Big Bear Discovery Center

This year at the Big Bear Discovery Center, our Certified Nature Explore Classroom has continued to thrive as a joyful and welcoming space where children and families connect with the natural world.

Over the past year, we’ve enhanced our outdoor classroom with new natural play features in our music and movement area, refreshed our pollinator pathway with spreading more seed for native plants and pollinators, and added to our activity stations that spark creativity and curiosity. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community partners, our space remains a clean, safe, and inspiring environment for exploration year-round.

Our outdoor classroom is truly special because it offers hands-on nature experiences framed by the beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest. Families gather here for guided nature play, seasonal programs, and special events like “Nature Art Days” and “Pinecone Bird Feeder Workshops.” One parent recently shared, “Whether you’re looking for trail information, local history, or a fantastic guided experience, the Big Bear Discovery Center, with its outstanding volunteers and engaging programs like Nancy’s nature walk, is an absolute must-visit. Highly recommended!” Moments like these remind us why this space matters.

We are deeply grateful to our community, donors, and volunteers who make this classroom possible. Their time, generosity, and passion sustain our mission to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards. Looking ahead, we plan to add new interpretive signage, expand our pollinator garden, and continue hosting nature-based family engagement programs so that every visitor leaves with a stronger connection to the forest and each other.

 

Learn more about this classroom on their certification page!