Educational Programs
Scales Nature Park provides outstanding programming about Canadian reptiles, amphibians, fish, and their habitats. Our goal is to facilitate the conservation of these creatures through increasing awareness, changing attitudes, and engaging people to take action.
Programs are conducted on-site, off-site, and virtually.
Ready to start? Click the button below to fill out an inquiry form. A member of our team will reach out and confirm your event!
On-Site Programs
Birthday Parties
A reptile birthday party with Scales Nature Park is a unique and fun way to celebrate! Explore our nature centre that houses 200+ reptiles and amphibians, meet & learn about reptiles, ask curious questions to our education staff, and gain hands on experience handling reptiles! We can also do birthday parties at your home! Length: ~45 minute presentation and 15 minute Q&A session with a hands-on opportunity Number of participants: Up to 15 children FAQs: Q. Do you have space for cake and presents? A. Yes we do! Our party room can be book for one hour at an additional cost. Q. Do you provide loot bags? A. Yes we do! We can create loot bags that cost $5 - $10 each. Let us know your price point in advance and we’ll have them ready for you.
Advanced or Custom Workshops
Workshops provide advanced training regarding a specific topic. They are more in depth programs, usually half or full day, with a slideshow, for more advanced audiences. Topics may be generic (e.g. Ontario Reptiles) or specifically focused (e.g. Herps of the Georgian Bay region, Massasauga Rattlesnake Training, etc.). The topics we readily offer include: - Ontario Reptiles - Ontario Amphibians - Massasauga Rattlesnake (including hook and transport training) - Exotic Reptiles - Municipal By-Law Enforcement Training Our popular workshops include: Teacher Workshop: Includes resource guides and lesson plans to bring back to school Advanced Reptile Workshop: Includes ID skills and detailed information on our native species, and the Rattlesnake Workshop, training employees, landowners etc. on proper identification, movement, and management of rattlesnakes. We have done these workshops for a number of groups and can tailor the content to meet your needs - just ask! Included: Staff to teach the workshop, any animals needed for workshop, workshop materials Length: Half day (3 - 4 hours) or full day (6 - 8 hours) Number of participants: __ for half day, __ for full day FAQs: Q. I have a specific topic in mind - are you able to create a custom workshops? A. Yes we can! Connect with us to discuss your topic of choice. Please note that an additional charge is applicable for program development.
Field Trips
Bring your schools, camps, and other organized groups to Scales Nature Park for a fun and engaging day! Up to 150 people can participate. Choose up to 3 activity options to fit your group's needs, including a Reptiles at Risk Presentation from our knowledgeable staff (complete with a chance to hold some snakes!), a guided nature walk, pond or creek study, outdoor group games, or even a custom activity suited to your curriculum needs. Our outdoor programs give students a chance to get up close and personal with nature. From catching aquatic creatures with dip nets to learning about invasive species, kids love getting active and learning about the world around them. Our programs are a great complement to science, geography, and social studies classes. View our inquiry form to see more details about our program choices! We'd love to work with you to make your field trip perfect.
Private Tour
In addition to our regular opening hours, we are also available for private tour bookings for groups greater than 8 people! To book a private tour, please contact us directly via phone or email.
Off-Site Programs
Birthday Parties
A reptile birthday party with Scales Nature Park is a unique and fun way to celebrate! We’ll bring a number of reptile guests to celebrate. Meet & learn about reptiles, ask curious questions to our education staff, and gain hands on experience handling reptiles from the comfort of your own home or venue or choice! Length: ~45 minute presentation and 15 minute Q&A session with a hands-on opportunity Number of participants: Up to 15 children FAQs: Q. Is there is an additional travel cost? A. Yes there is. Please connect with us for a quote. Q. We’re hosting the party outside, is that okay? A. Outdoor events may be limited by temperature / weather. Shade is required (under tents, trees, etc.). As long as the weather is appropriate (not too hot or cold for our reptiles, no precipitation) and there is shade, we can host outdoors! Q. Will you come to a third-party venue I’m renting? A. Yes we can! Please connect with the site supervisor to confirm that reptiles are permitted inside the building.
Advanced or Custom Workshops
Let us bring our workshops to you! Workshops provide advanced training regarding a specific topic. They are more in depth programs, usually half or full day, with a slideshow, for more advanced audiences. Topics may be generic (e.g. Ontario Reptiles) or specifically focused (e.g. Herpetofauna of the Georgian Bay region, Massasauga Rattlesnake Training, etc.). We have provided workshops for government agencies, Parks staff, University and College classes, and more! Fill out a form today and let us know what your group needs.
School Visits
School visits are a great way to bring nature to the classroom. We have several presentation options to suit your curriculum needs and student levels. Discounted half- and full-day options allow up to 8 classes to participate. Our presentations are dynamic, conservation-focused, and always include a chance to hold some animals. Students love connecting their classroom learning with a real wildlife experience! We also offer field trip programs for all grades.
Public Events and Festivals
Whether you're looking for mainstage presentations or a display booth, our team can bring reptile education to your fair, festival, or event! Allow attendees to meet reptiles up close and learn about conservation efforts and stewardship. Display booths are perfect for fairs, trade shows, and open houses, while presentations are popular at libraries, community centers, and parks! Our team can attend presentations for audiences of any size or age!
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Meet & Greets
The Meet & Greet format is an easy way to provide a reptile experience at less formal events for a reduced cost. Staff will introduce guests to a variety of animals and will facilitate safe hands-on interactions. Staff will also answer questions guests may have.
Virtual Programs
Virtual Event
Want to host a virtual event? Have a virtual group you'd like us to visit? A virtual event includes a 30-45 minute presentation followed by a 15 minute Q&A session and is convenient for groups that meet online or are looking for a lower cost option.
Advanced or Custom Workshops
Interested in having a virtual workshop about reptiles for your group? Reach out and let us know how we can help! Our staff have over a decade of experience and have done workshops for government agencies, university classes, naturalist groups, and more.