Nature Weekends at Crystal Bridges

Rediscover the beauty and wonder of the natural state as we highlight some of the fun and fascinating nature programs and outdoor family activities here at Crystal Bridges. Each month, we’ll be bringing educators, films, naturalists, and artists from across Northwest Arkansas to the museum grounds for a nature-themed weekend that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Three months of outdoor activities for the whole family

Each month’s Nature Weekend will be built around a key part of the natural world found here at the museum. Plan a visit around the theme that speaks to you most, or come to all three to get a new understanding of what makes our part of North America special! With new activities and partners every month, there’s always something fun to explore and enjoy.

March 19 – 20: Birds

After a long, cold winter, springtime is on its way back to Arkansas, and that means our feathered friends are too! Migrate over to your museum for a weekend all about birds, their travels, and the stories and art they’ve inspired for centuries.

Stop by on Saturday morning and meet avian ecologist Mitchell Pruitt as he talks about his time rediscovering a lost owl species, then join him on the trails in the afternoon to help track migration patterns. Explorers who prefer the great indoors can learn about our rare book collection, or check out our temporary exhibition Cross Pollination: Heade, Cole, Church, and Our Contemporary Moment to see works created by two centuries of nature lovers.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, we’ll be filling the museum with activities and artmaking for the younger members of your flock as a nature-themed beginning to our Spring Break Specials! From board games to bird feeders, we’ll have new activities every afternoon March 19 – 27 for kids and families to enjoy.

See the full schedule of Nature Weekend programs below, or check out our calendar for full list of what’s happening at Crystal Bridges.

Weekend Activities

Saturday

11 AM – 12 PM: Discover the Grounds: Owls with Mitchell Pruitt
1 – 2 PM: Gallery Talk: Rare Books and Birds
1 – 3 PM: Discover the Grounds Workshop: Bird Watching and Banding
1 – 4 PM: Spring Break Specials

Sunday

1 – 4 PM: Spring Break Specials

Keep an eagle eye on this page for updates on future Nature Weekends, or sign up for eNews to be first in the know!

Upcoming Nature Weekends

April 22 – 24: Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day, and we’re celebrating! Come explore the grounds, learn about conservation efforts in Arkansas, and see for yourself how you can invest in our planet!

May 13 – 15: May Flowers

Like the rhyme says, after the rains come May flowers. Come see the grounds themselves become artworks and enjoy a weekend of outdoor fun before the summer heat sets in.