Browse through the class and activity options below for grades 3-8. Availability is dependent on group size, weather and season, and requests from additional groups. Please contact us to check availability or for assistance in creating your experience.
Archery class provides fun for all ages as an introduction to form & shooting techniques, and the basics of potential and kinetic energy. This class also develops student motor skills and safety awareness while promoting positive group encouragement and interactions.
Watch students “climb to new heights” as they challenge themselves on our multi-pitch climbing wall. Located indoors, this class is offered year-round with one-on-one instruction from our trained and experienced staff members. Climbers of all levels, from beginner to advanced, will enjoy the thrill of the climb.
Develop teamwork and cooperation skills by having teams of students build structures through friendly competition! Construction Zone emphasizes positive communication as teams overcome physical and psychological obstacles. Facilitators personalize challenges to enhance the experience of each student and the group.
Predators run rampant all over Heartland and we have stumbled across several critter crime scenes! We need your students to aid us in our investigation! Students will put on their investigator caps and practice critical thinking to help us solve our wildlife mysteries!
This interactive outdoor class gives students the opportunity to explore the banks of Alum Creek’s surrounding tributaries and observe and identify rocks found amidst Ohio’s terrain. Students will review the rock cycle and basic geology concepts, and learn identification through the use of a dichotomous key.
This ecosystem class gives students a better understanding of the various relationships in the different ecosystems of Ohio. Hands-on exploration of forest, grassland, and wetland ecosystems will further knowledge and understanding of the intricate balance between living organisms and their habitat.
Hop on our wagons and hitch a ride down to the headwaters of Alum Creek for an exciting hour of creek-filled fun! We’ll discover the creatures that lie beneath the surface of the water, how they relate to one another in the food chain and how they contribute to understanding the health of a stream.
Group Problem Solving (or GPS, for short) uses cooperative games and activities to help develop team skills, communication, cooperation, and motor work. Students will be given a variety of mental and physical obstacles that they must work together on to successfully complete.
Close your eyes and think of an animal. What animal comes to mind? Does it have fur? If it does, you thought of a mammal! Did you know mammals are found in every continent of the world? They have different characteristics to help them live within their habitats. Students will get to meet a few of our amazing animal ambassadors. As students handle the animals, they will make observations and try to guess each animal’s habitat based on their characteristics.
Step back in time to the Alum Creek Settlement. Follow 1798 settlers through a forest notorious for attacks. Once safely in the village, interact with historic characters and take part in period activities such as candle making, crafts, games, blacksmithing, carpentry, militia and outdoor cooking.
Contact us to see what this experience looks like for groups under 75 people or for students younger than 3rd grade.
Students will be introduced to the native Ohio bird species and their specific adaptations while on a birdwatching hike complete with binoculars and field guides! Staff will call in a variety of birds for students to observe while on the trail and at the Heartland Bird Blind.
Pathfinders introduces students to the purpose, parts and proper use of a compass. This class also provides practical experience on how to navigate with or without maps and charts. Students will have the opportunity to use a compass on a course to further their understanding of orienteering.
What’s the difference between reptiles and amphibians? Find out in this class as we discuss the characteristics of these animals using a Venn diagram. Students will then have the unique opportunity to hold both native and exotic reptiles and amphibians.
Head out into the woods to our course of elements, where students will be introduced to teamwork and personal development principles! This 1 hour introductory team building activity is geared toward grades 3-5 and groups will complete an ice breaker and 1-2 elements focusing on 1-2 basic teamwork principles.
While out on our challenge course, students will develop teamwork through cooperative elements and be challenged to move outside their comfort zone. This 2 hour activity is geared toward grades 6+ and groups will complete an intro ice breaker and 3-4 elements focusing on 3-4 teamwork principles.
Preparedness and survival are not typically at the forefront of our thinking. In this class, students will learn and practice basic survival techniques while working cooperatively to build a fire and/or shelter.
Students will be challenged in the area of personal growth, team support and encouragement while on our dual level high adventure course. Minimum height/weight of 42″ and 45 lbs. and maximum height/weight of 75″ and 275 lbs.
Contact us for school pricing and group size compatibility.
Join in the fun and use bright, vivid colors to create your own masterpiece t-shirt! Our experienced staff will guide this class through a series of twists and turns that, in the end, will produce uniquely tie-dyed t-shirts. Complete with our Heartland Outdoor School Logo, the shirts come preshrunk and are available in adult sizes S-XXL.
Additional charge of $6.50 per shirt.
Hang on tight as you rush down our 400 ft. zip line. Minimum height/weight of 42″ and 45 lbs. and maximum height/weight of 75″ and 275 lbs.
$10 per person. Contact us for school pricing and group size compatibility.
