If you’re looking for fun, educational activities your kids can enjoy from home, these virtual STEAM events are a great option. Whether your child is interested in nature, science, or hands-on creativity, April offers a variety of engaging online programs designed to spark curiosity.
Many of these events are part of the North Carolina Science Festival and feature programs from ecoExplore, a statewide initiative that encourages kids to explore nature while contributing to real scientific research.
Most events are free and easy to join from anywhere.
🌱 Featured Virtual Events
April 1
Wacky Plants of the World | 4:00 PM (Virtual)
Explore some of the most unusual plants on Earth, including species found right here in North Carolina.
👉 Register: https://www.ecoexplore.net/events/wacky-plants-of-the-world-(virtual)
April 8
Fire Ecology | 4:00 PM (Virtual)
Learn how fire supports plant growth and plays an essential role in North Carolina ecosystems.
👉 Register: https://www.ecoexplore.net/events/fire-ecology-(virtual)
April 16
Make a Carnivorous Plant | 4:30 PM (Virtual)
Discover North Carolina’s fascinating carnivorous plants and create your own paper pitcher plant.
👉 Register: https://www.ecoexplore.net/events/make-a-carnivorous-plant-(virtual)
April 22
How to Bioblitz | 4:30 PM (Virtual)
Learn how to participate in a bioblitz and help document plants and animals in your community.
👉 Register: https://www.ecoexplore.net/events/how-to-bioblitz
April 30
Botany Season Roundup | 5:30 PM (Virtual)
Share your favorite plant observations and see what others have discovered during botany season.
👉 Register: https://www.ecoexplore.net/events/botany-season-roundup-(virtual)
🌊 More Virtual + Hybrid Events
April 23
Science on the Carolina Coast | 7:00–9:00 PM (Virtual Option Available)
Hosted by PBS North Carolina, this program features stories about North Carolina’s coastal ecosystems, followed by a discussion with experts.
👉 Learn more: https://ncsciencefestival.org/events/pbs-ncs-sci-nc-screening-and-discussion/
Beaufort’s Dolphins: Getting to Know Them | 12:00–1:00 PM (Virtual Option Available)
Hosted by the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, this session explores dolphin behavior, biology, and conservation.
👉 Learn more: https://ncsciencefestival.org/events/beauforts-dolphins-getting-to-know-them/
🔬 What is ecoExplore?
ecoExplore (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education) is a free community science program for children in grades K–8, developed by the North Carolina Arboretum.
Participants can:
- Explore nature in their own backyard or local park
- Photograph plants and animals
- Submit observations for scientists to review
- Earn badges and prizes
👉 Get started: https://www.ecoexplore.net/
Final Thoughts
Virtual STEAM programs offer a flexible way to keep kids learning and engaged. They’re especially helpful on busy days or when the weather doesn’t cooperate—and they can easily be paired with outdoor exploration to extend the learning experience.
