Youth Outdoor Field Day Returns Saturday at Russell Wildlife Area
Youth Outdoor Field Day 2026
OSKALOOSA – Kids will have the chance to fish, build kites, and explore nature this Saturday at the 23rd annual Youth Outdoor Field Day, hosted by Mahaska County Conservation at Russell Wildlife Area.
The event takes place from 8 a.m. to noon on September 12 at 2254 200th St., just north of Oskaloosa off U.S. Highway 63. Families can register in advance or sign up at the door.
It costs $5 per child. Adults get in free, and there’s no charge for kids who are too young for the activities.
Laura DeCook from Mahaska County Conservation said the event lets families try out a variety of outdoor activities, with volunteers there to help. She told Oskaloosa News on September 8 that about 12 activity stations will be set up around the park.
Families can visit the stations in any order and spend as much time as they like on the activities that interest them most.
DeCook said families don’t need to show up right at 8 a.m. Even if you decide to come around 10 a.m., you’re still welcome. She suggests setting aside a couple of hours to enjoy the different stations.
Activities will include fishing, fly fishing, bowfishing, .22 shooting at the park’s range, fossil digging, learning about honeybees, kite building, and a storybook walk. The sheriff’s office and police K-9 units will also give demonstrations.
Fly fishing is new this year. DeCook said kids and families can learn to cast a fly rod so they can try a different style of fishing alongside regular fishing.
Volunteers will be on hand to lead the activities. DeCook mentioned that Optimist volunteers will help with kite building, and a local bee club will teach visitors about honeybees.
Each child will get a punch card to keep track of the activities they try. Kids who complete at least 10 activities will earn a Youth Outdoor Field Day water bottle. DeCook said the prize is meant to encourage kids to try a variety of activities instead of staying at just one station.
Families can sign up online through the Youth Outdoor Field Day registration page. DeCook said registering ahead of time will speed up check-in, but you can also register when you arrive.
Visitors should wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a full water bottle. DeCook said the park will have two water refill stations.
The event will go on if it rains, but storms might cause changes. DeCook encouraged families to check Mahaska County Conservation’s Facebook page for weather updates.
Now in its 23rd year, DeCook also invited adults who came as kids to return with their own families. The event still gives children plenty of space to explore, try new activities, and learn about the outdoors.
Halloween Bash Set for Oct. 24
As staff and volunteers get ready for Saturday’s field day, they’re also planning the Halloween Bash, set for 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, at Eveland Access Campground.
DeCook emphasized that everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be camping to join in, and parking will be available.
The afternoon starts with a carnival near the shelter house, organized by the Friends of Mahaska County Conservation. There will also be Halloween bingo, a coloring contest, and a decorated pumpkin contest.
If you want to enter the pumpkin contest, bring a pumpkin you’ve already decorated. Prizes will be awarded in different age groups. Pet owners will also have a chance to join the celebration through the returning BARK Ranger costume parade. DeCook said last year’s first parade took costumed dogs around the east side of the campground, where campers handed out dog treats. The dogs also bobbed for hot dogs in a small pool.
Trick-or-treating will happen later in the afternoon. DeCook said food trucks are new this year, so visitors can grab a meal or a drink during the event. Take a slow drive through both sections of the campground to see decorated campsites. The displays include lights, sounds, and Halloween decorations as campers compete for prizes.
DeCook said the evening tour started during the COVID-19 pandemic and has become a regular part of the celebration. Vehicles line up near the shelter house, and everyone in the car gets a ballot to vote for their favorite campsite.
The Lights & Sights Auto Campsite Tour runs from 7 to 9 p.m., and there’s a suggested $5 donation to help support campground improvements.
DeCook said campers’ creativity has helped the event grow, and the public gets to help choose the winning displays.
The Environmental Learning Center is open all year for families who want more activities. Visitors can check out the Mahaska County mammoth exhibits, watch fish in the 1,000-gallon aquarium, or play at the nature playscape.
The center stays open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
For more details about Youth Outdoor Field Day or other conservation programs, call 641-673-9327. You can also find registration info, event schedules, and updates on Mahaska County Conservation’s website and Facebook page.
