Howell Nature Center Tree House Grand Opening {May 7, 2016}

I’ve posted several times about the Howell Nature Center, and anytime I include a photo people instantly ask, “Where is this place?”

You guys, this place is hands-down one of my favorite local gems for outdoor play.

And as if my kids needed a reason to enjoy it even more, last year, they added a 7,000 sq. ft. Tree House {and yes, even adults and those in a wheelchair are welcome to explore}. We checked it out when it had a soft open in the fall, but they just wrapped up the final touches and will be hosting the official grand opening on May 7, 2016.

How sweet is this?! That’s my 3-year-old Karina running across the bridge!

Howell Nature Center Tree House Features:

• A reading nook
• Birdwatching guides and gear
• A Discovery Table
• Naturalist Backpacks
• Find-The-Fairies
• ….and more!

The Tree House is located inside Alexandria’s Nature Scape, an educational “playground” where kids can float, climb, feel, hear and dig their way through their curiosity. It’s seriously amazing. Here’s a few photos I took last year:

A few of the features inside Alexandria’s Playscape at Howell Nature Center

A waterfall the kids can climb into

In addition to the Tree House opening activities on May 7, there also will be rubber duck races, kid’s crafts, refreshments, and free butterfly nets and buttons to the first 150 attendees. Additionally, children will be welcome to design and decorate their own wooden block to be placed along the railing.

The opening celebration will be held in conjunction with the center’s Walk for Wildlife, which aims to raise funds and awareness of wildlife education and rehabilitation at the Nature Center. The walk will kick off at 10:30 a.m., and the Tree House opening will be held at noon. The Walk is $15, and there are 1-3-mile options along the scenic trails fit for all ages. Sounds like a great day out to me!

Who is Alexandria exactly?

The Spirit of Alexandria Foundation was created to carry on the legacy of Alexandria Bennett, a little girl whose passion for nature was evident to everyone around her, but she was taken from this world too soon due to illness. As a way to continue Alexandria’s passion, her parents, Leah and Craig have dedicated themselves to raising funds to provide programs to connect children with nature. {*swoon* My heart nearly exploded reading their story and mission. What an amazing legacy for this little sweetie!}

Learn more about the foundation on their website or on Facebook.

Alexandria’s butterfly garden is our favorite place to have a picnic

Visiting the Howell Nature Center

Find more photos of animals and tips for visiting at this post from my archives. Visit the Howell Nature Center website or on Facebook and Twitter for more great information including camp, eco zip-line tours, animal programs and more.

The Howell Nature Center is located at 1005 Triangle Lake Road, Howell, MI 48843, and is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where are your kids’ favorite places to play in nature?