Please Choose a Park:
White Clay Creek State Park
Newark, Delaware
Open Daily 8 a.m. to Sunset
- Park entrance fees are in effect March through November
- All programs require pre-registration
- Call (302) 368-6900 to pre-register
Download Park Programs in .PDF Format
American Girls on the Homefront
- DATE: November 7, 2009
- TIME: 10 a.m. - Noon
Learn what it means to Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without! Join us for our “girls only” look into life on the American Home Front. Girl Scouts: This program fulfills the requirements for the following: Brownie Try-It: Brownie Girl Scouts through the Years and Junior Badge: Local Lore. $20 per girl includes supplies and a home-baked snack. Due to limited capacity, registration and full payment are required in advance. Refunds are not available.
[top]Junior Earth Explorers - Treasure Hunt/Orienteering
- DATE: November 11, 2009
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. In honor of Robert Louis Stevenson’s birthday (November 13), we will go in search of “treasure” and learn about orienteering in the process. In groups, we’ll use maps and compasses to set a course to find treasure in the Carpenter Recreation Area. Meet at the Carpenter Recreation Area off Rt. 896. Fee: $4maps, compass skills, math
[top]Senior Earth Explorers - Treasure Hunt/Orienteering
- DATE: November 11, 2009
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. In honor of Robert Louis Stevenson’s birthday (November 13), we will go in search of “treasure” and learn about orienteering in the process. In groups, we’ll use maps and compasses to set a course to find treasure in the Carpenter Recreation Area. Meet at the Carpenter Recreation Area off Rt. 896. Fee: $5maps, compass skills, math
[top]Nature Babies
- DATE: November 14, 2009
- TIME: 10 a.m.
For 2 years and younger. We will have sensory activities to get your little one acquainted with the nature topic of the day. Meeting location provided at registration. Bring a blanket. $2 per child
[top]WWII Storytelling & Apple Pie Social
- DATE: November 15, 2009
- TIME: 2 – 4 p.m.
Join us as we honor the “Greatest Generation.” Hear from veterans about life during World War II, both overseas and at home. Light refreshments. $10 per person (veterans admitted at no charge). Due to limited capacity, registration and full payment are required in advance. Refunds are not available.
[top]Junior Earth Explorers - Dissection/Microscope Lab: Owl Pellets
- DATE: November 19, 2009
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Just what did that owl eat? We will dissect owl pellets (undigested fur and bone materials) and use dissecting microscopes to get a closer view. Then we’ll try to put together the pieces to solve the puzzle. Fee: $4, plus $2 lab fee. dissection and microscopes
[top]Senior Earth Explorers - Dissection/Microscope Lab: Owl Pellets
- DATE: November 19, 2009
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Just what did that owl eat? We will dissect owl pellets (undigested fur and bone materials) and use dissecting microscopes to get a closer view. Then we’ll try to put together the pieces to solve the puzzle. Fee: $5, plus $2 lab fee. dissection and microscopes
[top]Salamander Search
- DATE: November 21, 2009
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Spend the afternoon with the park naturalist carefully searching the floodplains for these delicate creatures. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Walk-ins accepted only if space is available. Programs are held as weather permits. $4 per person ($3 in advance; payment by noon on the Friday before). Meet at the Nature Center.
[top]Full Moon Friday: Owl Prowl
- DATE: November 27, 2009
- TIME: 7 p.m.
Begin in the Nature Center with a lesson on local owls, then try our luck at calling some in. Walk-ins accepted only if space is available. Programs are held as weather permits. Cost is $5 per person ($4 in advance; payment by noon the Friday before). Meet at the Nature Center.
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Astronomy: Blue Moons, Phases and Eclipses, Oh My....
- DATE: December 3, 2009
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Earth’s natural satellite is the largest object in our night sky. We’ll learn about this month’s blue moon, moon phases, lunar eclipses and more. Using maps, telescopes and binoculars we’ll simulate the best way to explore the moon while on earth. Fee: $4astronomy, telescopes, maps
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Astronomy: Blue Moons, Phases and Eclipses, Oh My....
- DATE: December 3, 2009
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Earth’s natural satellite is the largest object in our night sky. We’ll learn about this month’s blue moon, moon phases, lunar eclipses and more. Using maps, telescopes and binoculars we’ll simulate the best way to explore the moon while on earth. Fee: $5astronomy, telescopes, maps
[top]Decorating with Natural Materials
- DATE: December 5, 2009
- TIME: 10 a.m. - Noon
Join us for a cup of coffee and learn some history while creating an all-natural holiday decoration for your home! We will be using cuttings from local trees, vines and shrubs. Please bring clippers and gloves. $12 per person includes greens, bases and accents. Due to limited capacity, registration and full payment are required in advance. Refunds are not available. Meet at the Jusge Morris Estate.
