Wild Winter Night February 13 at Retzer Nature Center
& Winter Night Out February 26 at Fox Brook Park
(Waukesha, Wis.) – This February, Waukesha County Parks invites visitors to step into the magic of Wild Winter Night or Winter Night Out, two immersive after-dark events. These events transform winter evenings into unforgettable experiences filled with candlelit trails, warm campfires, star-studded skies, and hands-on family fun.
“There’s something truly magical about exploring nature after dark in winter,” Retzer Nature Center Supervisor Janet Barthel said. “Whether you’re walking a candlelit trail, warming up by a fire, or gazing at the night sky, these events invite people of all ages to experience winter in a whole new way.”
Set against the stunning backdrops of Retzer Nature Center and Fox Brook Park respectively, these events blend nature with cozy winter settings – proving that the coldest season can also be the most captivating.
Wild Winter Night at Retzer Nature Center & Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 6-9 p.m.
S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha
Wild Winter Night combines outdoor adventure with indoor discovery. Guests can stroll the candlelit Discovery Trail, gather around the fire, try snowshoes, and stargaze with telescopes. Indoors, families can explore hands-on activities, enjoy sweet treats and warm drinks for purchase, and journey through the universe in the Planetarium.
The evening features special presentations by Michelle Thaller, former Assistant Director for Science Communication at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, with an engaging talk on black holes.
$6 per person; free for ages 2 and under, for members of Friends of Retzer Nature Center, and for members of Friends of Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium. Registration required. Presented by the Friends of Retzer Nature Center & the Friends of the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium.
More details: https://events.waukeshacounty.gov/default/Detail/2026-02-13-1800-Wild-Winter-Night
Winter Night Out at Fox Brook Park
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6-8:30 p.m.
2925 N. Barker Road, Brookfield
Winter Night Out is a winter evening experience at Fox Brook Park. Visitors are invited to enjoy the park after dark with a candlelight hike along a paved trail, scenic views around the lake, and time to warm up by the campfire. This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking for a relaxed winter night outdoors. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Required: Parks daily permit ($7) or Parks annual membership ($40) for each vehicle. Recommended: Purchase daily permit or annual membership in advance at https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/parkentry
More details: https://events.waukeshacounty.gov/default/Detail/2026-02-26-1800-Winter-Night-Out
