The weekend forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s, along with chances of scattered thunderstorms both days, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying some of Indiana’s unique parks and natural wonders.
Here are a few some fun, family-friendly options.
Saturday: Build sand sculpture, feed reptiles, kayak through wetlands
27th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton: The theme is “animals,” but you can make what you please. Judges will select the funniest, most creative, and most thematic awards. Categories for both adults and kids. Call the Nature Center with questions about the rules and other contest info at 219-926-1390.
Kayak Outing, 9 a.m., Goose Pond FWA, Linton: Goose Pond staff will lead a guided kayak tour of the wetland, where you can learn about the various species of plants and animals that call the wetland home. Bring your own kayak, PFD, paddle water and snacks. Register in advance and meet at Thousand Islands Boat Ramp on the north side of the property.
Ecology of Wolf Cave, 10 a.m., McCormick’s Creek State Park, Spencer: Learn what a tornado can do in 30 seconds. Join naturalist Jessica at the Nature Center to learn about the impact of the tornado to Wolf Cave Nature Preserve.
Wonderful Waterfowl, 10-11:30 a.m., Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis: Join a naturalist for a 1-mile hike around Delaware Lake and learn about the waterfowl and other water-dependent bird species found at the park. Meet at the Delaware Lake parking lot with plenty of water. Binoculars optional, but highly recommended!
Cold Blooded Buffet, 10:30 a.m., Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty: Visit the Nature Center to see some of of the park’s resident reptiles and amphibians eat their live meals. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The Nature Center is located approximately 10 minutes from the park’s main entrance gate.
Nature’s Architect, 10-11:30 a.m., Paynetown SRA (Monroe Lake), Bloomington: Here’s a chance to learn about the American Beaver and the impressive feats of architecture this rodent can achieve.
Sunday: Learn about bats, find wild edibles and meet a salamander
All About Bats, 10 a.m., Clifty Falls State Park, Madison: Explore the lives of bats during this 30-minute program at the Nature Center. Find out what kinds of bats you might see here in the park and discover ways you can help them.
Beginner’s Bird Hike, 10 a.m., Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis: Join a naturalist on a leisurely, 2-mile bird hike along Schoen Creek Trail and Tree Line Trail to identify birds in different habitats. Meet in the Visitors Center parking lot with binoculars, water, and comfortable shoes.
Savvy Salamanders, 10 a.m., Mounds SRA (Brookville Lake), Brookville: Meet at the Camp Store to learn more about some of Indiana’s native salamanders and meet one of the park’s resident ambassadors.
Wild Edibles Hike, 10:30-11 a.m. Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty: Join a naturalist for an easy 1-hour walk exploring delicious seasonal delicacies that can be found at your feet.
Mammal Furs, 11-11:45 a.m., Brown County State Park, Nashville: Visit the Nature Center to learn about native mammals, their habits and habitats.
Event descriptions complied from sponsoring organization web listings.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Weekend outdoor calendar full of family friendly events in Indiana
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