Calendar

Introduction to Pickleball

Join the pickleball craze that has been sweeping the nation! Join us for an introduction to pickleball. This class will cover the basics of pickleball rules, terminology, primary skills and more. Paddles and balls will be provided. Ages: 15+

Toddler Trek

Spending time outdoors has numerous benefits for a child’s physical and emotional well-being. During our Toddler Treks, we will meet at different Zionsville parks to play, explore, and watch the seasons change. Toddler Trek is rain or shine, except for severe weather. Dress for the weather and be prepared to get moving! Ages: 5 and under

Morning Bird Walk

Start your morning with a hike to spot birds! Join a Naturalist for a hike to see who is fluttering around. All levels of birding experience welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. We will have a few available to borrow. Ages: 12+

Watch Us Farm 4th Annual Fall Festival - for families with children with special needs

Special activities include pumpkin patch, decorating, games & prizes and food.

Weed Wrangle: Honeysuckle Removal

Take back our parks by helping Zionsville Parks and Recreation remove non-native honeysuckle. Honeysuckle out competes our native wildflowers, tree saplings and shrubs for space, nutrients, sunlight, and water. Volunteers must be 8 years or older to participate. Any volunteers under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Some hand tools will be provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and tools if they have them. Locations will be decided closer to event dates. Ages: 8+

Drop-in Discovery: Happy Birthday Winnie!

Winnie, our grey rat snake’s 2nd birthday is October 12th. Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 12-4p to make Winnie a birthday card and learn more about these amazing snakes

Junior Ecologist Homeschool Club: Decomposers!

Join a Naturalist with the Zionsville Nature Center in this exciting homeschool club series! Each month, we will go into depths of different nature topics in a short lesson followed by hands-on activities. Afterwards, each child will get to take home a packet to further explore the topic of the month! This is a drop-off program, but parents and families are welcome to stay nearby. Ages: 7- 12

Walk to a Park

Public parks are a community’s backyard. They offer residents a place to play, connect, and reap the benefits of the outdoors. Join us for National Walk to a Park Day as we take in the fall weather, visit with neighbors and appreciate all the benefits our parks provide to the community. This is a dog friendly hike, but dogs must be on a leash and under owner control.

Lil' Naturalist Homeschool Club: Creepy Crawlies

Learn what it means to be a Naturalist with Zionsville Nature Center in this exciting homeschool club series! Each month, we will discover new nature topics in a short lesson followed by fun, hands-on activities. Afterwards, each child will get to take home a packet to further explore the topic of the month! This is a drop-off optional program! Ages: 4 - 6

Girl Scout Saturday: Daisy Outdoor Art Maker Badge

Fall is a great time to be an outdoor art maker! Join a Naturalist to look at fall colors, listen to the sounds of nature, and create your own outdoor art. This program is designed for Daisy Girl Scouts looking to earn the Outdoor Art Maker Badge.

Park and PLAY

Get off your couch, get out of your house! Join the Zionsville Parks at your local park for some fun outdoor activities, sports, games and more! Drop-in and stay as long as you’d like. Each month we will PARK in one of our Zionsville parks and set up free activities so you can PLAY! Follow Zionsville Parks and Recreation on Facebook for more summer pop up events!

Family Night Hike

Do you ever wonder what happens while you sleep? Nature comes alive! Many species like bats, owls, and opossums are active at night. Join a Naturalist for a Night Hike to learn about Indiana’s nocturnal animals. Ages: 5+

Art in Nature: Leaf Garland

Each of our Art in Nature programs start off on an easy hike with a Naturalist to explore one of our parks and to collect materials. Afterwards, create your own masterpiece with different mediums such as leaves, mud, pinecones, and so much more!

Reptiles of Indiana

It's Reptile Awareness Day! Join us to learn all about Indiana's most common reptiles, including turtles, lizards, and snakes. We will then meet some of our resident native reptiles.

Introduction to Pickleball

Join the pickleball craze that has been sweeping the nation! Join us for an introduction to pickleball. This class will cover the basics of pickleball rules, terminology, primary skills and more. Paddles and balls will be provided. Ages: 15+

Legendary Animals

Discover the world of animals like the ‘wise’ owl and ‘sly’ snake that have inspired captivating myths and legends throughout history. Through exciting stories and fun activities, we'll learn the truth behind these animals in folklore. Discover their adaptations and habitats while unraveling the mysteries that make them truly legendary!

Family Nature Club

Take the stress out of spending time outside by joining our family nature club! Each month we will explore a different park in Zionsville through imagination, observation, and outdoor play. Families, caregivers, and children of all ages are welcome.

Trick or Trees

Join Zionsville Parks and Recreation for our kid-friendly Halloween event. Explore the forest and meadow in fall and collect treats along the way on our trick-or-treat trail. Come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume. Enjoy roasting marshmallows by the campfire, fun fall activities, mad scientist experiments and more! You must preregister for a time slot. Ages: 2 – 12 years

Drop-in Discovery: Not-So-Scary Animals

Happy Halloween! Drop by the Zionsville Nature Center to learn about not-so-scary animals! Let’s bust the myths about “creepy” creatures that often get a bad reputation such as snakes, spiders, and bats.

Zionsville Trick-or-Treat Hours