Unplug and reconnect with the natural world.
From July 3–6, unplug and reconnect with the natural world at the Get Outside Festival—a four-day celebration of outdoor adventure, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Festival highlights include live glassblowing demonstrations from the Corning Museum of Glass Mobile Hot Shop, the You Otter Run 5K, guided canoe trips on the Raquette River, fly fishing, nature journaling, and building stick forts. Guests can also tap into their creative side with outdoor art projects, nature-inspired crafts, and guided painting sessions.
Get Outside programming is included in the cost of regular admission. *Note: separate registration is required for the You Otter Run 5K*
Prepare to be blown away—literally! The Corning Museum of Glass is rolling back to The Wild Center with their incredible Mobile Hot Shop, a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio on wheels. Watch expert glassmakers transform molten glass into stunning works of art right before your eyes, with live narration and fiery demonstrations happening throughout the day. It’s part science, part art, and all-around awesome. Don’t miss this crowd-favorite experience during The Wild Center’s Get Outside Festival!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
DAILY
• 1 pm: Woodpecker Wandering with Rich Hanlon - naturalist walk
• 10 am to 5 pm: Corning Museum of Glass Mobile Hot Shop - live glassblowing demonstrations
• Edible and Medicinal Nature of the ADK with Melanie Sawyer
• Otter Whisker Face Painting
• Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory
ART TENT
10 am to 4 pm
• Bubble Making
• Build Your Own Nature Journal
• Water Color Painting
• Chalk Art Wall
• Mural Painting
• Track Painting
• Member Table
• Build Your Own Nature Journal
• Water Color Painting
• Chalk Art Wall
• Mural Painting
• Track Painting
• Member Table
WATERFRONT
11 am to 4 pm
• Canoe Demos
• Adirondack Center for Loon
• Conservation Tabling
• Fly Fishing with Adirondack
• TrOutfitters
• Lawn Games
• Canoe Demos
• Adirondack Center for Loon
• Conservation Tabling
• Fly Fishing with Adirondack
• TrOutfitters
• Lawn Games
FEN TRAIL & RAQUETTE RIVER ROLL
10 am to 5 pm
• Opening new extension of trail
• 4 New Ball Runs
• New Interpretive Signage
• Opening new extension of trail
• 4 New Ball Runs
• New Interpretive Signage
PINES PLAY AREA
10 am to 5 pm
• Fort Building
• Fairy Houses
• Slackline
• Exploring Adirondack Woodpeckers
• Fort Building
• Fairy Houses
• Slackline
• Exploring Adirondack Woodpeckers
FRIDAY, JULY 4
You Otter Run 5K
Race Start: 10 AM
Kick off your holiday weekend with the You Otter Run 5K at The Wild Center! This family-friendly fun run winds through our scenic trail system, offering the perfect opportunity to unplug, get moving, and connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just otter-ly excited to jog or walk alongside friends and family, all are welcome!
• All participants will receive a medal
• Special appearance by Ollie the Otter
• Explore The Wild Center trails and grounds
• Registration includes general admission to The Wild Center for the day
Register online in advance or sign up in person on race day. Come for the run, stay for the adventure!
SATURDAY, JULY 5
ART TENT
10 am to 4 pm: Paper Making
WATERFRONT
9 am to 11 am: Members Only Canoe Trip
SUNDAY, JULY 6
ART TENT
10 am to 4 pm
• Paper Making
• Wood Carving Demo
• Caricature drawings with Joe Ferris
• Wood Carving Demo
• Caricature drawings with Joe Ferris
WATERFRONT
Campfire Stories with Ilyssa and Dave Kyu
9 am to 11 am: Members Only Canoe Trip
9 am to 11 am: Members Only Canoe Trip
This event is supported by a grant awarded to The Wild Center by New York State's Empire State Development and the I LOVE NY Division of Tourism.
The Wild Center’s programs are also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.