Parks and Land Use Events

SCARECROW LANE

Explore the magic of autumn at Retzer Nature Center with our fan-favorite self-guided hike along Scarecrow Lane! Wander the Blue Trail and take in the fall colors while discovering a variety of creative, one-of-a-kind scarecrow displays. Note: There is a new route this year; please start at the trailhead near the Learning Center building.

Click here for a fun Scavenger Hunt activity sheet to help you find all the scarecrows along the trail!

DATES & TIME: Daily, from September 20 - October 31, 2025 • Sunrise - 10 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: Free (all ages)*
*September 20 only - $10 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival.

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: Expect woodchipped and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

FALL STORY HIKE

Step into fall at Retzer Nature Center’s Story Hike! Stroll the Orange Trail as you read Fungi Grow by Maria Gianferrari, with illustrations by Diana Sudyka. This book celebrates the fabulous fungi all around us, brought to you by Retzer Nature Center and the Bridges Library System. Come hike, read, and enjoy the season!

DATES & TIME: Daily, from September 20 - October 31, 2025 • Sunrise - 10 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: Free (all ages)*
*September 20 only - $10 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival.

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: The Orange Trail is an approximately 0.75 mile trail. Expect woodchipped and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

Enjoy a relaxed skating experience just for adults and senior citizens.

These sessions are designated for ages 40 and older.  Standard public skating rules apply.

LOCATION:  Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield, WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 Admission (Adults); $6.00 Admission (Senior Citizens & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay upon arrival at concession stand or admissions counter.

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is perfect for family fun, friend or group outings, staying active, or simply enjoying time on the ice.  Public Skate Sessions are open to all ages and skating abilities.

We do not have skate aids or double runner skates.  Sticks and pucks are NOT allowed on the ice during public skate sessions.

LOCATION: Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 General Admission (Adult/Children);  $6.00 Admission (Seniors & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay at concessions stand or admissions register upon arrival!

Public Ice Skating

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Eble Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is perfect for family fun, friend or group outings, staying active, or simply enjoying time on the ice. Our Public Skate Sessions are open to all ages and skating abilities. 

WEE WONDERS

Discover nature in a fun, hands-on way! Wee Wonders is a monthly program for kids (ages 2-4) to explore, learn, and get curious about the world around them.

DATES/TIMES: Second Tuesday & Wednesday of the month* • 9:30–10:30 a.m.

*October 2025 program falls on first Tuesday

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $5 per child per date (ages 2-4)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:15 a.m.

Same program offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

JULY 8 or 9 — Fantastic Fireflies: These insects light up the night sky, but let’s see them and uncover their secrets in the daytime.

AUGUST 12 or 13 — Turtles Galore: Learn about these little adventurers as they hatch, leave the nest, and head to their home waters.

SEPTEMBER 9 or 10 — Nature’s Textures: Let’s use our sense of touch to explore all the textures nature has to offer.

OCTOBER 7 or 8 — The Great Orange Pumpkin: Celebrate fall by hunting for pumpkins, decorating the outside, and exploring the inside.

NOVEMBER 11 or 12 — Seeds, Seeds, Everywhere: Discover how plants make more plants and how baby plants find new homes on a seed scavenger hunt!

DECEMBER 9 or 10 — Winter Birds: Let’s discover the brave birds facing the cold, how they survive, and how we can lend a helping hand.

JANUARY 13 or 14 — Planetarium & Hike: Experience the Northern Lights, an asteroid, and constellations, followed by a fun hike after the show.

NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program includes an outdoor component. In poor weather, full program may move indoors.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

Adult / Senior Skate

Enjoy a relaxed public skating experience just for adults and seniors.

These designated sessions are open to skaters ages 18 and older, regardless of skill level. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just getting started, all are welcome! Standard public skating rules apply.

Glow Ice Skating

Join us for an exciting evening at Eble Park Ice Arena's Glow Skate! 

Bring your friends, family, and teammates to skate under the vibrant, colorful new lights, accompanied by your favorite tunes. This fun-filled event is open to all ages and skating abilities.

HABITAT RESTORATION WORKDAY

Join us for a fun day in nature! Help remove invasive species and restore rare oak ecosystems right here in Waukesha County. Make a real impact on habitats that matter!

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

MAY 17, 2025 • 9 a.m. – noon • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4

JUNE 14, 2025 • 9 a.m. - noon • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

JULY 12, 2025 • 9 a.m. - noon • Fox Brook Park, Beach House

AUGUST 9, 2025 • 9 a.m. - noon • Minooka Park, Picnic Area 3

SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 • 9 a.m. - noon • Naga-Waukee Park, Picnic Area 5

OCTOBER 11, 2025 • 9 a.m. - noon • Mukwonago Park, Picnic Area 1

OCTOBER 25, 2025 • 9 a.m. - noon • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4

NOVEMBER 8, 2025 • 9 a.m. - noon • Nashotah Park, Picnic Area 1

COST: Free! This is a volunteer event; park entry is included with registration (ages 13+)

REGISTRATION: Register online by noon the day before; walk-ins are welcome!

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as work takes place outdoors. In poor weather, workday may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Close-toed shoes, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, safety glasses, loppers (optional), water, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. Extra gloves and safety glasses will be available.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

WISCONSIN SCIENCE FESTIVAL: SETTING THE STAGE FOR LIFE – OUR DEEP CONNECTION TO THE UNIVERSE

When you think about astronomy, you might imagine distant planets and stars that are beautiful and mysterious, but unrelated to daily life. In reality, everything we are – and everything we do – is deeply connected to the universe. The lives and deaths of stars set the stage of the formation of our world and even the building blocks of our DNA most likely came from space. Discover just how profound our connection to the cosmos really is in this fascinating presentation.

Presentation by Michelle Thaller, Waukesha native and former Assistant Director for Science Communication at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 • 7-8 p.m.

LOCATION: Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: Free, as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival

REGISTRATION: Not required; seating limited to 90 people (first come, first served)

Make a full evening of it:
Arrive early and start your night with a Planetarium Show and Night Hike at Retzer Nature Center (6-7 p.m.). It's a great way to explore nature before diving into your cosmic origins! Registration required for this portion; $10/person. Details.