Eastman Nature Center Creates Indoor Summer Fun

Eastman Nature Center celebrates winter.
Bring your own picnic lunch and beachwear to this sunny shindig.

It’s the middle of winter, and surely everyone could use a warm day at the beach right about now. This year, Eastman Nature Center once again transforms its space into an indoor beach complete with seashells, all for the community to enjoy.

The event is especially fun for kids, with activities including face painting, sandcastle building and snacks. Naturalist Vicky Watchler highlights the minnow races where PVC pipes are filled with water for the minnows to race through. There will also be tropical crafts, live animals including turtles and other aquatic animals and even a green screen for beach-themed photos. “This has been going on a long time…more than 10 years,” Wachtler says. It’s become more than just a day at the beach; it’s a community tradition.

Win special prizes for your beachwear attire which, as you can see from these imaginative guys who attended last year, does not need to be a swimsuit. However, swimsuits are welcome!

Three Rivers Park District’s Tom Knisely says, “We’re excited to give kids and families an opportunity to get out of the cold.”

2017 winter beach party
January 27–28, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
$3–$5 for kids and adults; free for kids under 2. Registration recommended by calling 763.559.6700.