Hendricks County Parks & Recreation

Naturalist's Choice
2025-11-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-04 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-18 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join us for the Naturalist’s Choice program, where every session is a surprise adventure led by our naturalist team! Depending on the weather, season, and local wildlife activity, you’ll explore a unique and engaging topic tailored to the day’s conditions. Be ready for anything and wear closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty for your safety and comfort. The naturalists will decide the topic of the week and announce it in the nature center and on our social media. Don’t miss out on this ever-changing exploration of the natural world!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

Run Club
2025-11-21 08:00 - 09:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Come for the miles, stay for the smiles! Running is better with friends—and a beautiful trail beneath your feet. Lace up and join us for Run Club, a welcoming, non-competitive group run through our local parks and nature trails. We’ll gather at 8 a.m. at the designated park or trailhead, warm up together, and hit the path for an hour-long journey that includes pre- and post-run stretching to keep your body happy and healthy. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this program is open to all paces and experience levels. Come build endurance, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the camaraderie of a supportive running community. Wear running shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and bring snacks and water!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR

Winter Wreath Workshop
2025-11-22 09:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Make holiday memories while creating a wreath to adorn your home or to give as a gift. We will start with wild grapevine and fresh evergreens to assemble the wreath, and then to decorate with ribbon and ornaments that we supply (or bring your own). This program is a favorite for individuals and families, so register early to get the date and time you want!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FEE: $25/WREATH (UP TO 2 PEOPLE PER WREATH)
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY NOV. 15:
9 A.M. WORKSHOP: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=953
11:30 A.M. WORKSHOP: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=954
1:30 P.M. WORKSHOP: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=955

APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS

Crafty Creations
2025-11-26 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-03 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-31 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-07 13:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Unleash your creativity with our Crafty Creations! In each session, we’ll explore a different craft project, so there’s always something new and exciting to make. Every class offers a unique opportunity to learn new techniques and create something you’ll love, from painting to paper crafts and more. Come join us for a fun and inspiring crafting experience.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS (ONGOING)

Thanksgiving Break
2025-11-28
Main office and Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center are closed.

Thanksgiving Break
2025-11-29
Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center closed.

Run Club
2025-12-05 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-12-19 08:00 - 09:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States

Winter Wreath Workshop
2025-12-06 09:00 - 13:30
Make holiday memories while creating a wreath to adorn your home or to give as a gift. We will start with wild grapevine and fresh evergreens to assemble the wreath, and then to decorate with ribbon and ornaments that we supply (or bring your own). This program is a favorite for individuals and families, so register early to get the date and time you want!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FEE: $25/WREATH (UP TO 2 PEOPLE PER WREATH)
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY NOV. 29:
9 A.M. WORKSHOP: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=956
11:30 A.M. WORKSHOP: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=957
1:30 P.M. WORKSHOP: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=958

APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS

Winter Board Game Blitz
2025-12-13 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 14:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Warm up your winter with a cozy day of classic fun at McCloud Nature Park’s Winter Board Game Day! Gather with friends and family in our heated nature center for an assortment of board games, hot drinks, and laughter-filled competition for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just in it for the giggles, this is the perfect way to unwind and connect—no mittens required.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 4 HOURS (ONGOING)

Christmas Day
2025-12-25
Main office and Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center closed.

Christmas Break
2025-12-26

Christmas Break
2025-12-27

New Year's Day
2026-01-01

New Year's Holiday
2026-01-02

Nature Hike
2026-01-08 13:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Come on out for a guided nature hike through the beautiful trails of McCloud Nature Park! This moderate hike is perfect for nature lovers of all ages and experience levels. Trail terrain varies between gravel, grass, and paved. Bring water, dress for the weather, and enjoy this peaceful adventure in the great outdoors!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 8 THROUGH ADULT
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HRS

Phenology Hike
2026-01-09 10:00 - 11:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
This is your invitation to watch the seasons change in McCloud Nature Park! We will go on a guided hike to the same spot every week and document our observations: weather, wildlife, plants at different stages, including the reemergence of leaves in the spring. Our goal is to guide participants to explore and understand the cyclical nature of the seasons in Hendricks County. Bring anything that would make your hike more enjoyable: binoculars, camera, notebook, field guidebooks, etc. This program will be held rain or shine (except for severe weather), so be prepared!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 8 THROUGH ADULT
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR

Naturalist's Choice
2026-01-15 13:00 - 14:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join us for the Naturalist’s Choice program, where every session is a surprise adventure led by our naturalist team! Depending on the weather, season, and local wildlife activity, you’ll explore a unique and engaging topic tailored to the day’s conditions. Be ready for anything and wear closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty for your safety and comfort. The naturalists will decide the topic of the week and announce it in the nature center and on our social media. Don’t miss out on this ever-changing exploration of the natural world!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR

Board Game Blitz
2026-01-16 13:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Want to bring out your inner gamer? Join us at McCloud for an afternoon of board games and cards! Whether you’re a master of games or just like to have fun, you’re sure to find something that fits your interests. Have a game you love to play? Bring it and show off your skills! Snacks provided.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS (ONGOING)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2026-01-19
Main office closed.

Senior Center: Indiana Bats
2026-01-21 12:30 - 13:30 | Hendricks County Senior Services, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Discover the secret lives of Indiana bats as we learn how these critters play a vital role in our ecosystem, where they live, and what makes them unique. We’ll explore the challenges they face and how conservation efforts are slowing helping them recover. Come uncover the truth about these amazing flying mammals!
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR
