Ernie Miller Nature Center

Ernie Miller Nature Center's mission is to enhance the quality of life in Johnson County by providing high-quality parks, services, and recreation programs. Check out Ernie Miller Nature Center's website for a full list of events!

Address: 909 N Highway 7, Olathe, KS (unless specified below)

How to register: Please review GSKSMO's registration requirements before registering. Unless otherwise stated in program description, visit JCPRD.com to register and enter the course # provided in the event description.

Questions: Call (913) 826-2800

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Fall Group Hayrides

All Levels
September 16-November 20 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)

Enjoy the outdoors by scheduling your group for a hayride through Oak Ridge Parklands at Shawnee Mission Park. Your hayride concludes with a warm campfire where marshmallows and apple cider await. Call now to reserve a date and time for your group.

Additional info: Dress appropriate for weather. We do not cancel the program for cold temperatures. Cancellations require two weeks advance notice for refund and have a $15 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations with less than two weeks notice.

Location: 7460 Ogg Road, Shawnee KS 66218

How to register: For scheduling and information, call 913-831-3359.

Cost: $130 first wagon, $110 additional wagons (20 people per wagon)

International Observe the Moon Night

All Levels

Sat Oct 1, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Observe the moon through a telescope, learn about lunar phases, make impact craters and your very own moon journal, and more! You may also bring your own binoculars and chair. Program fee is nonrefundable. Advanced registration required. Course #23382.

Cost per person: $7 JoCo resident / $8 nonresidents. Each person attending must register and pay, including adults.

Badge Connections: Brownie Badge: Space Science Explorer, Junior Badge: Space Science Investigator, Cadette Badge: Space Science Researcher, Senior Badge: Space Science Expert, Ambassador Badge: Space Science Master

Whimsical Woods

Daisy Brownie Junior

Sat Oct 15, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

There’s nothing scary about this enchanted forest. Costumed characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages. Meet with the Good Fairy and Forest Friends. Live animals, stories, and surprises will highlight childhood favorites. Group sessions begin every 15 minutes with program length approximately 1.5 hours. Course #23413.

Additional info: In case of inclement weather, program will be held indoors. Advance registration required. Minimum one paid adult per five paid children. Program fee is nonrefundable. Everyone attending must register and pay, including adults.

Cost per person: $7 JoCo resident / $8 non-resident, $9 per person on-site day of event, if space available.

Astronomy Hayride

All Levels

November 15, 16, & 17, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Join us for a late fall hayride and learn about the stars and their ancient stories. This two-hour program includes a hay wagon ride to your viewing location and back for a campfire with cider and marshmallows. We will be learning about the constellations of the evening and the stories that go with them. Course #23383.

Location: Oak Ridge at Shawnee Mission Park 7460 Ogg Road, Shawnee Mission, KS

Cost per person: $12 JoCo, KS resident / $13 nonresident. Every person attending must register and pay, including adults. No walk-in registration.

Escape Room: Rescue the Animals

All Levels
Sat Nov 19, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Owen the Outlaw has captured our owl and ferret! Can you help save them? Your team must beat the clock by solving puzzles and using clues to unlock both rooms to help the animals make a great escape! Group bookings only. Room fee is for first 12 people per room. 15 person maximum per room. Up to 2 rooms available per time slot by booking both Room A and Room B at the same time. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Girl Scouts can fulfill a requirement for the Senses or Detective badge (badges must be provided by troops). Course #23396.

Cost per person: $10 JoCo, KS resident / $11 nonresidents – 12 person minimum (Each person attending counts in activity headcount, including adults.)

Badge Connections: Brownie Badge: Senses, Junior Badge: Detective

Winter Solstice Celebration

All Levels
Sat Dec 17, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Take a break from the busy holiday festivities as we walk through the woods along Little Cedar Creek to witness the natural display of winter’s quiet time. The trails will be lit by luminaries. Warm up by the fireside and listen to stories about the longest night of the year. Visit live owls and discover animal mysteries of survival during the long winter. Gather round for a campfire treat of toasted marshmallows. Course #23407.

Additional info: Dress for the weather. This is an outdoor event in winter. Advance reservations required. Program fee is nonrefundable.

Cost per person: $8 JoCo, KS resident / $9 nonresidents. $10 per person on-site day of event, if space available. We cannot guarantee open availability day of event.