging curiosity and exploration. This program is offered in partnership with Mass Audubon and the New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department. Together, we bring environmental education and community recreation into one shared experience for families. Whether you attend one session or the full series, you can expect a fun, educational, and memorable time outdoors. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 		Ricketson Nature Center