Group Nature Experiences

Gather your crew for a unique adventure in urban nature!

Groups of 12-18

Easy Planning

Affordable

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"The program was perfect for our group."

- Lisa Bailey | Broadscope Disability Services

Experiences for groups of all kinds!

Corporate Teams Schools and Educators Scout Groups and Youth Organizations Nonprofit Groups and Community Organizations Friends and Family Groups Event Planners and Tour Operators Outdoor Enthusiasts and Hobby Groups Health and Wellness Organizations

Unique, Convenient Locations

Beautiful natural greenspaces in the heart of Milwaukee. No need to travel far.

Experiences for Every Season

Enjoy year-round programming, including snowshoeing in the winter, bird-watching in the spring, or survival challenges in the fall.

Expert-Led Fun

Whether it’s paddling down the Milwaukee River, exploring habitats in your parks, or learning outdoor skills, participants leave with both memories and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Let's find the perfect experience for your group!

Select the group experience programs you’re interested in, then provide a few more details by clicking the Book an Experience button.

Program Title

X hrs

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Price per person

Season

Capacity

Locations offered

Request to Book Selected Experience

Take on new challenges with nature on your side!

Paddle the Milwaukee River
Hike while building community
Bike the Hank Aaron State Trail
Learn new skills
Explore nature in your neighborhood!

Request a Program

Please note: Requests made 6 weeks in advance allow for best chances of booking

Here’s what makes them stand out:

Customizable and Nature-Focused Experiences

Your group nature experiences are all about connecting participants to the natural world through interactive activities. Groups can choose from a menu of activities, ranging from mindfulness hikes and team-building challenges to kayaking adventures and camping preparation workshops. Each program can be tailored to align with the group’s interests, goals, or skill levels.

Led by Expert Facilitators

Each program is facilitated by the Urban Ecology Center's knowledgeable staff, who are experts at blending environmental education with hands-on learning and fun. Whether it’s paddling down the Milwaukee River, exploring habitats in your parks, or learning outdoor skills, participants leave with both memories and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Perfect for All Types of Groups

From corporate retreats looking to foster teamwork, to scout groups earning badges, or friends wanting a unique outing, these programs are designed to suit a wide range of audiences. They're also great for schools seeking to supplement science or environmental education with experiential learning.

Eco-Friendly Venues

Programs take place in local urban green spaces including: Riverside Park, Menomonee Valley, or Washington Park. These spaces offer access to trails, water, and a variety of ecosystems, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor exploration.

Experiences for Every Season

The UEC’s group experiences aren’t just for the warmer months. Groups can enjoy year-round programming, including snowshoeing in the winter, bird-watching in the spring, or survival challenges in the fall.

Support with a Purpose

By booking an experience with the UEC, groups are directly supporting the Urban Ecology Center's mission to connect people to nature and maintain Milwaukee’s urban green spaces.

Request a Program

Please note: Requests made 6 weeks in advance allow for best chances of booking

Program Offerings

See our menu of 1.5 - 2-hour programs to choose from.

Winter Programs Spring Programs Summer Programs

Don't take our word for it

What some of our past groups have to say

"The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee have been partnering with the Urban Ecology Center to host weekend family day events, and the experience has been incredible! Their inclusive approach, flexibility, and passion for education make every program engaging and seamless. Our families have explored nature in ways they never had before—pond scooping was a huge hit, and gathering around the campfire created unforgettable moments. Even when weather disrupted an event, the UEC team quickly adapted to ensure a meaningful experience. Cassie and the facilitators bring energy and expertise to every event, and we highly recommend UEC to any organization looking for hands-on, educational outdoor experiences!"

Anna Hedges | MarVan Program Manager, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

‍We wanted to show our summer interns another side of city. Paddling the Milwaukee River revealed a vibrant greenspace woven through the urban environment. We even had a whitetail fawn come down to the river edge as we floated by. The afternoon on the water was one of our interns’ favorite events of the summer and one we plan to repeat next year."
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John Fox, AIA | Project Architect, HGA Architects

"A group of clients and staff from our Independent Living Program came to the Riverside UEC for a program that was designed especially for us. Our goal was to learn how spending time outdoors surrounded by nature could be good for our mental health and to take some time to learn about and practice Mindfulness. The program was perfect for our group. We had a campfire- which is something some of the group members hadn't done in quite a while. We also used all of our senses and noticed things in our surroundings and enjoyed activities our facilitator had brought out for us. We enjoyed both the outdoor and indoor spaces which were both very accessible and all of the group members had an exceptionally good time. We felt really welcome there and will definitely be back."
‍
Lisa Bailey | Broadscope Disability Services

Answers to your

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bathrooms & water fountains available?

While facilities are available, we strongly encourage groups to use their site facilities prior to the trip to allow optimum use of the time we have together.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

If for any reason a trip needs to be canceled, our cancelation policy is as follows:

Days before trip & Refund amount

31 days or more - Full refund
8-30 days - 50% refund
0-7 days - No refund

How should we dress?

Participants, group leader, and chaperones should dress according to the weather. In inclement weather, outdoor activities may be shortened. Unless the weather is severe, we will still go outside. Please have participants wear close-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty. The UEC does have extra items for participants to borrow while onsite for programming.

What if weather conditions are poor?

The Urban Ecology Center follows a number of outdoor safety and weather policies - from severe weather to unsafe air quality conditions.In the case of questionable weather, the UEC will determine if the program should be canceled. We honor your organization's severe weather policy. If this should happen, you will receive a full refund.

How are specific needs accomodated?

Any of our programs can be slightly modified for individuals with specific needs. Please communicate any specific needs at the time of booking, so that we can be prepared for your group. The Urban Ecology Center buildings and many trails are accessible for students who use wheelchairs.

If you have additional questions, please reach out:
programs@urbanecologycenter.org • (414) 626-8571