Garren brought his 3-year- old son, Ryken, to the program. But after volunteering to dress as a beaver, he ended up wearing beaver teeth and claws.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “The kids get a kick out of it.”

Garren also wore goggles to portray the beavers’ extra eyelids.

“I like to come out (to these programs),” he said. “I learn a lot, and they’re a lot of fun.”

Linda Phipps of Galena, Kan., brought her two grandchildren, Jack, 6, and Rachel, 3.

“I think it’s a great program,” she said. “It’s very age-appropriate.”

“The tail’s weird,” Jack said.

Bill Putnam of Carthage brought his grandchildren, who live in Clinton, to the center for the first time.

“This is great,” he said. “I’ve been wanting to get them down here for a long time.”

Upcoming programs at the center include a program on Missouri mammals, birds of prey and winter bird hikes.