Once again, our outstanding Environmental Educators have put together a month of programming for all ages and abilities. Check it out and come to one of the most beautiful and well cared for parks in Upstate New York!
Download Calendar HERE
Download Program Descriptions HERE
Thursday, January 1st First Day Hike 11:00am
Join Moreau Lake State Park in ringing in the new year! We will be hiking around our beautiful Moreau Lake starting the hike all together at the park office. There will be a section of the hike that allows people to split off if they want to make it a shorter loop of about 2.1 miles or they can continue on the longer hike of 3 miles, and both will end either at the Warming Hut for snacks and hot cocoa supplied by the Friends of Moreau Lake or back to the Park Office.
Hikers should wear appropriate clothes for the weather, waterproof hiking shoes, and micro spikes if they have them. Bring water and a snack. This is a free event and registration is not required.
Friday, January 2nd Wiggly Wanderers 9:30am
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This is a beginner’s hike/wander series with not too much distance for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. Strollers will not work for these programs. We meet at the nature center parking lot. This program is free and does not require registration.
Friday, January 2nd Wet Felting Craft 11:00am
We ‘herd’ you want to learn more about sheep and make a wet felting craft with their wonderful and warm wool that they provide! This program is free and for toddlers. Registration is required by calling the park office at 518-793-0511.
Saturday, January 3rd Friends Craft 10:00am-12:00pm
Join the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park for a seasonal craft! Registration is required on the friend’s website, space is limited! www.FriendsofMoreauLake.org
Sunday, January 4th Snow Sculpture Play 10:00am-12:00pm
Drop by the nature center where we will be outside making snow sculptures! This program is free and for all ages. Registration is not required.
Sunday, January 4th Winter Wonderland Chemistry 11:00AM
Slide into a world of icy experiments and winter “magic!” Join a park educator to explore simple, safe chemical reactions to make: fizzing “snow,” quick melting ice, and instant snow. This hands-on program teaches the science of reactions, freezing, and melting in a fun and interactive way. This is a free program for ages 6+. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.
Monday, January 5th Eagle Watch 8:30am
Join a park educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to learn how to ethically look for and spot our local Bald Eagles! We will be getting in and out of vehicles at a few locations and, with a little luck, viewing the eagles through binoculars and a scope so make sure to bring your hat and gloves! If you have binoculars bring them, we have a couple of pair to pass around as well. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, January 6th Nature Trail Hike 9:30am
Join a park educator on this easy 1.5 mile hike on the Nature Trail. We will walk around the back pond and past the beaver lodge and over the bridge to make a nice loop. The trails can be icy so please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, microspikes, and trekking poles if you need them. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, January 7th Starting a Field Journal 10:00am
Join an educator at the nature center to get started on your field journaling journey for 2026. We will supply journals that we can customize and decorate. We will learn about the importance of recording observations then practice our skills and go on a short walk if we are able. This is free and geared to ages 13+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Thursday, January 8th Homeschool: Science Series Kick Off 11:00am or 2:00pm
Join us for the first class in Moreau Lake State Park’s new Science Series for homeschool families. Discover how animals survive the cold season through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration.
At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will explore hibernation and brumation with fun activities and games that show how different species rest or slowdown in winter.
At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will investigate winter survival strategies and conduct a simple experiment to record data and observe how wildlife adapts to harsh conditions. This engaging program includes indoor and outdoor time, so please dress warmly. This free program requires registration by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Friday, January 9th Wiggly Wanderers 9:30am
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This is a beginner’s hike/wander series with not too much distance for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. Strollers will not work for these programs. We meet at the nature center parking lot. This program is free and does not require registration.
Friday, January 9th Wiggly Wanderers: Growing Explorers 11:00am
Join us for a brand-new extension of our beloved Wiggly Wanderers program! Designed for preschoolers, this short, play-based class introduces little learners to how animals adapt in winter. Children will explore fur, feathers, and other adaptations through simple movement games, hands-on materials, and a brief outdoor peek at the winter world around them.
This class gives young explorers their first step into structured nature learning and connects directly to the New York State Explorers Club, encouraging continued discovery as they grow. This program is free for all ages. No registration necessary.
Saturday, January 10th Family Friendly Potters Point Hike 9:30am
This is a short hike off trail along the Hudson River. This hike is not stroller friendly but kids do enjoy it. The trails can be icy so please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, microspikes, and trekking poles if you need them. This is free and for all ages, registration is required by calling 518-793-0511.
Sunday, January 11th Monthly Hiking Series 9:30am
Join the monthly hiking series where we will explore the wide variety of trails at Moreau Lake State Park throughout the year! This month we will start at Lake Bonita and check on our Waterfall Trail’s waterfall. This hike is approximately 2.9 miles out and back with an elevation gain/loss of 297 feet. The trails can be icy so please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, microspikes, and trekking poles if you need them. Bring a snack and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. This is a free hike and for ages 13+. We have a limit of 25 people, please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, January 12th Beaver Hike 10:00am
Did you know that MLSP is home to a thriving population of North America’s largest rodent? We will walk along the Wetland Walk and Mud Pond trails where we can view the beavers’ dam and lodges while we learn all about how they live, love, and learn. This program is free and for people of all ages, but please be mindful of the distance and terrain it’s an easy-moderate hike of about 2.5 miles. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, January 13th Lake Bonita Hike 9:30am
Join a park educator on this roughly 2 mile hike around the lake. This hike does have some steep spots and hills to climb. We will likely see some animal tracks and see signs of birds who do not migrate. The trails can be icy so please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, microspikes, and trekking poles if you need them. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, January 14th Turtle Tour 10am
There is a story behind each animal at the nature center… come learn the stories and care requirements for each of our turtles. This program is appropriate for all ages and a tortoise will be available to meet and greet. No sign ups necessary for this program.