[top]Junior Earth Explorers - Nature Crafts Annual Workshop
- DATE: December 9, 2009
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Using natural materials and more we will create decorative crafts, including gnomes, to brighten our homes. Fee: $4, plus $1 materials fee.
[top]Senior Earth Explorers - Nature Crafts Annual Workshop
- DATE: December 9, 2009
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Using natural materials and more we will create decorative crafts, including gnomes, to brighten our homes. Fee: $5, plus $1 materials fee.
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Nature Crafts Annual Workshop – Day 2
- DATE: December 10, 2009
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Using natural materials and more we will create decorative crafts, including gnomes, to brighten our homes. Fee: $5, plus $1 materials fee.
[top]Treasures, Tracks and Animal Facts! While Mom & Dad Shop Mini-Camp
- DATE: December 12, 2009
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Children 6 to 10 will love this fun day filled with snippets of activities from our summer camps. Minimum registration of 5 campers needed. Pack a lunch and snack. $25 per child
[top]Harmony Hike
- DATE: December 13, 2009
- TIME: 1 p.m.
This relaxing hike is sure to awaken your senses to the beautiful winter wilderness. For registration and starting location, please call the Park Office.
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Birding Part I: Backyard Visitors
- DATE: January 6, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Join us for a lesson in basic backyard birding. Learn to identify just who overwinters in and near your yard and what they need to survive. Fee: $4.identification/classification
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Birding Part I: Backyard Visitors
- DATE: January 6, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Join us for a lesson in basic backyard birding. Learn to identify just who overwinters in and near your yard and what they need to survive. Fee: $5.identification/classification
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday Party! Electrifying Experiments: Focus on fun and safety!
- DATE: January 14, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. To honor our famous inventor born January 17, we’ll learn about lightening, magnets and lots more in this electromagnetic lab. Fee: $4, plus $1 materials fee.
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday Party! Electrifying Experiments: Focus on fun and safety!
- DATE: January 14, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. To honor our famous inventor born January 17, we’ll learn about lightening, magnets and lots more in this electromagnetic lab. Fee: $5, plus $1 materials fee.
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - New format! Habitats and Seasons Part II: Winter Survival
- DATE: January 20, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Second in our 3-part series to explore three habitats—Meadow, Stream, and Forest. Students should bring a blank journal or notebook to record similarities and differences of these ecosystems focusing on how animals and plants survive in winter. Naturalists will share photos and data by email to add to your journal at home. Fee: $4.ecology, data collection, seasonal studies
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - New format! Habitats and Seasons Part II: Winter Survival
- DATE: January 20, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Second in our 3-part series to explore three habitats—Meadow, Stream, and Forest. Students should bring a blank journal or notebook to record similarities and differences of these ecosystems focusing on how animals and plants survive in winter. Naturalists will share photos and data by email to add to your journal at home. Fee: $5.ecology, data collection, seasonal studies
[top]Save the Date! 1940s USA Dance
- DATE: January 23, 2010
- TIME: 7 – 10 p.m.
Join us at the Judge Morris Estate for a fun evening of dancing and live music with John Clark's Little Big Band! More details to come…
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Dissection and Micro Lab: Funky Fungi
- DATE: January 28, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Not plants…just what are they and what role do they play in our environment? We’ll examine the exotic and sometimes funny world of fungi and mushrooms using dissecting tools and 2 kinds of microscopes. Fee: $4, plus $2 materials fee.. dissection/microscopes/classification
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Dissection and Micro Lab: Funky Fungi
- DATE: January 28, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Not plants…just what are they and what role do they play in our environment? We’ll examine the exotic and sometimes funny world of fungi and mushrooms using dissecting tools and 2 kinds of microscopes. Fee: $5, plus $2 materials fee. dissection/microscopes/classification
[top]Full Moon Friday: Hot Chocolate Hike
- DATE: January 29, 2010
- TIME: 7 p.m.
Snuggle up on the arm of a loved one. We provide tasty hot chocolate to help keep you warm! Bring a travel mug with lid. Walk-ins accepted only if space is available. Programs are held as weather permits. Cost is $5 per person ($4 in advance; payment by noon the Friday before). Meet at the Nature Center.
