Eden Prairie Outdoor Center

Nature Rocks! at Eden Prairie Outdoor Center

Many Saturdays you can drop in to the Outdoor Center for the Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center Open House which offers free family-friendly nature activities, such as hiking, hands-on interaction with live animals, and craft projects. Watch for this free event on our Family Fun Calendar.

Staring Lake Observatory

Eden Prairie’s Staring Lake Observatory in Staring Lake Park was a gift from the Minnesota Astronomical Society. The 9-foot tall, 16-inch Cassegrain telescope is one of the largest telescopes in the state of Minnesota. The city hosts public astronomy programs throughout the year at the observatory. This can make a fun family outing when studying astronomy or with kids who are interested in space in general.

Note: The observatory and Staring Lake Outdoor Center are on the opposite side of Staring Lake as the park. Visitors will likely want to park on the lot on that end of the lake, rather than manage the 1.5-mile trails around the lake after dark. Instead, perhaps come early for programs, hike the trails in daylight, play on the playground equipment, have a picnic dinner, than get back to the observatory side of the lake before dusk.

Star Watch Astronomy at Staring Lake Observatory

Star Watch Astronomy programs are pre-scheduled on select dates year round and go forward rain or shine. If the sky is clear, the observatory roof will be open for viewing. If the weather is cloudy, a large LCD screen in the Outdoor Center is used to simulate a night sky. An astronomer leads each event and is available to explain what you are seeing and answers questions. Past participants advise bringing your own binoculars to get an additional view of the evening sky.

Programs are usually $12.00 per person and are recommended for ages 8+ (with a registered adult). Visitors are encouraged to dress for the current weather and bring binoculars for additional viewing.

Birthday parties at the Eden Prairie Outdoor Center

The outdoor center hosts naturalist-led birthday parties on weekend afternoons. Each party includes 90 minutes of structured activities like hikes, seasonal activities and animal introductions. This time is followed by 30 minutes for cake and presents. The fee includes a maximum of 15 children and 3 adults. Find more birthday party idea on our Ultimate Guide to Birthday Parties in the Twin Cities.

More information

• Find more information on Outdoor Center Birthday Parties here.
• Register for Eden Prairie Events

Related content

• • Staring Lake Park, Eden Prairie
  • Nature Playgrounds in the Twin Cities: Get Back to Green
  • Minnesota Night Sky Viewing: Twin Cities Observatories, Planetariums and Other Heavenly Opportunities
  • Universe in the Park
  • Eagle Lake Observatory at Baylor Regional Park, Norwood Young America