Schools, Scouts, and Private Programs

Interested in a Nature Center Program for your school, scouts or group. Fill out our Group Program Request Here


For step by step directions on how to schedule a school program on MyRec click HERE

Download a PDF copy of the guide HERE

School Programs


The Zionsville Nature Center offers a variety of programs that align with current Indiana Science Standards from Preschool - 8th grade. All Zionsville Nature Center programs follow Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP). Our programming utilizes methods of inquiry and hands-on activities. Our programs can be offered in-person at our parks, in your schoolyard or on your facility property, or virtually through an online, interactive presentation.  We can customize our programs to meet your needs or requirements. See below for more information. 
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    Common program topics include:

    • Animal and plant life cycles
    • Adaptations
    • Food webs and energy transfers
    • Ecosystem science
    • Plant and animal classification
    • Native vs non-native animals and plants
    • Sustainability
    • And more!

    When scheduling, please keep in mind:

    • Date you are interested in, and an alternate date
    • Location of the program (your school, the nature center, a Zionsville park, or virtual)
    • Program topic
    • Estimated number of participants and their age/grade
    • There is no fee for teachers or chaperones
    • Outreach programs (to your location) must take place within Zionsville
    • Program requests must be made a minimum of 2-weeks before your preferred date.

    Traveling Teacher Trunks

    Traveling Teacher Trunks provide your classroom access to quality natural resources, information and hands-on activities using natural artifacts and tools. These resources enrich the basic information and reference materials found in classroom textbooks.

    Teacher trunks are available for 2-week rentals.

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    Available Traveling Teacher Trunks:

    • Senses and Seasons (Preschool - K)
    • Habitats and Ecosystems (K, 1st, 4th, 6th)
    • Animal Adaptations (K - 5th, 8th)
    • Nature Cycles (K - 2nd, 5th, 6th, 8th)
    • Indiana Rocks (1st - 5th, 7th)
    • Sustainable Indiana (K, 4th - 8th)

    Rent a Traveling Teacher Trunk

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    Scout Programs

    Join a Naturalist for a nature hike or complete requirements for a nature related badge or journey with Zionsville Nature Center. Private den or troop programs can be scheduled on Saturdays, over school breaks, or weekday afternoons (Tuesday - Friday). We can even meet with your group virtually. For availability and more information contact the Zionsville Nature Center directly. Program requests must be made a minimum of 2-weeks before your preferred date.

    Merit Badge Counselor List

    We currently have Naturalist staff who can help with your Merit Badge needs for the following:

    • Environmental Science
    • Bird Study
    • Reptile and Amphibian Study
    • Nature
    • Fish & Wildlife Management
    • Insect Study

    Contact us at naturecenter@zionsville-in.gov to set up your meeting with a Merit Badge Counselor

    Senior Centers, Garden Clubs, & Other Community Groups

    Zionsville Nature Center offers programs to a variety of community groups and organizations! Whether it is a live animal presentation at a senior center, a native plant walk for a garden club, or a guided hike for a local organization- we can help! Contact us today and we can discuss your program needs.  

    2023 Group Program Fees

    Program Type Fees
    Virtual Field Trip
    Resident: $25 for 30-45 minutes; $45 for 45-90 minutes
    Nonresident: $30; $50
    School Outreach
    $50 per program (only available within Zionsville municipal limits) 
    $40 each additional program scheduled for same date.
    On-Site Program within
    Zionsville Parks*
    $3 per student; $50 minimum (Zionsville Area School)
    $4 per student; $50 minimum (Out of Area School)
    $3 per scout; $50 minimum (Zionsville Scout Group)
    $4 per scout; $50 minimum (Out of Area Scout Group)
    Scout Outreach Program
    		 $50 per program (only available within Zionsville municipal limits)
    Teacher Trunks
    $15 for 2 week rental
    Adult/Senior Outreach Program
    		 $50 per program (only available within Zionsville municipal limits)

    Note: For all private programs requests must be made a minimum of 2-weeks before your preferred date.
    *On-Site Programming fees apply for a program at the Zionsville Nature Center or a Zionsville Parks and Recreation park (Lion's Park is owned and operated by the Lion's Club).