Thursday, January 15th Migration Mania 11:00am and 2:00pm
Learn how animals move when winter sets in.
At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will explore how birds and butterflies travel long distances using simple maps and a fun craft.
At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will follow real migration routes using maps and online resources and discuss how changing climates affect these journeys. This free program is for ages 6 to 14. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Friday, January 16th Wiggly Wanderers 9:30am
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This is a beginner’s hike/wander series with not too much distance for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. Strollers will not work for these programs. We meet at the nature center parking lot. This program is free and does not require registration.
Friday, January 16th Wiggly Wanderers: Growing Explorers 11:00 AM
Little explorers will learn how birds and butterflies travel to warmer places. Children will use maps, and games to learn how our flighted friends stary warm. This classroom-based session introduces basic animal behavior and encourages active, imaginative learning. This free program is for ages 3–5. No registration necessary.
Saturday, January 17th River Otter Talk – You “Otta” Join Us! 11:00AM
Come learn about New York’s playful “water weasel” and discover what makes river otters such fascinating residents of our park. Learn about their behaviors, adaptations, and the important role they play in healthy aquatic ecosystems. This free program is great for all ages. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.
Sunday, January 18th Zen Doodle 1:00pm
Join an educator at the nature center to create a unique piece of art. We will discuss different techniques and focus on a relaxing way of making symmetrical patterns. This program is free and registration is not required.
Sunday, January 18th New Moon at the Observatory 6:00pm
Come to the beach to take a view at the dark sky with our telescope, where we have our volunteer astronomer teach us about the stars! If you have a telescope at home that you need help troubleshooting, the astronomer is welcoming people to bring there’s if they have any questions. Dress warm, we will try to have some fire rings near the telescope! This program is free and for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Monday, January 19th Eagle Watch 8:30am
Join a park educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to learn how to ethically look for and spot our local Bald Eagles! We will be getting in and out of vehicles at a few locations and, with a little luck, viewing the eagles through binoculars and a scope so make sure to bring your hat and gloves! If you have binoculars bring them, we have a couple of pair to pass around as well. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Monday, January 19th Feeder Frenzy 1:00pm
We will be at the nature center identifying common birds that come to our bird feeders! We will observe and discuss the different birds and which bird feeder they go to and why. This is free and for all ages, registration is required by calling 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, December 21st Winter Bird Journaling and Feeder Watch 8:30am
Join an educator for a calm indoor activity collaging in your own simple field journal, then use it to observe the birds visiting our feeders outside the Nature Center. After recording our sightings, we will take a short nature walk to compare what we find along the trail. This relaxing program is beginner friendly and a peaceful way to connect with winter wildlife. This program is free and for ages 13+. Registration is required by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Friday, January 23rd Wiggly Wanderers 9:30am
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This is a beginner’s hike/wander series with not too much distance for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. Strollers will not work for these programs. We meet at the nature center parking lot. This program is free and does not require registration.
Saturday, January 24th Therapy Dog at the Warming Hut 10-12pm
Stop by the warming hut to meet a volunteer therapy dog! Bryn is a 2-year-old dog that has been training to be a therapy dog since she was 4 months old. She has been helping people feel welcome all over Saratoga and Washington county and would love to see you too! Registration is not required.
Sunday, January 25th Needle Felting Woodland Creatures 10:00am
Come to the nature center for a guided needle felting tutorial to make some woodland creatures out of wool. This program is free and for ages 13+. Limited spots available, please call 518-793-0511 to register.
Monday, January 26th Birding at Big Bend 8:30am
Bring your binoculars if you have them and we will check out what birds are around this time of year at Big Bend. This will be a short start-and-stop hike for about an hour and a half. Big Bend is a great place to bird from beginners to experts. This is free and geared toward ages 13+. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Thursday, January 29th “Snowflake-ology” 11:00am and 2:00pm
Step into the magical world of snowflakes!
At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will explore the science of snow by observing snowflakes, learning about crystal shapes, and discovering how snow forms through hands-on activities and guided exploration.
At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will take a deeper dive into snowflake science by examining crystal structures, learning how scientists classify snow, and practicing simple field-style observation and recording techniques used in winter research. This program is primarily outdoors, so please dress for snowy conditions. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.Limit 25 per time slot.
Friday, January 30th Wiggly Wanderers 9:30am
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This is a beginner’s hike/wander series with not too much distance for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. Strollers will not work for these programs. We meet at the nature center parking lot. This program is free and does not require registration.
Friday, Jan 30th Wiggly Wanderers: Growing Explorers 11:00 AM
Become a wildlife detective and explore animals that stay active in winter! Children will investigate footprints and signs using tactile materials and story-based games. This session encourages observation, critical thinking, and imaginative play. This free program is for ages 3–5. No registration necessary.