Christmas for the Critters
At Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, visitors can pick up an ornament for an animal resident and learn about their Christmas wish lists. Donations are encouraged to support the animals.
What to Expect
Support animal care by donating for critter Christmas wishes.
Event Details
Duration
All day (grounds)
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
St. Charles Park District
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, animal lovers, community supporters
Vibe
Festive, caring, educational
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Building access may be affected by facility rentals; grounds are open dawn to dusk weather permitting.
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Accessibility: Accessibility tools available on the website include text increase/decrease, grayscale, high contrast, negative contrast, light background, links underline, and readable font.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Consider visiting during building hours (Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm) for easier access to the guest services desk for ornament pick-up.
- Check the facility rental schedule for potential variations in weekday evening and weekend building hours.
- If you have specific questions about plants, wildlife, or pets, call the guest services number for assistance.
- For donation items, you can use the provided Amazon Wish List link for convenient purchasing and delivery.
- While Hickory Knolls cannot take in surrendered pets, they can refer you to agencies that may be able to help.
Special Events & Promotions
- Support animal care through donations
- Pick up an ornament for a favorite critter
- Learn about animal Christmas wish lists
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the building hours for Hickory Knolls Discovery Center?
The building is open Monday-Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Hours may vary on weekday evenings and weekends due to facility rentals.
How can I donate to help the animals?
You can donate by dropping off items at the Hickory Knolls guest services desk, in the vestibule, or right outside the front door. An Amazon Wish List is also available for convenient online donations.
Can Hickory Knolls take in a pet I can no longer care for?
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is generally unable to take in surrendered pets but can provide referrals to agencies that may be able to assist.
Who should I contact if I have a question about identifying a plant or animal?
You can call guest services at 630-513-4399. Naturalists and staff are happy to help identify organisms and provide resources.
Are there any special holiday hours for the center?
For specific holiday hours, visitors should check the provided link for updates from the St. Charles Park District.
More Christmas Events near St. Charles
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.