Wet & Wild Weekend
2024-07-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
It’s HOT! Come on out to McCloud Nature Park and cool off with some wet and wild fun! This event is all about water play with a water fight and a water pistol painting craft. Try your luck at the Lily Pad Obstacle Course. Then join the naturalists for a creek stomp and water critter talk. Or just cool off in our air-conditioned Nature Center.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

On the Wings of Eagles
2024-07-24 12:30 - 13:30 | Hendricks County Senior Services, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Have you ever heard an eagle call as it flies majestically over the tree line? It such a strong, hearty…chirp? Hendricks County Parks Naturalists will tell you all about eagles during this fun and enlightening presentation. Bring your best eagle stories to share!
For more information, click here.
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS
FREE TO ATTEND

Summer Fun Run
2024-07-24 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 2024! Enjoy an untimed stroll or run with family and friends at your convenience between July 24 and 30 at McCloud Nature Park!
We will offer a short and a long course to run or walk on trails with gravel and natural surfaces. (Trails are not conducive to standard strollers. Jogging strollers with larger tires are a better option.)
We’ll have staff on-site on July 24 between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. 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.
Please call our Weather Hotline at (317) 718-6111 for any weather-related concerns.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
VISIT PFOHC.ORG FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS (ONGOING)

Summer Fun Run
2024-08-07 16:30 - 18:30 | 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 2024! Enjoy an untimed stroll or run with family and friends at your convenience anytime between Aug. 7 and Aug. 13 on the Vandalia Trail! Start at the Amo trailhead.
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 Aug. 7 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.
Please call our Weather Hotline at (317) 718-6111 for any weather-related concerns.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
VISIT PFOHC.ORG FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS (ONGOING)

A Walk Through Time
2024-08-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Vandalia Trail – Amo Trailhead, 5042 South Street, Amo, IN, 46103, United States
Take a hike through the geological history of Hendricks County along the Vandalia Trail! This experience will take you on a walk through the different eras of time and illustrate how each one has shaped the landscape of our home. You will learn about what animals lived in our area, what fossils have been found, and why we find the stones and rocks that we do. There will be a naturalist-guided tour of the walkway, fossil crafts, and a Q&A table with local experts.
From Aug. 10-16, a self-guided walk-through will be available to enjoy at your leisure.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 4 HOURS (ONGOING)

Tadpole Time: Spoodering Around
2024-08-14 10:00 - 11:30 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
The itsy, bitsy spider crawled up the waterspout… Do you know what it did next? Come meet Hagrid and Maxime, our jumping spider friends. Learn all about the spiders we see in the world around us. Weave your own web, create your own camouflage, and play a fun spider game! Catch you there!
FEE: $3/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE)
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM). OLDER SIBLINGS, AGES 6-7, ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY AUGUST 7, 2024 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=859
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS.

Tadpole Time: Spoodering Around
2024-08-15 10:00 - 11:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
The itsy, bitsy spider crawled up the waterspout… Do you know what it did next? Come meet Hagrid and Maxime, our jumping spider friends. Learn all about the spiders we see in the world around us. Weave your own web, create your own camouflage, and play a fun spider game! Catch you there!
FEE: $3/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE)
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM). OLDER SIBLINGS, AGES 6-7, ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY AUGUST 7, 2024 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=861
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS.

Homeschool Ecology: Arachnids Among Us
2024-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Do you think spiders are creepy or cool? Do you want to learn more about these amazing arachnids and why they are important for the environment? Then join us for a program about learning to love spiders, where you will meet our resident jumping spiders and our tarantula. You will learn about the different types of spiders, their anatomy, behavior, and web-making skills. You will also get to see them up close and personal, and observe how they move, jump, and hunt. This program is a great way to discover the beauty and diversity of spiders. Don’t miss this chance to see and learn about the spiders of our park!

Advance registration required by August 9 at: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=865

FOR AGES 6 THROUGH 11. Younger siblings ages 5 and under are free.

$10/CHILD

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

Astronomy
2024-08-17 20:30 - 22:30, 2024-09-14 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.

2024 Program Schedule:

Saturday, May 18 at 9 p.m.Saturday, June 15 at 9 p.m.Saturday, July 13 at 9 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 17 at 8:30 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.