[top]Junior and Senior Earth Explorers - Working with Animals: Wildlife Rehabilitation
- DATE: February 3, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
For 6 to 15 year-olds. For anyone who’s ever wondered what to do with an injured wild animal or considered working with animals we will meet Wildlife Rehabilitator, Hilary Taylor. From baby bats to injured turtles she has come to the rescue for mammals and reptiles in Northern Delaware for many years. *Both classes meet from 1– 2:30 for a lively talk and discussion and then a mini workshop to create a wildlife survival feeder or abode. Fee: $6.
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Weather or Not? Cloud Study
- DATE: February 11, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Learn to “read the sky” by recognizing various cloud types and formations as weather indicators. Then use watercolors to paint some of your own. Fee: $4, plus $1 materials fee. meteorology, art
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Weather or Not? Cloud Study
- DATE: February 11, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Learn to “read the sky” by recognizing various cloud types and formations as weather indicators. Then use watercolors to paint some of your own. Fee: $5, plus $1 materials fee. meteorology, art
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Batty About Bats Order: Chiroptera...
- DATE: February 17, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Often grossly misunderstood, bats are exceptional mammals that play an important role in ecosystems all over the world. We’ll separate fact from fiction and learn about the ones that live in our area. Instructions to construct your own “bat house” will be available. Fee: $4.ecology, adaptations
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Batty About Bats Order: Chiroptera...
- DATE: February 17, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Often grossly misunderstood, bats are exceptional mammals that play an important role in ecosystems all over the world. We’ll separate fact from fiction and learn about the ones that live in our area. Instructions to construct your own “bat house” will be available. Fee: $5ecology, adaptations
[top]Junior Earth Explorers - Micro Lab: Animal Parts
- DATE: February 25, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Turning the lens on the world of animals we’ll examine fur, skin, scales and feathers using dissecting microscopes to learn the secrets of their function in the animal’s survival. Fee: $4, plus $1 lab fee. microscopes, adaptations
[top]Senior Earth Explorers - Micro Lab: Animal Parts
- DATE: February 25, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Turning the lens on the world of animals we’ll examine fur, skin, scales and feathers using dissecting microscopes to learn the secrets of their function in the animal’s survival. Fee: $5, plus $1 lab fee. microscopes, adaptations
[top]Full Moon Friday: Hot Chocolate Hike
- DATE: February 26, 2010
- TIME: 7 p.m.
Snuggle up on the arm of a loved one. We provide tasty hot chocolate to help keep you warm! Bring a travel mug with lid. Walk-ins accepted only if space is available. Programs are held as weather permits. Cost is $5 per person ($4 in advance; payment by noon the Friday before). Meet at the Nature Center.
[top]Junior Earth Explorers - Maple Syrup
- DATE: March 3, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. It’s “sugarin’” time up north. Learn about native lore, history, tools and techniques for collecting tree sap to make this delicious treat. Then, let’s warm up some flapjacks and sample some of the real thing! Fee: $4, plus $2 materials fee. plant physiology, cultural history, snack
[top]Senior Earth Explorers - Maple Syrup
- DATE: March 3, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. It’s “sugarin’” time up north. Learn about native lore, history, tools and techniques for collecting tree sap to make this delicious treat. Then, let’s warm up some flapjacks and sample some of the real thing! Fee: $5, plus $2 materials fee. plant physiology, cultural history, snack
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Whitetail Deer: Behavior and Populations
- DATE: March 11, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. The largest mammal in our area is not as elusive as it once was. Park Ranger Art Angelo will lead this multimedia lesson on the habits and behavior of these creatures and the impact that humans have on their population. Fee: $4adaptation, populations
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Whitetail Deer: Behavior and Populations
- DATE: March 11, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. The largest mammal in our area is not as elusive as it once was. Park Ranger Art Angelo will lead this multimedia lesson on the habits and behavior of these creatures and the impact that humans have on their population. Fee: $5. adaptation, populations
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Composting & Decomposition
- DATE: March 17, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Did you know that worms and other soil organisms are the earth’s most reliable recyclers? We’ll learn about worm composting at the Nature center. Then discover how leaves and other organic debris get changed into soil? Fee: $4.food chains/life cycles
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Composting & Decomposition
- DATE: March 17, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Did you know that worms and other soil organisms are the earth’s most reliable recyclers? We’ll learn about worm composting at the Nature center. Then discover how leaves and other organic debris get changed into soil? Fee: $5.food chains/life cycles
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Microscope Studies: Life in a Drop of Water
- DATE: March 25, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Learning to use a microscope requires careful observation and patience. Enter the micro world in a drop of pond water to practice our skills of observation and record what we see. Fee $4, plus $1 lab fee. micro skills, biology
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Microscope Studies: Life in a Drop of Water
- DATE: March 25, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Learning to use a microscope requires careful observation and patience. Enter the micro world in a drop of pond water to practice our skills of observation and record what we see. Fee: $5, plus $1 lab fee. micro skills, biology
[top]Junior and Senior Earth Explorers - WWII Children on the Home Front
- DATE: March 31, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
For 6 to 15 year-olds. Journey back to 1942 when support for the war effort influenced almost every aspect of daily life. Children played an important role in the march toward “Victory.” At the Judge Morris Estate we’ll practice rationing, baking and games children played during this difficult yet exciting time in our history. *Both classes meet from 1– 2:30 p.m. Fee: $7.history, baking, rationing
[top]Junior and Senior Earth Explorers - Working with Animals: Comp’animals Pet Rescue
- DATE: April 8, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
For 6 to 15 year-olds. Love pets? Enjoy working with animals? Meet members (people and pets) of this volunteer organization who rescue abandoned and unwanted animals in our communities. *Both classes meet from 1– 2:30 p.m. for a lively talk and discussion and followed by a mini workshop on how this program works. Fee: $6.
