Roads, including Wildlife Drive, closed for flooding but the Visitor Center is Open and Second Saturday and Butterfly Garden Walks are not cancelled.

All Areas, including the Visitor Center, will be closed July 10 - 11 for Aerial Hog Control

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The Refuge Rocks!  

Programs for Children, Scouts and School Groups

FREE and open to the public. Photos of children participating in the event may be used on our website.

    • July 19, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Hagerman National Wildlife Visitor Center, 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, TX 75092
    • 25
    Register

    Dive into the refuge for a splash-tastic, hands-on adventure where kiddos can uncover the secrets of the water cycle and discover why water is the lifeblood of all living things! We'll embark on a journey through the world of water and join in fun activities that show how we can all be water-saving superheroes. Get ready to dig deep into the wonders of water, learn how it's used, and find easy-peasy ways to save it at home! From spotting sneaky water-wasting habits to mastering the art of shorter showers and turning off that tap while brushing those pearly whites, we’ll make it all a blast with visuals and hands-on fun perfect for all ages!  This FREE class will be water-tastic, so sign up your youth ages 5-10 to reserve a place!


    • August 16, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Hagerman National Wildlife Visitor Center, 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, TX 75092
    • 26
    Register

    Ever spotted moths throwing a wild dance party around the lights at night? But wait—what exactly are these fuzzy party crashers, and how do they compare to their glamorous butterfly cousins? Buckle up, because this lesson is about to take you on a moth-tastic journey! We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of moth life cycles with their four fabulous stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa (or cocoon), and the dazzling adult moth. We’ll also uncover their quirky traits like those funky antennae and wing patterns, explore the stars of the moth world (hello, Luna and silk moths!), and reveal how they navigate the night using their super sniffer! Plus, get ready for some fun with moth-themed crafts, live moth spotting (if the little guys cooperate!), and lively chats about their amazing adaptations. Let the moth mayhem begin!  Sign up for this class and reserve your kiddo's spot for this fun class!

    • September 20, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Hagerman National Wildlife Visitor Center, 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, TX 75092
    • 26
    Register

    Ponds are like nature's bustling party zones! These vibrant ecosystems are packed with a colorful cast of critters and plants—probably more than any other hangout in town! No matter when you visit, a pond is a front-row seat to the spectacular show of how plants and animals mingle and dance with their surroundings. It’s the ultimate classroom for curious minds! Dive into the life cycles of flora and fauna, with birds and bugs buzzing overhead while fish and frogs throw their own splashy soiree below. We’ll swing by the pond near the Visitor Center and have some pond-tastic fun with hands-on observation, microscopes, crafty creations, and activities galore!  Sign up your youth for this. Spaces are limited for this unforgettable expedition into the tiny, teeming world of ponds! Register your curious kiddos now!


    • October 18, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Hagerman National Wildlife Visitor Center, 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, TX 75092
    • 26
    Register

    Calling all young weather enthusiasts! Have you ever thought about becoming a meteorologist?  Come to Hagerman NWR for a fun morning learning about the weather. Join us on October 18th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM for this exciting weather adventure!"  Don't let them miss out on this electrifying adventure into the atmosphere! Sign up your aspiring meteorologist for "Weather Watchers" today! Space is limited, so grab their spot before the forecast changes!

    • November 15, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Hagerman National Wildlife Visitor Center, 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, TX 75092
    • 26
    Register

    Who’s got a torpedo shape, cat-like whiskers, and webbed feet that could win a duck impersonation contest? That’s right, it’s your favorite furry friend—the river otter! Join us as we splash into the fabulous world of river otters right here at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re a beach bum or a poolside pro, you’ve got a lot in common with these water-loving critters! River otters are the ultimate aquatic mammals, frolicking in fresh water as they play, hunt, and swim like champs. We’ll dive deep into their playful antics with a mini lesson, some otter-tastic crafts, and a heap of fun activities. So, whisk-er your way over; it’s going to be otter-ly amazing!  Don't let this opportunity slip away! Sign up your adventurous kiddo for "Otterly Amazing Otters" today and let them splash into a world of learning and laughter! Spaces are as limited as an otter's fishing hole, so secure their spot now!


Nature'Ology: A Fun Day of Learning About Nature!

A free single day camp for children 11 or 12 years old

A full day of learning all about nature: fossils, prairies, spiders, birds, snakes and water cycles! Make a terrarium, enjoy a nature craft and meet other young nature enthusiasts!

This program has become so popular, that it fills up very quickly. By opting into this mailing list, you will receive an email with a link to apply for a confirmed reservation before reservations open to the general public in the spring of 2026.

Join our Mailing List for  Nature'Ology June 2026!

The Free Fishing Derby is an Annual Family Event in June!

Cindy Steele

Cindy Steele, Chairperson of Children's Activities of the Hagerman NWR Board of Directors, is from Whitewright, Texas and has lived in Sherman for 39 years.  She was a teacher for 31 years and retired in 2012.  She taught 3rd grade for most of that time, but also taught preschool, 5th grade, middle school theater arts/speech, and high school theater arts.  She received her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degrees from Austin College.  Cindy is married and has one son. 

Cindy began volunteering with the Friends of Hagerman after she retired from teaching in 2012 and has been enjoying working with the youth activities and butterfly garden docent program since.  She has served on the Friends of Hagerman NWR Board of Directors and continues to lead our children's activities. She is a Certified Texas Master Naturalist having completed the initial training in the fall of 2018.


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Events and activities hosted by the Friends of Hagerman are funded by donations and powered solely by volunteers.  There are no fees for admission to the refuge or parking. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year and you may drive on any road unless gated.

6465 Refuge Road

Sherman, TX 75092

             

Kroger: Stop by the customer service desk at Kroger and link your Kroger Card to the Friends of Hagerman: the Friends will get rewards for every dollar you spend, at no cost to you.

Please add info@friendsofhagerman.org to your contacts to ensure delivery of registration confirmations, account information and the Featherless Flyer

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See you at the refuge! 

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