Parks and Land Use Events

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 — we’ve added extra sessions for Winter Break! 

Ice skating is the perfect way to enjoy time with family and friends, stay active, and make memories on the ice. Our Public Skate sessions welcome all ages and skill levels, everyone’s invited to join the fun!

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: $6 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.

CUB SCOUT NIGHT (WINTER 2026)

Join us for Cub Scout Night at Retzer Nature Center and the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium! Scouts will enjoy exciting, engaging adventures in nature and space. It’s fun, educational, and truly unforgettable.

DATE: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

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

PROGRAM/TIME/COST:

BEAR: CHAMPIONS FOR NATURE (ages 5-11) • 5-6 p.m. • $7 per child

Natural resources are important to all living things. They include water, soil, and air. We will explore natural resources by investigating wastewater, soil, and air pollution. Requirements 1-4 will be completed and guidance for Requirement 5 (conservation project) will be provided.

WOLF: SPIRIT OF THE WATER (ages 5-11) • 5-6 p.m. • $7 per child

All living things need water to live, but we use water for more than just survival. We’ll learn where the water we use comes from, how water can become polluted, ways to conserve water in your home, and how water is treated to become safe to drink. Requirements 1-4 will be completed.

LIONS & TIGERS: CHAMPIONS FOR NATURE (ages 5-11) • 5-6 p.m. • $7 per child

Discover natural resources, human-made items, how to recycle. Learn about the 4 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot, and discover what happens to the garbage in our community. Requirements 1-3 will be completed and guidance for Requirement 4 will be provided.

WOLF: CHAMPIONS FOR NATURE (age 5-11) • 6-7 p.m. • $7 per child

The Earth provides valuable resources that we need. Discover things you can do to ensure that the Earth’s resources are taken care of and respected. Learn about the difference between renewable natural resources and non-renewable. Learn about the four R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot, and discover what happens to recyclables in our community. Brainstorm ideas for a conservation project that will make a difference. Requirements 1-3 will be completed and guidance for Requirement 4 will be provided.

ARROW OF LIGHT: INTO THE WILD (ages 5-11) • 5-6 p.m. • $7 per child

Go “into the wild” to learn about animals and how they contribute to the world in which we live. Observe animals and their behavior, create a model of an animal’s ecosystem, see how animals and people coexist, and learn about wildlife management. Requirements 1-5 will be completed.

TIGER: SKY IS THE LIMIT (ages 5-11*) • 6-7:15 p.m. • $7.50 per attendee*

During the Star Signs planetarium show, observe easy-to-see constellations and names of stars in the night sky. Scouts will use a telescope, binoculars, or a sunspotter to observe distant objects, such as stars, planets, nebulae, galaxies, and/or the sun.** Lastly, a homemade model of a constellation will be made. Requirements 3-4 will be completed and guidance for Requirements 1-2 will be provided (weather permitting).

**A live planetarium star talk will replace telescope observation if the weather doesn’t allow outdoor viewing.

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Sorry, no walk-ins.

NOTE: Come as a Den or individually. Each Scout must register separately. Scouts must be accompanied by a parent (individual) or leader (Den). *Registration for parents, leaders, and siblings is needed for Planetarium programs. Dress for the weather, as some activities are outdoors. In poor weather, full program may move indoors. A program may be cancelled if fewer than 10 enroll.

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

GIRL SCOUT NIGHT (WINTER 2026)

Join us to earn badges during Girl Scout Night at Retzer Nature Center and the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium! Scouts will enjoy exciting, engaging adventures in nature and space. It’s fun, educational, and truly unforgettable.

DATE: Thursday, January 15, 2026

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

PROGRAM/TIME/COST:

DAISY: SPACE EXPLORER (ages 5-9*) • 5-6 p.m. • $7.50 per attendee*

Explore space through a planetarium show called "Space Quiz - Earth, Moon, and Sun" and enjoy a moon-focused star talk or show. Safely view the sun with a sun spotter (weather/time permitting) or make a sundial.

BROWNIE: HOUSEHOLD ELF (ages 5-9) • 5-6 p.m. • $7 per child

Learn how to make your home clean and green. Discover the importance of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle,” and take away tips to save water and energy at home to earn your badge.

DAISY: MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE (ages 5-9) • 6-7 p.m. • $7 per child

Learn about making the world a better place with the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Read Rosie’s story and conduct a mock trash sort activity to complete the requirements to earn your rose petal.

BROWNIE: SPACE SCIENCE ADVENTURER (ages 7-9*) • 6-7 p.m. • $7.50 per attendee*

Watch the “Space Quiz: Solar System” show and explore moon phases through a star talk or show. Lastly, weather permitting, observe the sky with tools like a sunspotter or telescope.

JUNIOR: SPACE SCIENCE INVESTIGATOR (ages 9-11*) • 7-8 p.m. • $7.50 per attendee*

Watch the planetarium show “It’s About Time: Cosmic Cycles We Live By” and complete a star scavenger hunt under the dome sky. Learn how to read a skymap and create your own planisphere for year-round stargazing on your own (supplies will be given). You can also hike the “Purple Planetary Pathway” before or after the show.

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Sorry, no walk-ins.

NOTE: Come as a Troop or individually. Each Scout must register separately. Scouts must be accompanied by a parent (individual) or leader (Troop). *Registration for parents, leaders, and siblings is needed for Planetarium programs. A program may be cancelled if fewer than 10 enroll. Badges are not included in program fee.

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

WINTER WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

Set out on the trails in search of winter wildlife. This self-guided hike will include a map with key highlights and a scavenger hunt! Explore the nature trails on your own by hiking on foot or with free use of snowshoes if snow cover is adequate (first come, first served).

DATE/TIME: Saturday, January 17, 2026 • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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

COST: Free!

REGISTRATION: Not required.

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

PUBLIC ICE SKATING

Enjoy public skating as part of Waukesha JanBoree, offering families a fun and refreshing way to glide across the ice together. Spend time on the rink, savoring the classic winter tradition of indoor ice skating in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.

DATE/TIME: Saturday, January 17, 2026 • 2-3:30 p.m.

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

COST: Free Admission!

Skate rentals are $3 per pair (availability limited).

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before.

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

BENJAMIN F. GOSS BIRD CLUB MEETINGS

The Benjamin F. Goss Bird Club provides an opportunity for those interested in active study of birds and their habitats. The public is invited to attend monthly meetings in-person, led by expert guest speakers and members. 

DATES/TIME: 
January 18, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.
February 15, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.
March 15, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.
April 19, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center, Community Room (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI) or online.*
*Email the Bird Club (BFGoss@gmail.com) for online link. 

COST: Free, open to the public! (ages 11+)

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome.

For more information, visit www.gossbirdclub.org or the Goss Bird Club Facebook Page.