Big Bear Discovery Center

06/13/2026

Recently UCC educators Elio and Angelica presented their Nature Mini-Zine & Mental Health Program, exploring the powerful connection between nature and well-being at the Big Bear Discovery Center.

Participants learned how access to green spaces can help reduce stress and anxiety, and how simply slowing down to observe the natural world can have a positive impact on our mental health. After the presentation, we headed outside where Elio guided visitors through creating their own mini-zines, small nature journals filled with observations and reflections inspired by the outdoors.

We are so proud of Elio and Angelica for creating and leading such a thoughtful, engaging program for our community. Come in and visit the crew and volunteers and participate in a number of educational events open to all ages!!

06/06/2026

Looking for fun ways to connect with nature this summer? The Big Bear Discovery Center has something for everyone. Join us for the Junior Ranger Program, Make Your Own Animal Track, Gold Panning, Guided Nature Walks, Pine Cone Bird Feeders, outdoor Yoga Classes, Story Time, and so much more throughout June and July.

🗓️ https://mountainsfoundation.org/events/

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, stop by to chat with our knowledgeable volunteers about trails, wildlife, recreation opportunities, and the best ways to explore Big Bear. While you’re here, be sure to visit our nature-themed gift shop, featuring books, gifts, outdoor gear, plushies, and unique finds for nature lovers of all ages.

Check out our upcoming calendar and come make some memories in the mountains!

06/02/2026

🎟️ https://mountainsfoundation.org/programs/music-in-the-mountains/

Music, mountains, and summer nights await!

The Music in the Mountains concert series kicks off July 11 at the Big Bear Discovery Center Amphitheater. Enjoy incredible country, classic rock, and contemporary tribute bands under the stars, 7,000 feet above Southern California. Bring a chair, bring your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable evening of live music in Big Bear Lake.

Book your stay now and get your tickets: https://www.bigbear.com/events/music-in-mountains/
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06/02/2026

Summer is in full swing at the Big Bear Discovery Center, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

See event calendar here: https://mountainsfoundation.org/events/

Build a birdhouse, create a pinecone bird feeder, join a guided nature walk, listen to nature-inspired stories during Story Time, or become a Junior Forest Ranger while exploring the wonders of the San Bernardino National Forest. Week after week, families, friends, visitors, and locals come together to learn, create, and connect with nature in a fun and welcoming environment.

All ages welcome, these programs are a great way to spend time outdoors, meet new people, and discover something new about the natural world around you.

And before you head home, be sure to stop by our Discovery Center shop, where you’ll find outdoor apparel, nature-themed books, plushies, gifts, field guides, and plenty of treasures for the nature lover in your life.

05/26/2026

Subscribe Here: https://mountainsfoundation.org/newsletter/

05/25/2026

The Big Bear Discovery Center is OPEN today for the Memorial Day holiday: Monday, May 25.

🥾Join us for guided nature walks happening throughout the day at:

• 10 AM
• 11 AM
• 12 PM
• 1 PM

Come explore the beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest, learn about local wildlife and ecology, and enjoy a day outdoors with family and friends and don’t forget to visit the Discovery Center shop! Whether you’re visiting Big Bear for the holiday weekend or you’re a local looking for something fun to do, we’ll see you there!!

05/24/2026

Spend your summer giving back in the mountains at the . Whether you’re visiting Big Bear Lake for the weekend or you’ve called these mountains home for years, there are volunteer opportunities for everyone throughout every season.

From supporting environmental education and conservation programs to helping with special events, guided nature walks, wildlife education, birdhouse building workshops, storytime, and the Junior Ranger Program, every helping hand makes a difference. Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with nature, support public lands, and become part of the local community while visiting the San Bernardino National Forest.

You do not have to live in Big Bear to volunteer. Whether you can give a single afternoon or a lifetime of service, every second counts.

Stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center to learn more, meet our team, and discover upcoming programs and events happening all week long. We would love to meet you!

👉Reach out to us at [email protected] or simply stop by and say hello.

05/19/2026

Baldwin Lake Elementary joined us at the Discovery Center for a fun-filled TK field trip featuring animal tracking, nature walks, camouflage lessons, and story time with Kathie. The kids had an amazing day and our educators absolutely rocked it.

Programs like this create real community synergy, giving UCC young adults hands-on experience leading environmental education while inspiring the next generation to connect with nature.

Schools can sign up for field trips through the link in our bio, and families can also check out our Junior Ranger Program, guided activities, and other public events happening throughout the season.

05/09/2026

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with us at the Big Bear Discovery Center this Saturday, May 9th.

From birdhouse workshops and pinecone bird feeders to nature walks, educational presentations, and hands-on crafts, this is a day dedicated to the incredible birds that connect ecosystems across the globe — and the small actions we can take to protect them.

Bring the family, explore the forest, learn about bird migration, discover how dinosaurs became birds, and spend the day surrounded by nature in Big Bear.

Every bird counts. Every observation matters.

Activities begin at 10 AM and continue throughout the day. Nature walks offered hourly from 10 AM–2 PM.

40971 North Shore Drive / Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA

Hosted by the Big Bear Discovery Center, the Southern California Mountains Foundation, and the U.S. Forest Service.