Experience history and explore nature with Ruthven Park’s on-site education programs. Our new and redesigned programs offer learners of all ages the chance to be active participants in engaging, hands-on, and unique learning journeys that will inspire and create memories to last a lifetime.

Check out our YouTube channel for fun facts about history, nature, conservation and more!

Note: Each program has several connections to the Ontario curriculum. The targeted age groups for the program are based on the most relevant connections and may not include all of the grades with curriculum connections as listed.

All programs have been designed for half-day (2.5 hours). Full day program options (5 hours) are also available. All full day programs include a lunch break, mansion tour and bird banding in addition to the chosen program.

Transportation to Ruthven Park is the responsibility of the school(s)/group(s) attending educational programming.

Special Holiday Program Opportunity

A special Christmas Tea Education Program has been developed for the holiday season at Ruthven Park!

Bring your class for a half-day to experience Christmas of the Past and enjoy a special serving of tea (hot chocolate and cider included) in our Coach House. This program includes… a Christmas tour of the Thompson Family mansion, high tea in the Coach House, and a take-home activity. The cost for this program will be $10 per student and registration is first-come first-served. Register today!

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Education Program Offerings at Ruthven Park

  • Black-capped Chickadee standing on hand

    Chicken Fingers

    Targeted Age Groups: Grades 1 and 2 (ages 7-9)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring or Fall (April-May or September-November)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • Flock of silhouetted birds flying away into sunset.

    Mysteries of Migration

    Targeted Age Groups: Grades 4, 6, and 7 (ages 9-13)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring, Fall (April-May or September-November)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • Blue-headed Vireo held in hand.

    A Bird in the Bush

    Targeted Age Groups: Grades 7 and 11 (ages 12-17)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring, Fall (April-May or September-November)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • Garter Snake sniffing with tongue

    Hunting for Herptiles

    Targeted Age Groups: Grades 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 (ages 6-13)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring, Summer, Fall (March-October)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • Honey Bee on flower

    Pondering Pollinators

    Targeted Age Groups: Grades 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 (ages 6-13)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring, Summer, Fall (March-October)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • Great Blue Heron standing in wetland with marsh plants surrounding.

    Wonders of Wetlands

    Targeted Age Groups: Grades 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 (ages 8-17)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring, Summer, Fall (March-October)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • Eastern Gray Squirrel in tree sitting with hands up eating a seed.

    Squirrel Friends

    Targeted Age Groups: Kindergarten, Grades 1-2 (ages 5-8)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter (Year-round)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • Black and gray - two young 20s Thompson brothers standing next to each other in uniform.

    Echoes of War

    Targeted Age Groups: Grades 10 and 12 (ages 15-18)

    Recommended Booking Season: Fall or Winter (October-February)

    Program Length: 2.5 Hours

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • Paint covered brushes lying aligned on rocks.

    Brushstrokes Through Time

    Targeted Age Groups: Grades 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (ages 11-16)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring, Fall (March-October)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • Monarch butterfly on coneflower

    Species at Risk Survival

    Targeted Age Groups: Grades 4, 6, and 7 (ages 9-13)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring, Summer, Fall (March-October)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information
  • War reenactors at a reenactment of the War of 1812

    War of 1812

    Targeted Age Groups: Grade 7 (ages 11-13)

    Recommended Booking Season: Spring or Fall (April-May or September-November)

    Cost: $9.00 per student for half-day, $14 per student for full-day

    Please click below for curriculum connections and more details.

    Program Information

Book Your Program Today

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For more information - Contact Us

If you have additional questions about any of the programs above please fill out the form below.