John Janzen Nature CentreCity of Edmonton

A gateway to the heart of Edmonton’s River Valley, the John Janzen Nature Centre invites visitors to connect with nature through engaging programs, events, and interactive exhibits. Open 363 days a year, this nature centre provides countless opportunities for individuals and families to explore and learn about the natural world in an urban setting.

The John Janzen Nature Centre offers self-guided activities for visitors of all ages, allowing them to explore at their own pace.

For Kids:

• Urban Ecology Room: Discover local ecology topics and play hide and seek with cool critters.
• Tegler Discovery Zone: Designed for kids up to 10 years old, this play area features crawling and climbing structures that mimic local wildlife habitats.
• Honeybee Hive: Observe bees at work in this educational exhibit.

For Families, Youth, and Adults:

• Compost School: Learn about composting and see demonstrations of various composters.
• Exhibit Room: Explore different exhibits that highlight the local ecosystem.
• Native Plant Demonstration Garden: Enjoy a stroll through wildflowers and observe local pollinators in action.
• Nature Walks: Wander along the Birch Tree Trail and River Loop Trail, and spot various bird species, including the Black-capped Chickadee.

For Groups: Groups such as daycares, clubs, youth groups, or classrooms can book a self-guided visit. These visits allow groups to explore the centre without a staff member facilitating a program. Public drop-in programs available during the visit can also be enjoyed, but it is important to respect other visitors.

The nature centre offers a variety of drop-in activities that might include:

• Learning about Exhibit Room animals
• Nature-inspired crafts
• Fun games and storytime
• Exploring the trails and prairie pond

Drop-in activities are included with admission and vary daily. Check the activity schedule board outside the Exhibit Room to see which activities are available.