Discover Nature, Curiosity, and Community—Your Way!
At Hendricks County Parks and Recreation, we offer a variety of engaging hands-on programs designed to spark curiosity and connect people with the natural world. Whether you’re tracking wildlife in Creature Feature, splashing into science during Creek Exploration, uncovering Earth’s secrets in Geology, or enjoying seasonal fun with Not So Spooky!, there’s something for every age and interest.
Don’t see a topic that fits your group’s curiosity? Reach out! We love crafting custom programs tailored to your interests—whether it’s pollinators, trees, nature crafts, or something entirely new.
Let’s explore together!
Click on the button below to learn more about program choices, pricing, and booking a field trip with us!
Most sessions are outside, so everyone should dress for the weather. Sessions are rain or shine, subject to teacher discretion. Buses should remain on-site if storms are predicted, as field trips will be canceled mid-program in the event of lightning or other hazardous weather conditions. Because of the limited space and fire code of the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center, large classes are unable to stay inside.
Due to the nature of programs in nature, we cannot guarantee that every student will have the exact same experience. But it will certainly give students something to talk about!
All field trips are subject to naturalist availability and weather conditions.
Educational Topics
Creature Feature
Uncover the wild side of the park! Dive into the lives of our ambassador animals, from shiny bugs to slithery reptiles. Great for families and budding naturalists.
Creek Exploration
Get your feet wet and your minds curious. Hands-on discovery in the stream: macroinvertebrates, water quality, and maybe even a crayfish or two.
Geology
Rocks tell stories—let’s read them together. Explore the ancient history beneath your feet. Fossils, formations, and the forces that shaped Indiana.
Available Financial Assistance
The Indiana Native Plant Society, through Letha’s Youth Outdoors Fund, supports trips for schools and youth groups to experience nature in an educational environment.
Letha’s Fund provides financial assistance to school-age children and youth groups for field trips to nature sites or projects that engender excitement about the natural world. Grants are intended to:
- Help with transportation costs and/or naturalist fees where funds are limited.
- Promote youth-initiated projects/activities that connect kids with nature.
The Fund is available state-wide. Teachers/leaders may select nature sites suitable to their location and situation.
Target also awards Field Trip Grants to K-12 schools nationwide. Each grant is valued up to $700. They are accepting grant applications between 1 p.m. EST Aug. 1 and 12:59 a.m. ET Oct. 1.