Parks

Stop in between 2-5 PM to ‘cast your vote’ by making a craft of your favorite of our woodland animals. The trails will be open till 5 PM too for you to enjoy and see if you can spy them in the wild. For ages 3 and up. For more information, visit...

Join staff and fellow volunteers in helping to care for your local national park. Wear comfortable clothes; work gloves and equipment will be provided. This is part our drop-in program, a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few...

Looking for a simple way to spend Valentine’s Day? Join us as we take a hike around Gibson Woods and then warm up with some hot chocolate afterwards. There is a $2 fee per person. Please dress for the weather.  Pre-registration required, call...

The land looked much different when the settlers first came to what is now Indiana. Take a hike and ‘travel back in time’ to enjoy the beauty of the tallgrass prairie in autumn. Pre-registration required, call 219-844-3188. Program is free and...

Foster that natural curiosity in your little one by venturing outdoors to ‘spy’ what’s happening at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve. Each session will include a story, craft, snack and plenty of outdoor exploration. For ages 3-5 with a...

Many species of birds stick around for our cold Northwest Indiana winters. We will learn about some of them, take a short outdoor walk to see who’s around and then make some treats for them to enjoy at the feeder station (and one for your to take...

Turtles are terrific! Discover some of their cool traits and maybe even see some up-close! All ages. Pre-registration required, please call 219-844-3188.

On Sunday, July 28, from 2-4 p.m. CDT, Friendship Botanic Gardens will host a FREE educational program dedicated to butterflies. Families will have the chance to learn about the life cycle of butterflies and how they can personally assist in boosting...

Two unique golf events in one! Kids Skills Contest (12 and under) (8-10 a.m.) and Adult/Junior Golf Outing (10:45 a.m. start). Foursomes are made up of juniors and adults. Register online at valpoparksfoundation.org or call 219.462.5144.

Beavers (June 23) - Get in depth and personal with wildlife in this monthly series. Go looking for beaver; discuss the pros and cons of living with beaver; and have fun learning about their life cycles. Massasauga Rattlesnakes (July28) - Get in depth...