Wonderful Webs
2024-08-28 12:30 - 13:30 | Hendricks County Senior Services, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Spiders come in all shapes and sizes. Travel along a tale of tangled webs and the arachnids that weave them! We will talk about the most common spiders that live in our natural spaces and how they may just be misunderstood. We may even bring along a little friend!
For more information, click here.
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS
FREE TO ATTEND

Amphibian Outing
2024-08-31 10:00 - 14:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Hop on out and join us as we explore the slimy, creepy, and crawlier critters of our native wildlife! Discover where they live, what they eat, and where you can see them.
Make an amphibian craft and stomp through Big Walnut Creek in search of salamanders and frogs.
Chat with local reptile rehabbers, herpetology experts, and animal ambassadors to learn more about these sometimes-secretive creatures, how they survive our Indiana winters, and why our state’s frogs heard calling is so loud.
Show off your best frog call and join the Croaking Great Band! You’re sure to have a “ribbiting” good time!

Labor Day
2024-09-02 | IN
Main office closed.

McCloud Prairie Maze
2024-09-07 - 2024-10-31 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Come out to McCloud Nature Park during the months of September and October for the 2024 McCloud Prairie Maze and celebrate Hendricks County’s bicentennial!
Receiving its official designation as an Indiana county on April 1, 1824, Hendricks County is now 200 years old! For more information about Hendricks County’s bicentennial, visit Hendricks200.com.
We are celebrating the county’s 200th birthday with our own take on the official bicentennial logo, based on nature.
A snake slithers in the shape of the two in 200, while the first zero is a tree and the second zero is an owl. All three “numbers” are bathed in sunshine.
Celebrate Hendricks County this fall with a trip through our bicentennial-themed prairie maze. Be sure to dress for the weather, wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, and bring some water. The correct route through the maze results in a hike of approximately 2/3 of a mile.
Bring the kids, too, as this maze is appropriate for all ages, and be sure to explore the McCloud Prairie Maze by October 31!
Admission to McCloud Nature Park and the prairie maze is absolutely FREE, and both are open from dawn to dusk daily. To access the prairie maze, park in the Nature Center parking lot. Maps to the maze are available in the kiosk outside of the Nature Center, as well as in the kiosk at the entrance to the maze.

W.S. Gibbs Farmers Park-et
2024-09-07 09:00 - 14:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Come one, come all to our 1st Annual Farmer’s Park-et! Local vendors will be in the park with local wares. There will be several sections to shop from with local artisans, local produce, and a flea market!

RECOMMENDED FOR ALL AGESFREE TO ATTENDNO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIREDAPPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 5 HOURS (ONGOING)

Are you a vendor interested in selling something at this event? We have space for 50 10×10, non-electric spaces at $20.00 a space. We are interested in vendors of all varieties, including but not limited to jewelry making, garden produce, antiques and collectibles, and more. You don’t have to own a business, rummage sellers are welcome! We do ask, no MLM items. If you want to become a vendor, please follow the link to our Google form with your contact information! See you at the Farmer’s Park-et!

Register online here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSff5ErOUswvGpWiENncJrYe2rRXUcsyNmc48cIh2hi-bFY9Dg/viewform

Fall Family Campout
2024-09-14 14:00 - 2024-09-15 11:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
THIS IS AN OVERNIGHT CAMPOUT

Come spend the night under the stars and get a taste of the wilderness without traveling too far from home. For one night only, families can enjoy rustic overnight camping at McCloud Nature Park! Pack your tent, camping gear, sleeping bags, and something to cook over the fire for dinner, and we’ll provide a campsite (including campfire), s’mores, and a continental breakfast.

Check in on Saturday between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.Check out on Sunday by 11 a.m.

Appropriate for all ages.

Fee: $30/campsite. Maximum 6 people per campsite.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY SEPT. 7 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=872

Tadpole Time: Colors of the Wind (Gibbs)
2024-09-18 10:00 - 11:30 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Red, green, yellow, and brown, look at all the beautiful colors we’ve found! From birds to trees, everything changes colors with the season. Come along with the Naturalist as we talk about these wonders of the Fall!

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM). OLDER SIBLINGS, AGES 6-7, ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.

FEE: $3/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY SEPT. 11 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=873

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS.

Tadpole Time: Colors of the Wind (McCloud)
2024-09-19 10:00 - 11:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Red, green, yellow, and brown, look at all the beautiful colors we’ve found! From birds to trees, everything changes colors with the season. Come along with the Naturalist as we talk about these wonders of the Fall!

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM). OLDER SIBLINGS, AGES 6-7, ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.

FEE: $3/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY SEPT. 12 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=874

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS.

Homeschool Ecology: Leaves of Change
2024-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Embrace the arrival of fall as we delve into the captivating science behind why leaves change colors. Together, we’ll uncover the hidden wonders of trees and celebrate their remarkable existence.

During this program we will wander forest trails, identifying different tree species and their adaptations, life cycles, and the artistry of fall foliage. So, my fellow leaf enthusiasts, let’s savor fall’s symphony together.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 6-11 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN. SIBLINGS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE, TOO.

FEE: $10/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY SEPT. 13 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=875

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS.

Fall Fun Coffee & Canvas
2024-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join us in welcoming Creative Gatherings with Sherri and paint a beautiful fall scene while you enjoy a great cup of joe from Cabin Coffee Company! The $35.00 fee includes everything you need for the painting class, a Cabin Company coffee or cocoa, and a muffin or cinnamon roll.

APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FEE: $35/PERSON

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY SEPT. 14 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=876

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS.

Fall Into the Season
2024-09-25 12:30 - 13:30 | Hendricks County Senior Services, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
You may have noticed the leaves changing, the temperature dropping, and pumpkin spice returning to the menu at your favorite restaurant, but what other seasonal changes happen as we shift into autumn?
For more information, click here.
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS
FREE TO ATTEND

Fall Candle Workshop
2024-10-05 10:00 - 11:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join us at McCloud for a fun fall candle workshop! We’ll enjoy the fall season by crafting our own candles (1 per person). We’ll provide all the materials necessary for candle making, but if you would like to bring your own container to repurpose (teacups, jars, etc.), you are more than welcome to! Coffee and cookies will be also provided with cost of the event.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 8 AND OLDER. YOUNG CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.

FEE: $10/PERSON.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY SEPT. 28 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=893

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

Columbus Day
2024-10-14 | IN

Tadpole Time: Ookie Kookie Skeletons! (Gibbs)
2024-10-16 10:00 - 11:30 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Some spooky critters have skeletons on the inside. Some spooky critters have skeletons on the outside. Let our Naturalist help you uncover the not so spooky truth about those rattlin’ bones! We will talk about what we can learn from the bones that we find, and how we can tell the difference between a Rattlin’ Raccoon and a Spooky Turtle!

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM). OLDER SIBLINGS, AGES 6-7, ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.

FEE: $3/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT. 9 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=879

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

Tadpole Time: Ookie Kookie Skeletons! (McCloud)
2024-10-17 10:00 - 11:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Some spooky critters have skeletons on the inside. Some spooky critters have skeletons on the outside. Let our Naturalist help you uncover the not so spooky truth about those rattlin’ bones! We will talk about what we can learn from the bones that we find, and how we can tell the difference between a Rattlin’ Raccoon and a Spooky Turtle!

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM). OLDER SIBLINGS, AGES 6-7, ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.

FEE: $3/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT. 10 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=880

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

2024 Fall Colors Run
2024-10-19 08:30 - 10:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and the crisp air while running the trails at McCloud Nature Park. Scenes will include forest, prairie, Big Walnut Creek, and the historic truss bridge!

After the professionally timed race, stick around for the McCloud Fall Colors Festival which includes food, archery, atlatls, hayride, prairie maze, games, and more for the whole family!

APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES

FEE: $20/PERSON FOR 5K WALK/RUN; $30/PERSON FOR 10K RUN

REGISTER IN ADVANCE AT: https://runsignup.com/…/IN/NorthSalem/McCloudFallColorsRun

Fall Colors Festival
2024-10-19 10:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Autumn is a beautiful time of year, and McCloud Nature Park bursts into colorful splendor in October and November every year. As such, we celebrate the fabulous fall foliage every October with our fun, FREE, family-friendly Fall Colors Festival. We have 232 acres of natural beauty to explore while you’re here, including 6½ miles of trails, the McCloud Nature Center, and our bicentennial-themed 2024 McCloud Prairie Maze. We have hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy at the Fall Colors Festival, such as axe-throwing, throwing an atlatl (an ancient hunting weapon), hayrides, yard games, crafts, and more!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 5 HOURS (ONGOING)

Eeeek! Or Neat?
2024-10-23 12:30 - 13:30 | Hendricks County Senior Services, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Do snakes make you break into a cold sweat? Does the sight of a cockroach make your skin crawl? Do bats make you want to shriek in fright? Well, have we got a deal for you! Join one of the HCP&R Naturalists as we look at the animals that make Halloween a frighteningly good time. When you understand them better, will you EEEEK? Or will you think they’re neat?
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS
FREE TO ATTEND

Homeschool Ecology: Not So Spooky After All!
2024-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Step into a world where shadows fade, and myths unravel. Our captivating presentation shines a spotlight on creatures that have been unfairly labeled as spooky. Owls: Silent guardians of the night, essential for pest control. Snakes: Serpentine allies, debunking myths. Spiders: Architects of intrigue, vital for insect control. Join us—no spookiness, just awe and wonder!

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 6-11 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN. SIBLINGS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE, TOO.

FEE: $10/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT. 18 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=881

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS