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - New format! Habitats and Seasons Part III:–Signs of Spring
- DATE: April 14, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Last in our 3-part series to explore three habitats—Meadow, Stream, and Forest. Students should bring a blank journal or notebook to record similarities and differences of these ecosystems focusing on signs of spring and new life. Naturalist will share photos and group data by email to add to your journal at home. Fee: $4.ecology, data collection, seasonal studies
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - New format! Habitats and Seasons Part III:–Signs of Spring
- DATE: April 14, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Last in our 3-part series to explore three habitats—Meadow, Stream, and Forest. Students should bring a blank journal or notebook to record similarities and differences of these ecosystems focusing on signs of spring and new life. Naturalist will share photos and group data by email to add to your journal at home. Fee: $5.ecology, data collection, seasonal studies
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Wildflower and Early Spring Plant ID
- DATE: April 22, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Spring is in bloom. Using key guides we’ll learn how to identify some of the large variety of wildflower and other early spring plants along our woodland trails. Fee: $4.botany, observation and identification
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Birding Part II : Neo-Tropicals in Migration
- DATE: April 28, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
White Clay is an exciting place to observe migratory birds heading north from as far away as South America. Learn tips to bird identification: both visual clues and songs. Includes a lesson on using binoculars for birding. Bring your own or use ours. Fee: $4.identification, observation
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Birding Part II : Neo-Tropicals in Migration
- DATE: April 28, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. White Clay is an exciting place to observe migratory birds heading north from as far away as South America. Learn tips to bird identification: both visual clues and songs. Includes a lesson on using binoculars for birding. Bring your own or use ours. Fee: $5.identification, observation
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - The Third Annual White Clay Creek Flotilla
- DATE: May 6, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. Using simple materials, we’ll design small vessels with attention to stability and speed to float and carry cargo on the river. We will reserve time at the end for a grand parade of “ships.” Wear water shoes or old sneakers and bring a towel for the ride home. Fee: $4, plus $1 materials fee. design, physics, creativity, fun!
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - The Third Annual White Clay Creek Flotilla
- DATE: May 6, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. Using simple materials, we’ll design small vessels with attention to stability and speed to float and carry cargo on the river. We will reserve time at the end for a grand parade of “ships.” Wear water shoes or old sneakers and bring a towel for the ride home. Fee: $5, plus $1 materials fee. design, physics, creativity, fun!
[top]Junior Earth Explorer - Floats and Weights
- DATE: May 12, 2010
- TIME: 1 – 2 p.m.
For 6 to 9 year-olds. How much water is in the White Clay Creek? Join Park Ranger John Wales IN the creek for a fun experiment to take measurements and calculate the flow rates at this time of year. Come prepared to get wet! We recommend water-shoes or old sneakers and a change of clothes or towel for the ride home. Fee: $4.gathering data, interpretation, math
[top]Senior Earth Explorer - Floats and Weights
- DATE: May 12, 2010
- TIME: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
For 9 to 15 year-olds. How much water is in the White Clay Creek? Join Park Ranger John Wales IN the creek for a fun experiment to take measurements and calculate the flow rates at this time of year. Come prepared to get wet! We recommend water-shoes or old sneakers and a change of clothes or towel for the ride home. Fee: $5.gathering data, interpretation, math
[top]