Redding’s Mediterranean climate makes it a haven for wildlife – all sorts of animals call Redding home, from snakes and salmon to beavers and bears. Students visiting this natural wonderland can get up-close and personal with the animals at educational programs tailor-built to teach them all about the creatures that call UpStateCA home!

Start your trip off with a visit to Coleman National Fish Hatchery. Each year the hatchery releases over 13 million fish – here you’ll get to see hatchery operations including a tour of the fish ladder and spawning building. Hatchery staff will act as your guide, telling students all about their work to preserve salmon populations in UpState California. (Please note that full hatchery tours are only available in October. Self-guided tours of the hatchery’s outdoor facilities are available year-round.)

After you’re done at the hatchery, head over to the California Welcome Center Anderson. Their customizable field trip program offers ranger talks, fire safety demonstrations, and more, creating a schedule truly tailored to your class.

Start your second day with a walk across the Sundial Bridge – a Redding icon! Designed by world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava, this glass decked pedestrian bridge reaches 217 feet into the sky and spans 710 feet across the Sacramento River. An environmentally conscious structure, Sundial Bridge was intentionally constructed without river footings to leave the salmon-spawning habitat below undisturbed.

After you’ve checked out the bridge, head over to the adjacent Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Take a self-guided tour of the museum – exhibits include an underground aquarium, interactive experiments, wildlife exhibits, and more! Once students have explored, gather your group together for a bag lunch at the museum provided by Turtle Bay’s on-site restaurant Branch House. After lunch, your group can enjoy a private animal class with some of Turtle Bay’s animal ambassadors. Staff will educate your group on each animal’s unique traits, all while students get an up-close look at these amazing creatures.

Once you’ve finished at Turtle Bay, walk across the street to Viking Skate Country to end the day on a fun note! This indoor roller rink is pure nostalgic fun. Rent out the rink – skates are provided, and the staff is ready to entertain with all sort of fun games to end your trip on a high note!