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
9 AM - 12 PM | Wednesday - Saturday |

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

Admission

Members Free | Adults $4 | Children, Students and Seniors $2

Programs:

California Naturalist Certification

This 40-hour course combines a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips and project-based learning to explore the unique ecology and natural history of the Big Chico Creek watershed.

Wednesdays | 3/25- 5/13 | 6:30 - 9:00 PM

Saturday Field Trips Dates Vary

May contain: clothing, apparel, shoe, footwear, person, human, and wood

Camp Chico WILD - Spring Break

Join us for science, nature education and day camp fun! Let your child experience the wonder of Bidwell Park with a focus on the cycle of life and wild creatures living in the park.

M-F | 3/16 - 3/20 | Full or Half Day | Ages 5 - 11

Growing UP WILD Workshop

Join this exciting workshop where you will learn how lead quality wildlife focused activities for young children both indoor and out.

Saturday | 2/8 | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

May contain: nature, outdoors, azure sky, and sky

Nature ABCs

Nature ABCs is a time when families come together for crafts, animal visits and guided exploration of the park.

Mondays | 9/23-5/18 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Except holidays and school vacations

Nature Center Camps

The Chico Creek Nature Center, located in the heart of Bidwell Park, presents nature education day camps for children ages 5-11. The programs are designed to provide outdoor recreation and foster awareness of nature in a fun, safe, and caring setting. Campers enjoy hands-on natural science labs, up close animal visits, arts and crafts, and outdoor games.

Nature School

Nature School is a first learning experience in nature for children ages 3 to 5.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Spring Carnival

This event features Meet Our Animals, face painting, carnival games and a bounce house. This is sure to be a fun family event! Admission to the event and to see Meet Our Animals is free. Activity tickets are 4 for $1, or participants may purchase a carnival fun pass for $20.

Field Trips

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.

May contain: cake, food, dessert, and birthday cake

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)