Parks and Land Use Events

RETZER’S BOBOLINKS BIRD HIKE & PLANETARIUM SHOW

Event By: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF)

Join the NRF for a special field trip to Retzer Nature Center! Discover Retzer’s Bobolinks…and more! Learn about these special birds who migrate to Retzer for the unique, preferred nesting habitat. Then we'll hike to look for them and other species like Henslow's sparrows, Eastern bluebirds, and more. Finally, enjoy "Beyond Our Senses: Bank Swallows," a 30-minute show in the Horwitz-DeRemer planetarium, giving us a close-up view of Milwaukee bluffs and the nesting swallows who visit each year!

DATE & TIME: Saturday, June 6, 2026 • 7-9 a.m.
• Bobolink Presentation: 7:00 a.m.
• Bobolink Bird Hike: 7:20-8:30 a.m. 
• Planetarium Show – Bank Swallows: 8:30-9 a.m.
• Additional birdwatching afterwards if desired

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $25 per person
*Field trips help support the Natural Resources Foundation; financial assistance may be available prior to April 1. Details. 

REGISTRATION: Required; register on the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin website. *Attendance limited to NRF members – join on their website.

NOTE: This field trip takes place at Retzer Nature Center; it is hosted by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. For any questions, please contact the NRF at Info@WisConservation.org.

COMMUNITY SCIENCE: FUNGI
Learn. Collect. Contribute.

Step into the woods with experts from the Wisconsin Mycological Society and discover the fascinating world of fungi! Learn how scientists monitor mushrooms as part of ongoing Park System research, then observe and record what you find along the trail. Volunteer hours are available as you explore, learn, and contribute to real science. No prior experience is needed.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

JUNE 6, 2026 • 10 a.m. - noon • Minooka Park (1927 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha, WI)

JULY 11, 2026 • 10 a.m. - noon • Retzer Nature Center, Nature Center Entrance (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

OCTOBER 17, 2026 • 10 a.m. - noon • Muskego Park, Beach House Parking Lot (S83W20370 Janesville Rd, Muskego, WI)

COST: Free! Park entry is included with registration (ages 13+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Sorry, no walk-ins.

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as program takes place outdoors. In poor weather, program may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Survey may occasionally wander off trail into natural areas and tall grass. Close-toed shoes, long pants, water, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is perfect for family fun, friend or group outings, staying active, or simply enjoying time on the ice.  Public Skate Sessions are open to all ages and skating abilities.

We do not have skate aids or double runner skates.  Sticks and pucks are NOT allowed on the ice during public skate sessions.

LOCATION: Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 General Admission (Adult/Children);  $6.00 Admission (Seniors & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay at concessions stand or admissions register upon arrival!

Enjoy a relaxed skating experience just for adults and senior citizens.

These sessions are designated for ages 40 and older.  Standard public skating rules apply.

LOCATION:  Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield, WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 Admission (Adults); $6.00 Admission (Senior Citizens & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay upon arrival at concession stand or admissions counter.

MASTER RECYCLER PROGRAM

Explore Wisconsin’s recycling laws and the Waukesha County Recycling Program in this informative program. Learn how recyclables are collected, sorted, and processed – from your curbside to the recovery facility and beyond. Enhance your experience with an optional tour of a Material Recovery Facility to see recycling operations firsthand (signup will be available at the event).

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

JUNE 8, 2026 • 2- 3:30 p.m. • Brookfield Public Library (1900 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield, WI)

COST: Free, open to the public! (ages 18+)

REGISTRATION: 

For the session held at Brookfield Public Library, visit their website for additional information or to add this program to your calendar.  

For any questions, please contact recycling@waukeshacounty.gov.

WEE WONDERS

Discover nature in a fun, hands-on way! Wee Wonders is a monthly program for kids (ages 2-4) to explore, learn, and get curious about the world around them.

DATES/TIMES: Second Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the month • 9:30-10:30 a.m. (all days) • 1-2 p.m. (Tuesday only)

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $6 per child per date (ages 2-4)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:15 a.m.

Same program offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

MAY 12, 13, or 14 — Here Comes Spring: Come explore the scents and colors of spring, and celebrate living things coming alive on our hike.
JUNE 9, 10, or 11 — Things with Wings: Explore different living things that have wings - some surprises are in store!
JULY 14, 15, or 16 — Exploring Amphibians: Find out what amphibians are and see some up close.
AUGUST 11, 12, or 13 — Insects on the Move: Wander through the prairie to see how many pollinators we can find and learn about their journey.

NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program includes an outdoor component. In poor weather, full program may move indoors.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

Adult / Senior Skate (Summer)

Enjoy a relaxed public skating experience just for adults and seniors.

These designated sessions are open to skaters ages 18 and older, regardless of skill level. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just getting started, all are welcome! Standard public skating rules apply.

Public Ice Skating

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Eble Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is the perfect way to enjoy time with family and friends, stay active, and make memories on the ice. Our Public Skate sessions welcome all ages and skill levels, everyone’s invited to join the fun!

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAM: POLLINATORS
Learn. Collect. Contribute.

Team up with staff and fellow invertebrate enthusiasts for a lively field survey! Learn all about bumble bees while helping spot and identify these important pollinators. Make a difference, earn volunteer hours, and put your new skills into action. No prior experience is needed.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

MAY 12, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

MAY 13, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 (S83W20370 Janesville Rd, Muskego, WI)

MAY 20, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Menomonee Park, Beach Parking Lot – Northwest Corner (W220N7884 Townline Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI)

JUNE 9, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

JUNE 17, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Fox Brook Park, Park Office (2925 N Barker Rd, Brookfield, WI)

JULY 14, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

JULY 15, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Ryan Park, Parking Lot (W262N4656 Ryan Rd, Pewaukee, WI)

JULY 29, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Naga-Waukee Park, Park Office (651 Hwy 83, Hartland, WI)

AUGUST 11, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

AUGUST 12, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Nashotah Park, Picnic Area 1 (W330 N5113 County Rd C, Nashotah, WI)

AUGUST 26, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Mukwonago Park, Picnic Area 1 (S100W31900 County Hwy LO, Mukwonago, WI)

SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area (W264 S4500 River Road, Waukesha, WI)

OCTOBER 13, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: Free! Park entry is included with registration (ages 13+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register by noon the day before. Sorry, no walk-ins.

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as program takes place outdoors. In poor weather, program may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Survey may occasionally wander off trail into natural areas and tall grass. Close-toed shoes, long pants, water, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FOR KIDS 
 
Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12. 

DATES/TIMES: Select Wednesdays • 10–11 a.m. 

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center* (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI) 

*May 20, 2026 session is held at Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 
*June 10, 2026 session is held at Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area 

COST: $6 per child per date (ages 4-12) 

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:45 a.m. 

MAY 6 — Warblers & What Not: Explore the trails at Retzer as we look and listen for birds, and learn why warblers are unique. 
MAY 20 — Nature Exploration: Explore an old-growth forest, spring ephemeral flowers, diverse animal habitats, and more. 
JUNE 3 — Flex Your Freshwater Mussels: Learn the fascinating life cycle and benefits (or not) of having Mussels in our Wisconsin waters. 
JUNE 10 — Crazy Crayfish: See Crayfish in their natural habitat, learn about their life cycle, and discover more about these fascinating creatures.  
JUNE 17 — Colors in Nature: Come explore how humans and animals perceive colors differently, and how different colors help plants, animals, and insects survive. 
JUNE 24 — Terrific Turtles: Enjoy a visit from Retzer's turtles! See how their physical and behavioral traits can help them survive. 
JULY 8 — Animal Classifications: Let's break down how animals are grouped and learn some cool scientific terms in the process. 
JULY 15 — Family Biolitz: Learn how to Bioblitz - a citizen-science party to see the biodiversity of an ecosystem in particular areas. 
JULY 22 — Your Actions Matter: We will learn what it means to close the recycling loop during our interactive Recycling Exhibit tour and hands-on activities. 
JULY 29 — The Heat is On - Sunprints: We will explore cool things about the sun and see how it makes our art pieces beautiful. 
AUGUST 5 — Dragonflies & Damselfies: Join us as we learn about Dragonflies and Damselflies, explore their habitat, and safely catch and release them. 
AUGUST 12 — Hoppers: There are many different species of “hoppers” in Wisconsin; let’s learn how to identify a variety of these active critters. 
AUGUST 26 — Bumble Bee Survey: Join us as we learn about different kinds of bumble bees found in the Retzer Children’s Garden and prairie. 

NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program is mostly outdoors. In poor weather, full program may move indoors. 
 
For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.