Kids net knowledge about insects at Shore Acres

Outdoor Discovery Center free programs continue in September with “Birds of Prey.”

Participants in the “Incredible Insects” free program at Shore Acres Park, 6602 138th Ave., in Laketown Township, on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, study a praying mantis they captured during the event.

Grasshoppers! Grasshoppers! Grasshoppers!

“Look at all these grasshoppers!” the children yelled as they chased the insects hopping through the tall grass at Shore Acres Park, 6602 138th Ave., on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.

About a dozen children and adults used nets to sweep the fields for tiny life as part of the free program “Incredible Insects” led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

For a video from the event , click here.

Alé Langolf of the Outdoor Discovery Center shows the many grasshoppers caught by participants in the “Incredible Insects” free program at Shore Acres Park, 6602 138th Ave., in Laketown Township, on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.

Participants between 5 and 14 years old found scores of grasshoppers, several ladybugs, multiple spiders and the most sought-after prize of all – a praying mantis – while learning about their lifecycles and environment.

Sophie Stoetzner of the Outdoor Discovery Center helps a participant look through his net in the “Incredible Insects” free program at Shore Acres Park, 6602 138th Ave., in Laketown Township, on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.

The free programs continue on Sept. 15 with “Birds of Prey” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Felt Mansion Carriage House, 6575 138th Ave. Get to know the Outdoor Discovery Center resident raptors – including hawks, owls, and falcons. See these magnificent birds up close, and explore their amazing features, from skulls and wings to talons and feathers. All ages welcome. Guardians stay with the class. For more information, click here.

The final program of the season is Oct. 2, 7:30-8:30 p.m. “Night Hike” at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64th St. Registration required. Step into the woods after dark for a night-time adventure. Use your senses to discover how much you can feel, hear, touch, and even see in the dark. For ages 6 and up. Guardians stay with the class. To register and for more information, click here.

Children look for insects during the “Incredible Insects” free program at Shore Acres Park, 6602 138th Ave., in Laketown Township, on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.
Participants sweep the fields for insects during the “Incredible Insects” free program at Shore Acres Park, 6602 138th Ave., in Laketown Township, on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.
Participants study insects during the “Incredible Insects” free program at Shore Acres Park, 6602 138th Ave., in Laketown Township, on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.