Hendricks County Parks & Recreation

Kids' Fishing Derby
2026-05-02 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-06-06 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Join us for a fun-filled day of fishing at our annual Kids’ Fishing Derby at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park! This year we will be holding two fishing derbies: one in May and one in June. Each event will kick off with check-in from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, followed by fishing from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. After the fishing ends, we’ll tally up the results and present awards shortly after. Our awards will feature beautiful wooden fish plaques crafted by our talented maintenance team. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, meet fellow fishing enthusiasts, and compete for some unique prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, we welcome everyone to participate. The derby is for anglers ages 5 up to 12. Come join us for a full day of fishing fun!

Sunshine Sips Lemonade will be joining us to serve up delicious lemonades for the event!

FOR AGES 5-12
FREE TO ATTENDNO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIREDAPPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2.5 HOURS

NATURE DISCOVERY: Naturalist Crossing: McCloud Horizons
2026-05-20 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Welcome! The naturalists invite you to explore a new “island”: McCloud Nature Park! There are many activities to complete at McCloud including fishing, bug collecting, fossil finding and more! We’ll explore each activity, just like in the classic game Animal Crossing. Don’t worry, you can leave your video games at home.
FOR AGES 7-12 WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN
FEE: $5/PARTICIPANT
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY MAY 15 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=988
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

NATURE DAY CAMP (AGES 7-12): Fishing Frenzy!
2026-06-12 10:30 - 14:30 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Join us as we dip our toes into the vast waters of fishing. Campers will learn some of the different types of fish they could find in our pond, and will get the opportunity to learn how to use some real fishing equipment. There will also be fun fish themed activities. Equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your own!
FOR AGES 7-12
FEE: $30/CAMPER
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JUNE 5 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=980
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 4 HOURS

NATURE DISCOVERY: Pokémon Roundup!
2026-06-17 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Let’s catch ’em all! Join us at McCloud Nature Park to discover some real life “Pokémon” as we introduce you to our animal ambassadors. We’ll have the chance to go out and see what animals and bugs we can find in the park and even create our own Pokémon cards and a “Pokedex” of the critters we catch!
FOR AGES 7-12 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN
FEE: $5/PARTICIPANT
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JUNE 12 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=989
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

NATURE DAY CAMP (AGES 7-12): Exploring Nature
2026-06-26 10:30 - 14:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join us for a day of nature filled fun! There is so much to explore and discover in the outdoors at McCloud Nature Park! We’ll start the day meeting the critters in the nature center, then we will set off on a hike around the park. Our naturalist’s will guide campers on activities, such as games and nature journaling.
FOR AGES 7-12
FEE: $30/CAMPER
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JUNE 19 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=982
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 4 HOURS

NATURE DAY CAMP (AGES 7-12): Water Warriors
2026-07-10 10:30 - 14:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Uncover the hidden world beneath the water’s surface. We’ll learn about aquatic ecosystems, collect samples at the creek, and observe creek life up close. We’ll end the day with super fun water activities!
FOR AGES 7-12
FEE: $30/CAMPER
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 3 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=984
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 4 HOURS

NATURE DISCOVERY: Fossil Hunters
2026-07-15 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Thousands of fossils lay on the shores of Big Walnut Creek at McCloud Nature Park! Though we are unlikely to find a T-Rex skull, we will search for Paleozoic marine fossils like crinoids and corals and learn how to identify them. Our naturalists will talk you through the ancient history of our land.
FOR AGES 7-12 WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN
FEE: $5/PARTICIPANT
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 10 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=990
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

NATURE DAY CAMP (AGES 7-12): Get Messy!
2026-07-24 10:30 - 14:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Time to get your hands dirty! Campers will enjoy fun messy stations, like making mud pies, mud painting and playing games that WILL earn a few grass stains. Bring a change of clothes for this one!
FOR AGES 7-12
FEE: $30/CAMPER
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 17 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=986
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 4 HOURS
