Hendricks County Parks & Recreation

Summer Fun Run
2026-06-24 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Vandalia Trail – Amo Trailhead, 5042 South Street, Amo, IN, 46103, United States
The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County’s Summer Fun Run Series is back for 2026! Enjoy an untimed stroll or run with family and friends at the Amo trailhead of the Vandalia Trail at your convenience anytime between June 24 and June 29. We will offer a short and a long course to run or walk on the paved trail, which is ideal for wheelchairs, standard strollers, bicycles, scooters, and roller blades/skates. On June 24 between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., we’ll have staff on-site with ice cold water for you to cool down with when you’re done if you’d like to complete your run or walk at that time.

APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
VISIT https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Danville/ParksFoundationofHendricksCountySummerFunRunSeries FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS (ONGOING)

(Photo by Parks Foundation of Hendricks County)

Critter Feeding!
2026-06-25 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-09 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-16 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-23 14:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Meet all of our ambassador animals for a late lunch while we talk about what and how they eat!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGESFEE: $2/PERSONADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIREDAPPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR
Registration Links

May 14: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1017
May 21: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1018
May 28: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1019
June 4: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1020
June 11: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1021
June 18: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1022
June 25: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1023
July 2: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1024
July 9: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1025
July 16: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1026
July 23: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1027
July 30: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1029
Aug. 6: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1030
Aug. 13: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1031
Aug. 20: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1032
Aug. 27: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1033

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

Yoga in the Park - All Ages
2026-06-26 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-17 19:00 - 20:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Join Balance & Breath Yoga & Wellness Center this summer for FREE Yoga in the Park programs!
Grab a beach towel or yoga mat, some water, and join us at the Bluegill Shelter at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park! Our beginner-friendly series of classes are great for meeting those in the community and enjoying gentle movement outdoors in a beautiful park!

Three different programs available:

Family Yoga (families of all ages), Saturdays at 9 a.m., (1-hour session)
Kids Yoga (ages 5-10), Tuesdays at 10 a.m., (1-hour session)
Yoga in the Park (all ages), Fridays at 7 p.m., (1-hour session)

FREE to attend
No Advance Registration Required

Nature Journaling at McCloud
2026-06-30 14:00 - 15:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Tune in with your senses as we explore our parks, bringing our nature journals along for the adventure! Our naturalists will take you on a guided walk where our goal is to absorb all nature has to offer and learn how to make observations and record them in your own way. Small, simple journals will be offered, but you may bring your own journal if you’d like!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 7 AND UPFEE: $3/PERSONADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JUNE 26 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1006APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS

Vandalia Trail Bike Rides
2026-06-30 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Vandalia Trail – Amo Trailhead, 5042 South Street, Amo, IN, 46103, United States
Bicyclists, join Friends of the Vandalia Trail for weekly rides along the Vandalia Trail alternating between Amo and Plainfield. This event is for the rides starting from Amo.

1st, 3rd, & 5th Tuesdays each month (trailhead at Railroad St. & Pearl St.). Enjoy the countryside and small towns riding Hendricks County Parks and Recreation’s paved Vandalia Trail to Coatesville and the Putnam County line (8 miles round trip, 16 miles for two round trips) and occasionally part of the Putnam Parks & Pathways’ packed stone Vandalia Trail towards Fillmore, depending on the group.

Please note that riders participate at their own risk and minors must be accompanied by an adult responsible for them.
If you have any questions, please contact Greg Midgley (greg@nrht.org).
http://www.nrht.org/vandalia/page.php?p=events#weekly_bike

Wild Tea Program
2026-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Dearest Gentle Reader, it seems Hendricks County Parks and Recreation is hosting a special teatime event at McCloud Nature Park. There is said to be an opportunity to learn about wild teas that can be found in our own backyard and gardens! Join us for this momentous occasion, where we will sip and spill some tea. Meet at the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 8 AND UPFEE: $5/PERSONADVANCE REGISTRATON REQUIRED BY JUNE 26 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1004APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR

Independence Day Observed
2026-07-03
Main office and Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center at McCloud closed.

Independence Day
2026-07-04
Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center at McCloud closed.

Yap with a Naturalist!
2026-07-07 13:00 - 14:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Tired of Googling every question you might have while outdoors or sitting and wondering “What’s this bird?” Come out to McCloud Nature Park for our naturalist’s yap hour, where we will try our best to answer any burning questions you may have about the natural world or advice on how to get a good mix of birds coming to your feeders. You bring the questions; we’ll provide the answers and refreshments.

APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTENDNO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIREDAPPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR (ONGOING)

NATURE DAY CAMP (AGES 2-6): Water Warriors
2026-07-08 10:30 - 12:30 | 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 2-6 WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN
FEE: $15/CAMPER & PARENT/GUARDIAN
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 1 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=983
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 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

Campfire Cooking
2026-07-11 18:30 - 20:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Come out to the park for some campfire fun! Our naturalists are offering this as a fun family program, open to all ages. Each session will focus on a different snack using our campfire to cook it, such as roasting and Dutch oven cooking. See our calendar and our website for more details. Sign up early, as spots are limited and will fill up fast! Meet at the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center. (After this program, stick around for the Astronomy Program with the Indiana Astronomical Society.)

