Discovery Days
Free Hands-On Workshops to Build Nature Skills and Stewardship
Sometimes just 30 minutes outside is enough to feel more grounded. From the scent of fresh herbs to the “ah-ha!” moments of new connections and the laughter of families sharing time outdoors together, Oxbow Discovery Days (formerly known as Pilot Programs) invite you into a living, evolving learning experience.
Across farm fields and forest trails, moments of curiosity unfold into skills through lessons like parenting outdoors, food preservation, fostering biodiversity in everyday spaces, and more. Whether you’re new to outdoor learning or simply seeking a reset, these mini sessions offer simple, meaningful ways to reconnect with the world around you. Even better, your feedback helps shape future programs that invite more folks to learn, play, and feel at home in nature.
These investigations and experiences are designed for learners of all ages. You can drop in for one or stay all day. Mix and match from several unique workshops, each 30–45 minutes.
Join In. Give Back.
Come try something new. We’ll ask for your thoughts after, and your input helps shape what’s next. Here’s what to expect:
Hands-on Learning
You won’t just hear about nature, you’ll touch, taste, smell, and engage with it. From dyeing fabric with Oregon grape bark to building a worm bin, each session offers memorable sensory experiences and tangible skills you can use at home.
Community Feedback
Share your voice and help shape what’s next. Your insights helps shape future programming, ensuring it reflects what our community values.
Welcoming Environment
Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or a total beginner, these sessions are welcoming, low-commitment, and completely free.
Topic Variety
Explore what sparks your curiosity. Choose from several unique sessions covering everything from dried flower bouquets and quick pickles to seasonal flavors and nature journaling. There’s something for every interest, and you’re welcome to try one or dig into them all.
Tickets
Register for for FREE
Oxbow’s Discovery Days are supported, in part, by 4Culture. We’re deeply grateful for their partnership, which allows us to offer accessible ticket pricing and connect more people with outdoor learning experiences.
Please register in advance—spaces are limited, and your RSVP helps us prepare materials thoughtfully to minimize waste.
Upcoming Sessions Schedule
August 7 & 8, 2026, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Times:
Friday, August 7 at 10:00 AM
Saturday, August 8 at 11:00 AM
Length:
~30 minutes
All ages
Location:
Clubhouse
Who says math belongs in a classroom? Math is everywhere, especially outdoors. Join us as we uncover the beautiful patterns, shapes, and relationships woven throughout the natural world, while discovering how farmers and scientists use math every day. Then, grab a measuring tool, head into the garden on a scavenger hunt, and share your own math-inspired discoveries in our clubhouse gallery.
Times:
Friday, August 7, at 10:00 AM + 12:00 PM
Saturday, August 8 at 10:00 AM + 3:00 PM
Length:
~30-45 minutes
All ages
Location:
Outdoor Kitchen
Explore simple ways to harvest, dry, and preserve herbs and flowers for cooking, tea, and everyday enjoyment. Along the way, you’ll experiment with creating your own herbal blends to take a little piece of the garden home.
Times:
Friday, August 7 at 11:00 AM + 1:00 PM + 3:00 PM
Length:
~30 minutes
Adult-focused, kid-friendly
Location:
Kids’ Farm Pergolas
Get your hands messy by smashing tomatoes and exploring the simple art of seed saving. You’ll learn how to choose the best fruits, practice beginner-friendly techniques, and take home your own jar of fresh tomato seeds to plant in seasons to come.
Times:
Friday, August 7 at 11:00AM
Length:
~45 minutes
Adult-focused, kid-friendly
Sharpen your observation skills and build confidence identifying plants and their relationships with one another. Together, we’ll explore a range of field guides and identification tools, learn which features to focus on, and practice our new skills through scavenger hunts, alliterations, and maybe even a song or two.
Times:
Friday, August 7 at 12:00 PM + 3:00 PM
Saturday, August 8 at 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM
Length:
~30 minutes
Kid-friendly
Location:
Clubhouse
Investigate the hidden world beneath your feet as you meet one of the farm’s hardest workers—the worm! Dig in to soil life up close and discover how these small creatures help grow healthy food and thriving ecosystems.
Times:
Friday, August 7 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, August 8 at 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Length:
~1 hour
School-aged kids+
Location:
Meet at Oxboat
Unleash your inner naturalist on a guided expedition through Oxbow’s hidden trails. Equipped with paper, pencil, and keen observation, you’ll help document key landscape features, native plants, wildlife habitat, and more. Together, we’ll create a shared living map that evolves from season to season.
Times:
Friday, August 7 at 2:00PM
Length:
~30 min
All Ages
Location:
Kids’ Farm Pergolas
Embrace whimsy and get creative as we wander the Kids’ Farm, harvesting fresh flowers for bouquets or crafting dried flower garlands to take home. Along the way, we’ll spot pollinators at work, taste edible plants, and soak in the summer season.
Time:
Saturday, August 8 at 1:00PM
Length:
~30 min
All Ages
Location:
Kids’ Farm Pergolas
Become a flower or pollinator in this active outdoor game as you discover how pollen moves from flower to flower. Along the way, you’ll observe real pollinators in the Kids’ Farm, explore why pollination matters, and discover how pollinators help plants make fruits and seeds.
Times:
Saturday, August 8 at 2:00PM + 3:00PM
Kid-friendly
Location:
Kids’ Farm Pergolas
Learn how the sun powers Oxbow! Tour our recently installed solar photovoltaic (PV) system, explore how solar energy works through interactive activities, and build your own solar mason jar lantern to take home.
You’ll also discover practical ways to reduce energy costs at home and learn about energy programs offered by Puget Sound Energy (PSE). Whether you’re solar-curious or simply looking for a fun community experience, this workshop is designed for everyone, and no prior experience is needed.
Oxbow’s solar PV system is supported by customers participating in Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power Program. This workshop is hosted by Spark Northwest.
Times:
Friday, August 7, 1:00PM-4:00PM
Saturday, August 8, 10:00AM-1:00PM
Length:
3 hours
Kid-friendly
Location:
Meet at Plant Stand
Drop in and get your hands in the soil and help support habitat by planting native trees and shrubs along the Snoqualmie River.
FAQs
No. You’re welcome to join for one session or stay for multiple throughout the day.
Yes! Many sessions are designed for kids, families, and caregivers, with additional offerings for adults.
No prior experience is needed. Sessions are designed to be welcoming and accessible for all skill levels.
Please bring weather-appropriate clothing, a water bottle, and a notebook if you’d like to take notes. These workshops include outdoor components, so dress for the season.
No alcoholic beverages, please. With the exception of special permitted events, alcohol is not allowed on the property.
No cigarettes, e-cigs, or vape pens, please. Smoking of any kind is not allowed on the property.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed past the Plant Stand. Please leave your furry friends at home for this event. Thank you for your cooperation!
Portable restrooms (Honey Buckets) are available for visitors. Handwashing stations and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Oxbow offers accessible parking around our Plant Stand. Trails beyond can be uneven and difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or mobility aids. There is an accessible Honey Bucket portable restroom near Kids’ Farm. For questions or assistance, visit oxbow.org/visit/#accessibility or email thedirt@oxbow.org. To arrange for parking further into the farm and closer to the day’s programs, email education@oxbow.org.
Yes! We have plenty of parking spots available at the Plant Stand.
Sign Up and Start Planning
Be the first to know when Discovery Day topics, tickets, and schedules are released.
Bonus! When you sign up, you’ll receive a free lesson plan for making your own newspaper planting pots. These DIY containers are a fun, earth-friendly way to cut waste while getting seeds started indoors.