Anita Purves Nature Center
Private
Urbana Park District nature center at Crystal Lake Park running summer nature day camps for ages 6 to 13, where campers explore the outdoors in small leader-led groups from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Offerings include a general Nature Day Camp and a Wild Child Survival Camp teaching shelter-building, tool-making, and wilderness safety. Free-admission center with live resident wildlife exhibits.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Anita Purves Nature Center directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Google Reviews
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★★★★Brittnee HamiltonI’m giving 4 out of 5 stars because there are no trail signs. Otherwise, it makes for a lovely stroll within the city.
★★★★★Rachel SnyderCool nature center with play area. Staff was super friendly.
★★★★★Mercy AshThe staff here are incredibly knowledgeable about the outdoors, the local ecosystem, and extremely willing to help every time I stop in with strange nature related questions. I have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing many of their nature hikes but the one I did go to in Busey Woods was incredibly fun and interesting, and helped cement my love of walking outside as well as photographing nature. Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park are both extremely nearby, and it's super easy to walk or bike here from downtown Urbana because of the connecting bike path. If you haven't yet experienced the incredible facilities provided by the Urbana Parks Department, and love the outdoors, you owe it to yourself to take a look! It is also open to the public most of the day so stop by if you're nearby and need water or a restroom.
★★★★★Misty McpherranWe love it here!! Such a great nature center! Tons of learning opportunities. Animals. The gift shop is super cute too! The staff is always very helpful and friendly! They have tons of info about cicadas to teach kids about the upcoming broods!
★★★★★Kittensforworlddomination BarkKind staff, clean building. There's lots of information on wildlife and fun activities for all ages. Lots of animal ambassadors like an owl, salamander, and corn snake! They were all super cute and silly the last time I visited. The time before must have been naptime since they were all tucked away. ^^ Still lots of cute pictures around!