December Programs

Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8 - Nature Ornaments

When: 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
Fee: $2/person

We found the perfect way to catch that holiday spirit. Visit the Zion Nature Center this weekend to make some nature-inspired ornaments. Perfect for gifts, or to decorate your tree and start a new family tradition. Drop in anytime between 12 – 4 p.m. You may make one of each ornament offered.

Friday, December 13 - Mommy & Me: Deer

Register beginning December 1
When: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
Ages: 1 – 3 years with an adult

Give your toddler a fun and interactive introduction to nature in our Mommy & Me classes! Each month we will focus on a different topic and will feature live animal encounters, stories, crafts and nature exploration.

Saturday, December 14 - Cards for Critters

When: 10 a.m. – Noon
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
Want to bring a gift for the animals? Email the Nature Center (naturecenter@zionsville-in.gov) for more information.

We all adore receiving cards and gifts throughout the holiday season and so do the Zion Nature Center’s animals. Join us as the animals celebrate the holidays, with opportunities to meet and wish them all good cheer. Bring a card to share with the staff and critters, or make one at our Cards for Critters station. Cards will be displayed on the Nature Center’s tree. Unable to attend? You can mail, or drop off cards throughout the month of December.

Saturday, December 14 - Paw Print Ornament & Dog Walk

Registration is required as space is limited
When: 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

Create lasting memories with your furry best friend this holiday season. Join us at the Zion Nature Center as we create an ornament celebrating your pup. Then we’ll walk the Zion Nature Sanctuary trail to explore the sights and smells of the forest in winter. Dogs must be on a leash and under owner’s control.

Saturday, December 21 - Campfire & Carols

Registration is required as space is limited
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

It’s the official start of winter, and the longest night of the year. Celebrate with carols and an evening stroll under the stars at Zion Nature Center. After the hike warm up at our crackling campfire with hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows.

Friday, December 27 - Zion Nature Center OPEN

When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

School is on break, so we’ve extended our OPEN hours.

Friday, December 27 - Creature Feature: Turtles

When: 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

Stop in anytime from 1 – 3 p.m. for a chance to meet our box turtles and aquatic turtles close. Enjoy a turtle themed craft and refreshments. What a great way to ask questions and discover what makes these animals so amazing!

Saturday, December 28 - Providence Wildlife Rehabilitation

When: 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak Street

Join Providence Wildlife and their wildlife ambassadors as they explain what a Wildlife Rehabilitator does for injured and orphaned native wildlife in central Indiana. Discover what to do when you encounter an injured or orphaned wild animal, and how you can help wildlife in your neighborhood.

Tuesday, December 31 - Noon Year’s Eve

Register beginning December 1
When: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street

New Year’s Eve is a great time to celebrate all we’ve done and all we will do in the coming year. However, midnight can come too late for young ones, and let’s face it, sometimes the adults. Join the Zion Nature Center as we have a SLITHERING good time celebrating the New Year a little early. Your family can raise a toast with some tasty juice, watch a balloon drop at Noon, and party with Nature Center friends during this year’s snake themed celebration! Registration is required as space is limited.