Join us outdoors this spring! The Urban Ecology Center is excited to offer a variety of outdoor springtime activities. Check out our programs below. 

Biking

Biking the Hank Aaron State Trail

Welcome warmer weather with a bike ride along the Hank Aaron State Trail. Learn about the history of the trail and its role in Three Bridges Park. For intermediate to experienced riders.

For adults and accompanied children

Program Cost: $28 | Member Discount: $20 | Price Break: $14

Sat. May 4 | 10 a.m. to noon | Menomonee Valley | Register

Climbing

Climbing for Beginners

Breathe the fresh air while learning how to climb our three story open-air rock wall. All equipment is provided and trained belayers are on hand to assist.

For adults and accompanied children

Program Cost: $28 | Member Discount: $20 | Price Break: $14

Sun. May 12 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Riverside Park | Register

Sun. May 19 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Riverside Park | Register

Sun. May 26 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Riverside Park | Register

Canoeing

Canoeing for Beginners

The Washington Park Lagoon is a beautiful, calm and spacious body of water – a great place to learn the basics of paddling! Learn how to choose the right equipment, boating safety and paddling technique, then practice with guidance from one of our trained educators. Perfect for those who are new to paddling or just want some more practice.

For adults and accompanied children

Program Cost: $28 | Member Discount: $20 | Price Break: $14

Wed. May 15 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Washington Park | Register

Coffee & Canoe

What better way to enjoy your Sunday morning than to sip on coffee and canoe down the Milwaukee River? Meet us at the Rowing Club (1990 N. Commerce Street) and we’ll have morning beverages and treats to get you fueled up. See you on the river!

For adults and teens

Program Cost: $36 | Member Discount: $25 | Price Break: $17

Sun. May 12 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Register

Sun. May 26 | 9:00 - 11:30 p.m. | Register

Full Moon Canoe

Paddle down the Milwaukee River with UWM’s Planetarium Director, Jean Creighton. While enjoying the full moon above you’ll learn about our nearest celestial neighbor, other exotic moons in the solar system, and more intriguing objects scattered through space from an expert astronomer. Meet at the Milwaukee Rowing Club Boathouse (1990 N Commerce St.).

For adults and teens

Program Cost: $40 | Member Discount: $30 | Price Break: $20

Fri. May 17 | 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. | Register

Sat. May 18 | 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. | Register

 Remember, you can always create your own adventure this spring by borrowing our outdoor equipment! Become a UEC member for free access to canoes, kayaks, camping gear, and so much more.

Warm weather has arrived, and that means it's canoe and kayak season! If you missed this blog post when it was originally published in 2015, we think you'll find it's just right for inspiring visions of sunny days out on the water. Read on, and be sure to take a look at our full list of summer paddling programs after the post!

Even though we are a few months into the school year, I can’t help but reflect on my summer as a camp leader. Think of this as a preview of what your friends and family could look forward to next year.

The theme that sticks out most for me and my summer was my lunches. Yep, I said it, lunch. Last year I ate lunch outside at over 20 different places in Milwaukee. I am not talking about your local restaurants. I am talking packing up a lunch and driving, biking, hiking or paddling to our lunch destination.