Activities and Programs

Please check the Event Calendar for current events, programs, and classes.

Animal Encounters

Come meet the animals of the Chihuahuan Desert at the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History! Animal Encounters is a chance for a hands-on introduction to the animals in our Nature Center. Be part of the action on the last Saturday of every month at 4:00 pm, except when posted. Free.

Club Fetch!™

Club Fetch!™ meets Sunday afternoons to actively explore areas of science and engineering through hands-on activities. Pre-registration is required and space is limited to 12 participants. ClubFETCH!™ members will receive a Ruff Ruffman t-shirt transfer at the conclusion of the program. Sign up today at the museum! 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Free.

Desert Treks

Take a field trip with the Museum. Most trips are free to the public, but will require your own transportation to the site. Minimum enrollment and pre-registration are required, as space is limited. Contact the Museum for more information. Free.

Diggin’ Dinos

This program is for children 4 – 10 yrs old, parents are encouraged to stay. During the 3-week class, students explore their favorite prehistoric beasts from flying Pterosaurs to mighty T-rex. Learn about what they ate, how they lived, and more through hands-on demonstrations and activities! Registration Required, 11:00 am, Free.

Dinosaur Train

This program, based on the PBS show Dinosaur Train™, is for children 3-5 years old, parents are encouraged to stay. In collaboration with the Las Cruces Railroad Museum this program explores the world of dinosaurs, trains and science! Join us for explorations in color, herbivores, carnivores and bird feathers! Registration required, 9:00 am Free.

Fetch!™

Dig into science in this hands-on class. Based on the PBS television program, FETCH! ™ with Ruff Ruffman, this program offers participants the opportunity to learn real world science through hands-on activities. FETCH! ™ is open every weekend, except when posted. Free. Fridays 5:30 - 7:30 pm Saturdays 1:30 - 3:30 pm.

Fur 'N Feathers

This program is for children 4 – 10 yrs old, parents are encouraged to stay. During the 3-week class, students explore the novelty of fight in birds, mammals that lay eggs, and much more through hands-on demonstrations and activities. Registration Required, 11:00 am, Free.

Museum Lecture Series

Aligned with current museum exhibitions, the Museum Lecture series explores these topics in depth, examining several facets over the course of the exhibition. Lectures are generally held on the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm. Contact the museum for dates and topics. Free.

Nature Camp

Nature Camp is a summer science day camp where children learn about science and the Chihuahuan Desert that surrounds Las Cruces through hands-on experiences and activities. These activities and adventures include crafts, experimentation, nature study, field trips, and overnight camping for grades 3 and up.

Saturday Science

Saturday Science is a hands-on science program for elementary school children exploring science topics throughout the year. This class is guaranteed to be a combination of fun and learning. Saturdays at 11:OO am. Free.

Scaly Slimy

This live animal program is for children 4 – 10 yrs old, parents are encouraged to stay. During the 3-week class, students explore fish, frogs , turtles, crocodiles, lizards and snakes, looking at similarities and differences in these diverse groups of animals. Live animal demonstrations may be supplemented with hands-on crafts. Registration Required, 11 :00 am, Free.

Science Café

Do you have a question about science? Do you want to network with scientists in a variety of disciplines? Then Sigma Xi is the organization for you! The NMSU chapter of Sigma Xi: International Scientific Research Society and the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History partner to bring you monthly science round table discussions. Topics of current interest are discussed the last Thursday of the month at 5:30 pm unless otherwise announced. Free.

Scout Merit Badge Program

The museum offers several courses to scouts for merit badge credit on an on-demand basis. There is a $10 fee per participant and pre-registration with at least 1 week notice is required. Courses run for approximately 4 hours. Contact the museum to arrange a badge program.

Sky Safari

Come view the night sky at a closer range. At Sky Safari, the museum furnishes high-powered telescopes and expert guidance by the NMSU Astronomy Department. Sky Safari is funded by the Southern New Mexico Natural History Foundation (SNMNHF).