Parks and Land Use Events

SPRING STORY HIKE

Join us at Retzer Nature Center as we hike, read, and enjoy this spring’s Story Hike! Set out on the Orange Trail to read “What Matters” by Alison Hughes and Holly Hatam and learn about the impact we can make by picking up litter and keeping our environment clean. 

Story Hike is provided through a partnership with Retzer Nature Center and the Bridges Library System.

DATE/TIME: April 1-30, 2026 • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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

COST: FREE, recommended for all ages 

REGISTRATION: No registration required; 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.

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

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!

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.

Public Ice Skating

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

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!

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.

MASTER RECYCLER PROGRAM

Explore Wisconsin’s recycling laws and the Waukesha County Recycling Program in this informative program. Learn how recyclables are collected, sorted, and processed – from your curbside to the recovery facility and beyond. Enhance your experience with an optional tour of a Material Recovery Facility to see recycling operations firsthand (signup will be available at the event).

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:
APRIL 30, 2026 • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 4:30-6:30 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

JUNE 8. 2026 • 2- 3:30 p.m. • Brookfield Public Library (1900 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield, WI)

COST: Free, open to the public! (ages 18+)

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

For the session held at Brookfield Public Library, visit their website for additional information or to add this program to your calendar.  

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

MORNING BIRD HIKES

With 300+ species and 70+ eBird hotspots, Waukesha County is a birder’s dream! Join the Benjamin F. Goss Bird Club to see how many different types of birds you can find on an easy, 1.5 mile walk. All skill levels welcome!

DATES/TIME: Fridays • 7 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

MAY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026

JUNE 5, 12, 2026

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

COST: Free, open to the public! (ages 8+)

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome.*
*If groups of 10 or more plan to attend, please contact Retzer Nature Center in advance.

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as hikes are held rain or shine. Bring your own binoculars or borrow our (limited quantity). Cameras are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

To learn more, email the Bird Club (BFGoss@gmail.com) or Jasonn Weber (jasonnweber@wi.rr.com).

Public Ice Skating

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

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!

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FOR KIDS 
 
Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12. 

DATES/TIMES: Select Wednesdays • 10–11 a.m. 

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

*May 20, 2026 session is held at Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 
*June 10, 2026 session is held at Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area 

COST: $6 per child per date (ages 4-12) 

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:45 a.m. 

MAY 6 — Warblers & What Not: Explore the trails at Retzer as we look and listen for birds, and learn why warblers are unique. 
MAY 20 — Nature Exploration: Explore an old-growth forest, spring ephemeral flowers, diverse animal habitats, and more. 
JUNE 3 — Flex Your Freshwater Mussels: Learn the fascinating life cycle and benefits (or not) of having Mussels in our Wisconsin waters. 
JUNE 10 — Crazy Crayfish: See Crayfish in their natural habitat, learn about their life cycle, and discover more about these fascinating creatures.  
JUNE 17 — Colors in Nature: Come explore how humans and animals perceive colors differently, and how different colors help plants, animals, and insects survive. 
JUNE 24 — Terrific Turtles: Enjoy a visit from Retzer's turtles! See how their physical and behavioral traits can help them survive. 
JULY 8 — Animal Classifications: Let's break down how animals are grouped and learn some cool scientific terms in the process. 
JULY 15 — Family Biolitz: Learn how to Bioblitz - a citizen-science party to see the biodiversity of an ecosystem in particular areas. 
JULY 22 — Your Actions Matter: We will learn what it means to close the recycling loop during our interactive Recycling Exhibit tour and hands-on activities. 
JULY 29 — The Heat is On - Sunprints: We will explore cool things about the sun and see how it makes our art pieces beautiful. 
AUGUST 5 — Dragonflies & Damselfies: Join us as we learn about Dragonflies and Damselflies, explore their habitat, and safely catch and release them. 
AUGUST 12 — Hoppers: There are many different species of “hoppers” in Wisconsin; let’s learn how to identify a variety of these active critters. 
AUGUST 26 — Bumble Bee Survey: Join us as we learn about different kinds of bumble bees found in the Retzer Children’s Garden and prairie. 

NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program is mostly outdoors. In poor weather, full program may move indoors. 
 
For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov. 

SUNSET MEDITATION & NIGHT HIKE

Come unwind under the dome of the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium and meditate for your mental health! Unwind as you travel from the Grand Canyon to the North Pole, then relax under a night sky filled with stars and glimpses of the Northern Lights.

Following the show, take a quiet 45-minute hike with a naturalist through the tranquil landscapes of Retzer Nature Center (weather permitting). Discover peaceful sights and sounds that help you reconnect with nature and yourself.

DATES/TIME: Wednesdays • 7-8:15 p.m.
• Sunset Meditation Planetarium Show: 7-7:30 p.m.
• Peaceful Night Hike: 7:30-8:15 p.m.
MARCH 25, 2026
APRIL 8 & 22, 2026
MAY 6, 2026

LOCATION: Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium & Retzer Nature Center
(S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $12 per person, per date (ages 10+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Sorry, no walk-ins. Limited to 60 people.

NOTE: Please arrive on time. Doors open 15 minutes prior to the planetarium show. Late arrivals will not be admitted into the dome. In the event of severe weather, the planetarium will hold an extended program.

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