Pacific Science Center offers a variety of programs for families and groups through the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue. Click the links below to learn more.

Does your child like to explore the outdoors? Enjoy scientific field investigations of the natural world? What about canoeing in search of wildlife? If so, join our Nature Club for elementary students at the Mercer Slough. Pacific Science Center staff will engage your child with hands-on activities, experiments, hikes, crafts and educational games.

• Ages: 6-12.
• Sessions: We will arrange special 8-week sessions by request for groups of 6 or more students.
• Themes: Our Nature Club session themes include animals, plants, ecosystems, nature art, observation and nature journaling, and wetland science.
• Time: Nature Club typically runs for 2 hours one day per week, offered weekdays and Saturdays.
• Location: Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center (1625 118th AVE SE in Bellevue).
• Cost: Enrollment for an 8-week session is $155 per participant ($145 for Pacific Science Center members).
• Registration: For more information or to arrange a special session please call the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center at (425) 450-0207.

Wild B'earthday parties are offered on Saturdays from mid-September to early June.

Age: 5 years and up

Celebrate your birthday in the wild. Explore the wetlands, play ecology games, and then celebrate your party amidst the tree tops in our new facility. All ages can choose from a Bug Safari or Animal Mania theme. Our new GPS Scavenger Hunt theme is for Ages 8 and above.

• Bug Safari (All Ages): Explore the world of insects with bug boxes and magnifying glasses, play ecology games and seek out tiny creatures as you hike through the Slough.
• Animal Mania (All Ages): Play various animal games, take home an animal track and hike the Slough in search of animal signs.
• GPS Scavenger Hunt (8 yrs and older, max. 15 kids): Learn how compasses and GPS devices work. Then with a GPS receiver in hand, follow the clues as you search out the coordinates on a GPS Scavenger Hunt.

We head out rain or shine but will include some indoor activities if inclement weather clouds your b'day.

$200 ($190 for members) for 15 children
$280 ($270 for members) for 25 children

Party Package includes: 1.5 hour guided hike, a bug box, plaster animal track or compass clip (depends on theme), invitations, room usage for 1 hour PLUS thematic room decorations, table cloths, plates, cups, forks and napkins. Just bring the food and drinks!

Call (206) 443-2925 to register.

Scouts In The Wild is offered weekdays after school and on Saturdays from mid-September to early June.

Ages: 5 - 12 years old - Length: 2 hours

Explore the forest and wetland habitats of the Mercer Slough Nature Park while working towards a nature-related scouting badge. Badges are not supplied for this program. Join in scavenger hunts, games, experiments and more. Call (206) 443-2925 to register.

$125 for up to 15 scouts ($110 for Pacific Science Center members).
$200 for 16 - 25 Scouts ($180 for Pacific Science Center members).

When: Fridays: Nov 30, Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 29
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Cost: $15/person
Age: Designed for families with children aged 5-12
Where: Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center
Pre-Registration Required: Call (206) 443-2925

Start off the evening in the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center lab examining skulls and conducting experiments to discover the tricks nocturnal creatures use to survive at night. Then head out into the dark to call owls, listen for nocturnal creatures and participate in hands-on sensory activities. If you have a group of ten or more you can reserve a private Night Walk. Call (206) 443-2925 for details.

November 30 - Nocturnal Predators, Coyotes!
December - (no program offered)
January 25 - Owls of the Slough
February 22 - Unmasking Raccoons
March 29 - Newts and Salamanders and Frogs, Oh my!

When:

• Oct 19: Macroinvertebrates
• Nov 16: Salmon
• Dec 7: Wildlife

Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $10/person
Age: Designed for families with children aged 5-12
Where: Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center
Pre-Registration Required: Call (206) 443-2925

Join us for an evening of indoor laboratory science. We will engage in fun activities while we learn about the chemistry and adaptations of macroinvertebrates, salmon and wildlife species.