Chico Creek Nature Center

As the official Visitor Center of Bidwell Park, the Nature Center is a hub for fun, education, and wonder — all inspired by the outdoors!

Location

In Bidwell Park at 1968 E. 8th Street, Chico, CA 95928 - Click here to map it!
530-891-4671

Hours

The Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum and Nature Play Room | Wednesday-Friday, 9:00AM- 12:00PM and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00AM- 1:00PM

Admission is $2.00 for children/ seniors and $4.00 for adults

Kristie's Nature Lab and Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall | For programs and by reservation

Camp Chico Creek - Afternoon Enrichment

This program provides outdoor recreation and fosters awareness of nature in a fun, safe and caring setting. Campers enjoy hands-on natural science labs, up-close animal visits, outdoor games, arts and crafts, and swimming in Big Chico Creek, as the weather allows. Your child will experience the wonders of Bidwell Park!

M-F | 2:30-6:00 PM | Ages 5-11

Camp Chico Creek - Spring Break

Join us for science, nature education and day camp fun! Main camp activities are 9 AM to 4 PM, half-day pick up is at 1 PM. Extended care from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM is available at no additional cost. Let your child experience the wonder of Bidwell Park and discover their own creativity!

M-F | 3/14 - 3/18 | 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Ages 5 - 11

Field Trips

Bidwell Park provides an excellent and accessible opportunity to teach valuable lessons of the natural world. For over thirty years, the Chico Creek Nature Center has provided quality educational programs on the natural systems of Bidwell Park to elementary school students, using the park as a classroom.

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Full Moon Night Hikes

Come experience the light of the full moon! Join us for a hike in Bidwell Park, as we explore nighttime animals, some of their unique adaptations and the beautiful evening sky under the full moon.

F | 3/18 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM | All Ages (with Adult)

Sa | 4/16 | 7:30 - 8:30 PM | All Ages (with Adult)

Su | 5/15 | 8:00 - 9:00 PM | All Ages (with Adult)

Lower Bidwell Park Creek Walk

Join us as we walk along the banks and through the creek learning about riparian ecosystems and why Big Chico Creek is so important to our area. Plan to get wet as we gently turn over rocks and search for freshwater invertebrates and other signs of life. Participants should wear high top rain boots or water shoes with a heal strap and plan on walking in the creek over uneven, rocky, and slippery terrain.

Sa | 5/7 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM | Ages 10+ (with Adult)

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Nature ABCs

Nature ABC's is a time for families of children ages 1–5 to gather and enjoy an hour of fun free activities with our instructor. Join us for an animal visit, story time, an art project and a nature walk in our beautiful park. This program is offered free of charge through funding from First 5 Butte County.

Mon | 1/3 - 5/23 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM | Ages 1-5

Nature School

Nature School is a play based first learning experience in nature. It is a drop-off program designed for Pre-K, TK and Kindergartners. Children learn about nature, letters, numbers, colors and shapes through crafts, songs, games, animal visits and guided exploration of the park. Each class has a different theme, and every day of the week is different.

T/Th | Monthly | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM | Ages 3-5

Table Mountain Wildflower Hike

Join us as we take a moderate hike across North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve identifying the many wildflowers found there. Table Mountain, located outside Oroville, is well renowned for its wildflower display. It is a confluence of three distinct botanical regions: the Central Valley, the Cascade Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada.

Sa | 4/2 | 10:00 - 2:00 PM | Ages 10+ (with Adult)

Upper Bidwell Park Discovery Walk

What designates a wetland? What is a watershed? What birds frequent the lake and how did the Maidu utilize park resources? Join us for a leisurely discovery walk around Horseshoe Lake in Upper Bidwell Park to find out! Open for ages 6 years and older (all minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult). Bring binoculars if you have them!

Sa | 2/19 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM | Ages 6+ (with Adult)

Upper Bidwell Park Geology Hike

Join us for this moderate hike in Upper Bidwell Park where we will discuss the geologic history of the park. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and plan on walking 2 to 3 miles on uneven terrain with elevation gain. Please bring plenty of water. Open for ages 8 years and older (all minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult). Bring binoculars if you have them!

Sa | 3/5 | 1:00 - 3:30 PM | Ages 8+ (with adult)

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Animal Care Volunteer

Are you interested in animals, educating others and giving back to the community? Then come volunteer with us at the Chico Creek Nature Center! Our wonderful and hardworking volunteers are the…

Field Trips

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Birthday Parties

Rent a picnic site at one of our beautiful parks, book a party at the Pleasant Valley Pool or plan your next birthday at the Nature Center.

Participant Expectations

Expectations for Program Participants Include:

Be Safe (includes staying with the group, keeping hands and feet to themselves)
Be Respectful (includes listening and following directions, using appropriate language)
Be Responsible (includes using the restroom independently/no bathroom accidents, keeping track of personal items, telling the truth)