Enjoy a cozy winter afternoon making candles in Merkle Cabin the old fashioned way. Participants will learn how pioneers made their wo candles and take their creations home. The program begins at the Nature Center, and is designed for children ages 7-12.

Baseball season is coming! Learn the basics of sewing by making your own historic baseball and pennant. This program is designed for children ages 7-10. Each child must be accompanied by an adult (you need only register the child).

If there's enough snow, strap on snowshoes and explore Spring Valley from a different perspective - off the trail! If there is no snow, we will explore anyway! The hike will be followed with a story and hot chocolate. Activities are designed for familes with children ages 5-12.

Explore Spring Valley on a cold winter night looking for signs of animals. After the hike, we will warm up in the Nature Center while drinking hot chocolate and listening to a story. Activities are designed for families with children ages 5-12.

Learn about and meet the draft horses on the Heritage Farm. Get a chance to groom them, see how their harnesses work and find out how to hitch them to our wagon. End the class with an old fashioned wagon ride! This program is designed for children ages 8+.

Join Chicago Astronomical Society members as they set their telescopes for a peek at the night sky. Follow signs to the viewing site. If weather is inclement, slides or a video will be shown in the Visitor Center. Topics for the evenings are: January 22-Orion's Sword; March 26-Gemini Highlights; April 23-Saturn.

Just in time for Valentine's Day! Join Evamarie Pilipuf and treat yourself to the best of three worlds. Explore the textures and flavors of various teas and chocolate, the ambience of the cabin and woods, and the relaxing yet recharging effects of yoga. Walk away feeling relaxed and refreshed. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat. Participants must be ages 18+.

Chase away the winter blahs with a double-dose of mind/body comfort. Join Evamarie Pilipuf and treat yourself to the perfect way to escape stress. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of the Merkel Cabin and give your muscles the rejuvination they need to carry you through until spring. After a hearty session of yoga, warm your soul with a cup of hot cocao or tea. All levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat. Participants must be ages 18+.

For today only, silhouette artist Kathryn Flocken will return to create hand-cut silhouettes starting at just $25! Silhouettes take only 3 minutes and infants, children, teens, and adults, as well as pets (on a leash!) are welcome! However, you will need an appointment for the silhouettes, so call the museum today! Cost is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under the age of 10.

Costumed volunteers will welcome all visitors to the 1825 Brown-Stetson-Sanford House to see a transformation back to the last Christmas before the War Between the States. A Victorian-attired Santa will be available for pictures, and demonstrations of needlework, candle-making, and vintage toys will be ongoing. Also, there will be storytelling and a magician! Enjoy cider and gingerbread cookies as one enjoys the historical wonder of the Brown-Stetson-Sanford House! Cost will be $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under the age of 10.