For instance, we’ve moved our annual Winterfest at Washington Park from January to February so that ice can build up on the lagoon and some snow can be on the sledding hill. Winterfest is a celebration of winter and outdoor play in the park. This year, the event takes place on Saturday, February 4th from 10am to 2pm. If weather permits, everyone is welcome to enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. We will also have s’mores, snacks and much more! RSVP and learn more about this free event here. 

Winterfest participants ice-skating on the Washington Park lagoon. Photo by Ryan Dale

Have you experienced winter in a whole new light in the magical Urban Candlelight Hike? Grab your stocking cap and crew, and we'll see you outside on Saturday, February 25 in Three Bridges Park! The Hank Aaron State Trail will be lit with hundreds of candles, campfires, and camaraderie right in the heart of Milwaukee. This event takes place with or without snow! To learn more about it and the extras you can get by purchasing a fun pass, visit the event website. 

Urban Candlelight Hike in Three Bridges Park. Photo by Eddee Daniel

If you want to enjoy the outdoors with your little one(s) and also learn about urban nature, there is a perfect program for you on Saturday, January 21. Learn what lives in the park through hiking, stories, games, and songs. What can we touch, smell, hear and see? You will get answers to all those questions by joining our Early Adventurers Winter Wonders. Sign up today! 

The Urban Ecology Center’s field sites are important stopover habitats for migrating birds. For interested bird watchers of all levels, we offer bird walks all year round at all three branches. Snow or shine, kick-start your day with fresh air and bird songs. Community Scientists have been collecting important data on birds since the 1980s and weekly bird walks are all conducted by Community Scientists. Check dates and times here.  Photo credit of a bird walk in the Menomonee Valley: Chamong Xiong

Regardless of the cold weather and amount of snow on the ground, we have plenty for you to enjoy the outdoors at the Urban Ecology Center this winter. Check out more programs and other opportunities on our website calendar. See you outside!