Chandler Nature Center offers free discovery packs, night hikes and fall Dragonfly-Butterfly Bash

Councilmember OD Harris visited the Chandler Nature Center segment of Power Conversations to highlight low-cost and free nature activities available to families in Chandler.

The Nature Center’s offerings matter to families seeking affordable, educational outdoor activities. Derek (a nature-center speaker on the program) said the center lends seven themed discovery packs free from the lobby and hosts interactive exhibits and a scavenger hunt that are free to visit.

Derek said, “You can go ahead, check out our discovery packs for free. There's different topics you can learn from. We have birds, creepy crawly insects, mammals, the great indoors.” He described the packs as having binoculars and hands-on activities that families can use for an hour or more and then return.

The Nature Center also runs excursions out of the city — Derek mentioned trips including Lava River Cave, Verde Valley national monuments and Lavender Pine Farm near Payson — and offers seasonal programs to beat the heat. He highlighted nocturnal full-moon hikes led by natural-resources staff, and a teen-focused CNC lock-in described as a night-at-the-museum–style overnight with night fishing, hikes and a morning breakfast for ages 13–17. Derek also previewed the Dragonfly-Butterfly Bash, an October event that celebrates monsoon-season wildlife such as butterflies and dragonflies.

Derek said some programs are free while others charge a small registration fee, and he pointed listeners to the center’s and city’s printed and digital recreation guides for schedules and registration details.

For more information or to sign up for specific excursions, hikes or the CNC lock-in, residents should consult the Chandler Nature Center listings in the city’s recreation materials.