Nature Discovery Center
About Us
This section contains helpful information to help you learn more about who we are, what our mission is and the programs we offer for children, schools, teachers, families, and adults. Click on the blue topics below to view detailed information.
Mission & Goals |
 |
To ignite life-long curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature through education. |
||
Our History |
 |
The Nature Discovery Center owes its existence to a remarkable grass-roots effort, which began in 1979 with the formation of the Friends of Bellaire Parks, Inc., now Nature Discovery Center, Inc. |
||
Our People |
 |
A diverse, experienced, and dedicated team of staff and volunteers, led by an active Board, work together to bring our visitors, our community, and area schools a wealth of opportunities for hands-on science learning and family fun. |
||
Directions & Hours |
 |
The Nature Discovery Center is located in Russ Pitman Park at 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire, Texas, just inside the West 610 Loop, between Bellaire Blvd and Evergreen. |
||
Discovery Rooms |
 |
Everyone can share in the joy of discovery in our two Discovery Rooms! Hands-on, interactive exhibits, specimens, live animals to touch and observe, books to browse, and make-and-take crafts will provide you with many fun and memorable learning opportunities. |
||
Russ Pitman Park |
 |
Russ Pitman Park is a lush 4-acre oasis in Bellaire, just inside the 610 Loop, offering individuals, families, and community groups a place to stroll, play, picnic, and explore nature. The Nature Discovery Center itself is housed in the historic Henshaw House at the north end of the Park. |
||
Facility Rentals |
 |
From parties in one of our pavilions to board meetings in the historic Henshaw house, the Nature Discovery Center is a great place to hold your next event. |
||
NDC News |
To learn more about what is happening at the Center, view our recent Newsletter, Fliers, and Press Releases, or read about us in a recent local news story. |
|||
Reports |
We encourage you to download our most recent annual report to learn more about the important work the Nature Discovery Center is doing in Bellaire and throughout the greater Houston area. |
|||
Contact Us |
View this page to learn how to contact us and find the right contact. |
Organization learning resources
| Title | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Homeschool Nature Programs PUBLISHED |
One-off homeschool classes are available for homeschool groups ages 5 to 12 on a variety of topics (11 total) in the natural or biological sciences. During the ongoing pandemic, class size is limited to 8 to 10 kids. Click to learn more about what we are currently offering. Head Naturalist and Educator Eric Duran is willing to work with your homeschool group to offer programs that meet your science curriculum needs in specific content areas relating to the biological sciences. These programs are offered as one-off, pre-scheduled classes upon request. Program Details:
Current Topics Offered: 1. Nature of Plants 2. Trees and Forests 3. Vertebrate Animals 4. Invertebrate Animals 5. Insects – (suggested for Spring and early Fall) 6. Flowers and Pollinators – (suggested for Spring and early Fall) 7. Reptiles and Amphibians – (suggested for Spring and early Fall) 8. Birds and Birdwatching 9. Furry Mammals 10. Homes and Habitats 11. Food Chains To inquire about scheduling, please fill out our Homeschool Program Inquiry Form If your homeschool group has other nature related program needs not met by these class topics, please email Eric with your specific needs to see if he might be able to work with you. 
STEM - General Nature Early Elementary School Late Elementary School Middle School |
$ |
|
NDC Park Packs PUBLISHED |
NDC Park Packs include everything you need for an outdoor adventure in Russ Pitman Park! Choose from Art in the Park or Park Explorer, or buy them both. They each offer suggestions and supplies for 6 different outdoor activities. Make your next park visit more memorable! These self-guided experiences are meant to stimulate your creativity, encourage your curiosity, and enrich the time you spend outside enjoying the park. Each NDC Park Pack comes with activity suggestions and the tools and supplies you’ll need to complete them while you are here. These packs are perfect for family trips to the park, but they are also fantatsic for Birthdays, Scout outings, and more. Each child will want their own bag to fully participate in the fun! Days & Times Pack Pick Up is Available: Monday – Friday between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. You must register ahead before coming by to pick up a pack. Generally, please allow 1 – 2 business days from your order date to ensure we have enough packs in stock for your order. Cost: $10 per pack members (must be logged in to receive the discount) / $15 per pack for non-members
Other Details: Please pay in advance online so that pack pick up can be as touch-free a process as possible. Please knock loudly on the front door, or call 713.667.6550 to let us know you are here and want to pick up pre-purchased NDC Park Packs. Our offices are at the back of the house and upstairs so it is easy to miss a soft knock.
Arts - Visual Nature Preschoolers Early Elementary School Late Elementary School |
$ |