Take a peek at nature at night

While we're tucked away in our warm, cozy homes, the natural world outside is putting on quite a show. Retzer Nature Center is hoping to lure you out into that unique and fascinating world during its Wild Winter Night from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6.

The evening will include exploration of the winter sky through an outdoor observation with telescopes, as well as an indoor planetarium program entitled "The Skies over Waukesha." This program will take you back more than 150 years into the past to meet the settlers of Waukesha. There will be free snowshoe rental for those interested, as well as guided hikes throughout the evening. The night will conclude with an informal sing-along by a warm campfire with s'mores and hot cocoa.

Retzer Nature Center is located at S14 W28167 Madison Street in Waukesha.

Planetarium shows are limited to 90 people per show, and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be distributed beginning at 6 p.m. Show times are every half-hour starting at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. A fee of $2 per person is payable at the door.

Winter Wildlife on Snowshoes

Winter is a great time to get out and explore your environment, and snowshoes are a great way to do it. Join a Retzer naturalist as you trek the trails in the silent world of winter on snowshoes. These two-hour Saturday sessions cover the various styles of snowshoes and how to use them. The program will emphasize wildlife tracks, signs, and recreational snowshoeing as you connect to your winter surroundings. Snowshoes are provided. Winter Wildlife on Snowshoes for Families & Scouts will be held on Saturdays, Feb. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Feb. 20, and 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Registration and a fee of $7 per person are due five days before the program date. Call (262) 548-7801 to register.

Wee Wonders

Monthly Wee Wonders programs are designed for parents or grandparents with young children ages 2 to 4. The next program "Animal Fiesta," held indoors, allows youngsters to meet some of the staff animals to brighten up a winter day. It will be held from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9. A $3 fee and registration is due by Thursday, Feb. 4. To register, or for more information, call (262) 548-7801.

Ongoing Activities

Ice Skating

The weather is getting colder outside, so ice skate inside! Waukesha County has two wonderful facilities for public ice skating.

Eble Park Ice Arena, 19400 W. Bluemound Road in Brookfield, offers public skating times between noon and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Eble Ice Arena also has Adult/Senior skating on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:45 and 11:45 a.m. Call (262) 784-5155 for more information.

Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena, 2699 Golf Road in Delafield, offers public skating times between 12 and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, between 3 and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Naga-Waukee Ice Arena also has 55+ skating from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays. Call (262) 646-7071 for more information.

At both locations, skating lessons are available for those interested. Admission for open skating is $5.50 for adults or $4 for juniors and seniors. Skate rental is available for $2.50.

The ice arenas are a great place for birthday parties packed with fun, at a reasonable price. The package cost is $9 per child and includes skate admission, skate rental, and a food and beverage item from the concessions. Snowshoe rentals

Enjoy the snow and stop out at Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, and rent some snowshoes. Take in the fresh air as you make tracks in the snow on Retzer trails. Snowshoe rental is $5.50 for a half-day and $9 for the full day. Retzer Nature Center is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (262) 896-8007.

Other winter fun

Cross-country ski trails are packed and tracked in Menomonee Park, W220 N7884 Townline Road in Menomonee Falls; Minooka Park, 1927 Sunset Drive in Waukesha; and Nashotah Park, W330 N5113 County Highway C in Nashotah. Cross-country skiing is a terrific way to enjoy the great outdoors in winter. The pleasures of cross-country skiing can take your mind off the stresses of the daily grind, whether you seek the solitude of solo skiing or are spending some quality time with family and friendsRevert back to your childhood and get that sled or snow tube out and hit the hills at Menomonee Park, Minooka Park, Mukwonago Park (County Highway LO) in Mukwonago, and Nashotah Park. The sledding hills are not specially lit for night, so daytime sledding is recommended.

IF YOU GO

Who: Waukesha County Parks

What: Winter Activities

When: Feb. 6 Wild Winter Night; Feb.13 & 20 Winter Wildlife on Snowshoes; Feb. 9 Wee Wonders; plus ice skating, snow-shoeing, cross country skiing, sledding, snow tubing

Where:

Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha

Minooka Park, 1927 Sunset Drive, Waukesha

Menomonee Park, W220 N7884 Townline Road, Menomonee Falls

Nashotah Park, W330 N5113 County Highway C, Nashotah

Mukwonago Park, County Highway LO, Mukwonago

Eble Park Ice Arena, 19400 W. Bluemound Road in Brookfield

Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena, 2699 Golf Road in Delafield

Information: www.waukeshacountyparks.com, (262) 548-7801.