Show All Answers

1. Is there a cost to enter the nature center?

No, the nature is free! We do have donation boxes throughout if you would like to donate.

2. How do I find you?

We are located at 909 N. Highway 7, Olathe, KS. Our cross street is 127th/Harold and Kansas State Highway 7. You'll see our entrance at that intersection. Once you turn into our parking lot follow the road to the right. The nature center sits in the valley. We look forward to seeing you!

3. Are dogs allowed in the park?

No. Pets are prohibited in Ernie Miller Park. 

Dogs on a leash may pass through the park ONLY on the City of Olathe Rolling Ridge Trail as it cuts through the southwest corner of the park, but may not be on any other trails or enter other parts of the park. Only fully trained service animals as described by the A.D.A. are permitted in the park and Nature Center while performing service for their owner. 

4. Are bikes allowed on the trails?

No. You may ride your bike to Ernie Miller Park, but bikes, scooters, and other wheeled vehicles are prohibited on the trails in Ernie Miller Park. 

Cyclists on the paved City of Olathe Rolling Ridge Trail may pass through the park ONLY on that trail as it cuts through the southwest corner of the park but may not be on any other trails in Ernie Miller Park.

Strollers are welcome but may not be able to traverse some of our more rugged dirt trails.

5. I found an injured or orphaned animal. Can I bring it to you?

No. The state requires certain permits and licensing to rehab animals that we do not have. In Kansas you can call Operation Wildlife at (785) 542-3625. Their website has a Resource page that offers great information on how to care for the animal until you can get it to them. In Missouri you will need to call Lakeside Nature Center at (816) 513-8960. 

Remember, the best place for a wild animal is in it's own habitat. If the animal is not injured it is best to leave it where you found it. 

6. When is the park open?

The park is open dawn to dusk every day. The park is 125 acres with 3 miles of trails that you hike and explore. Pets and bikes are prohibited on our trails. On your hike you’ll see native prairie, Little Cedar Creek, cross a couple of bridges and walk paved and primitive trails. You can view and download our park map here. 

The park is different from the nature center. See Nature Center hours for more information. 

7. Can I have my birthday party at the nature center?

Yes! We offer birthday parties for children ages 5-11. Parties are held on Saturdays throughout the year and book quickly so call in advance. Our party packages include a two hour room rental with a 30 minute program during that time. We have four themes you can choose from! Take a look at our birthday party page here. 

8. How do I register for a program?

Registration is available online for most JCPRD programs. Online registration can be found at www.jcprd.com or you can also call Registration a (913) 831-3359. Walk-in registration for programs may be limited or unavailable, so registering in advance when possible is recommended. 

9. What ages do you present the preschool programs too?

The curriculum is geared for ages 3 - 5 years of age. Due to the live animals involved and the time allotted for the program we do not present to ages 2 and under. Pricing, program options and more is listed on our Preschool Nature Awareness Programs page. 

10. What if I have over the maximum amount of students in a program?

To provide quality programming, the maximum number of students is set at what we have learned works best for the staff, the live animals involved and the age group.

For preschool programs the maximum number of students has been set at 20. However, special arrangements can be made for classes up to 25, with the $2 charge per student. 

For youth and school-age programs the maximum number of students has been set at 35. However, special arrangements can be made for classes up to 40 with the $2 charge per student. 

There are some youth programs such as the outdoor skills that are firm on the maximum number of students that can participate. 

11. How do I book a Preschool program?

To book a preschool program you can call us on weekdays at (913) 826-2800 or email [email protected]. Programs are booked on a first come, first-served basis. They can be booked weekdays between 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Pricing, program options and more is listed on our Preschool Nature Awareness Programs page.