Note, in the case of rain or severe weather, this program will be canceled.

APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGESFEE: $3/PERSONADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIREDAPPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES
Registration Links

May 23: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=996
June 20: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=998
July 11: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=997
Aug. 8: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=999

Astronomy
2026-07-11 21:00 - 23:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Looking for a fun and educational family activity this summer that’s FREE?
Take stargazing to new heights by escaping the light pollution of the city and heading to McCloud Nature Park, where thousands of stars twinkle like jewels in the dark night sky!
The Indiana Astronomical Society partners with Park Naturalists to hold sky seminars and viewings at McCloud on the Saturday nights listed below. These programs, led by expert sky watchers, are geared for the novice astronomer.
Telescopes large and small will be set up for your use. Each evening will begin with a brief informational session (“sky seminar”) in the Nature Center where you will learn which planets and constellations will be visible that night. These seminars last about 30 minutes and are best suited for ages 8 and older. Outdoor sky-viewing will begin following the seminars.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Sky seminars will take place rain or shine, but sky viewings are dependent upon clear skies. If poor weather is forecast or any severe weather advisories are issued, the sky-viewing portion of the program will be canceled.
All Astronomy programs are held on Saturdays at McCloud Nature Park. They are FREE to attend, appropriate for all ages, and no advance registration is required. Each program is approximately 2 hours in duration.
Please be advised that the park closes at 11 p.m. on Astronomy nights.
2026 Program Schedule

Saturday, May 23 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 20 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 11 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

(Cover photo by Jonathan Grober)

Kids' Yoga in the Park
2026-07-14 10:00 - 11:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Join Balance & Breath Yoga & Wellness Center this summer for FREE Yoga in the Park programs!
Grab a beach towel or yoga mat, some water, and join us at the Bluegill Shelter at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park! Our beginner-friendly series of classes are great for meeting those in the community and enjoying gentle movement outdoors in a beautiful park!

Three different programs available:

Family Yoga (families of all ages), Saturdays at 9 a.m., (1-hour session)
Kids Yoga (ages 5-10), Tuesdays at 10 a.m., (1-hour session)
Yoga in the Park (all ages), Fridays at 7 p.m., (1-hour session)

For kids ages 5-10
FREE to attend
No Advance Registration Required

TADPOLE TIME: Natural Dyes!
2026-07-14 10:00 - 11:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Come join us for a fun and creative time as we explore how to make natural dyes from things you can find right in your backyard! Plus you’ll get to dye a piece of fabric to take home and cherish!
FOR AGES 2-7 WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN
FEE: $5/CHILD
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 10 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1011
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR

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

Summer Fun Run
2026-07-15 16:30 - 18:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County’s Summer Fun Run Series is back for 2026! Enjoy an untimed stroll or run with family and friends at McCloud Nature Park at your convenience anytime between July 15 and July 20. We will offer a short and a long course to run or walk on trails with gravel and natural surfaces. (Some trails are not conducive to standard strollers. Jogging strollers with larger tires are a better option.) On July 15 between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., we’ll have staff on-site with ice cold water for you to cool down with when you’re done if you’d like to complete your run or walk at that time.

APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
VISIT https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Danville/ParksFoundationofHendricksCountySummerFunRunSeries FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS (ONGOING)

(Photo by Parks Foundation of Hendricks County)

ROOTED IN NATURE CLUB: Night Hike
2026-07-16 20:30 - 22:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
You’ve seen our parks in the day, but now is your chance to explore them at night! This evening session of our club will include a campfire (with s’mores, of course!) and faith in our naturalists as we guide you through the dark. Don’t worry, we’ll have flashlights on hand for safety, but the more we are in the dark, the more our eyes will adjust, similar to the nocturnal critters we’ll meet along the way. Snacks provided.
FOR AGES 13-18
FEE: $10/TEEN
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 13 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1015
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

Night Hike at McCloud
2026-07-17 21:00 - 22:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join us for a night at one of our parks! You’ll get the rare chance to experience our trails in the evening with a naturalist to guide you. Each night hike, we will be looking for what the woods have to offer: bats, owls, fireflies, and more! This program will last about 1.5 hours and will trek easy to moderate trails. Our parks have a variety of paved, gravel, and grassy trails, so come prepared! Small flashlights will be available for use, but light usage will be minimized in order to get the best experience and to avoid disrupting wildlife. In the event of rain or severe weather, the event will be canceled.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGESFEE: $5/PERSONADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 15 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=994APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS

NATURE DAY CAMP (AGES 2-6): Get Messy!
2026-07-22 10:30 - 12:30 | 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 2-6 WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN
FEE: $15/CAMPER & PARENT/GUARDIAN
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 15 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=985
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
