Group Programs and Outreach

(Non-school)

Looking for a fun and educational activity for your group? If your group enjoys nature and wants a hands-on learning experience, one of Hendricks County Parks & Recreation's field trip or outreach programs would be perfect for your daycare, family gathering, adult social group or a host of other groups. Any and all ages can enjoy these programs! 

We offers two kinds of programs to non-school groups: Group Field Trips, in which your group visits our McCloud Nature Park, and Outreach Programs, in which a park naturalist visits your group. With either type of program, your group decides what fun, educational program the park naturalist presents.

Programs Available for Field Trips and Outreach:  

            Owls of Indiana
            Bats of Indiana
            Mammals of Indiana
            Amphibians of Indiana 
            Turtles of Indiana
            Wildflowers of Indiana
            Tree Identification
            Native Plant Usage

Group Field Trips

A field trip to McCloud Nature Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Your group chooses the program and comes to McCloud Nature Park on a good old-fashioned field trip. You can even bring a picnic lunch.

Group Program Fees:
            $20 for a group of 1–20 people
            $40 for a group of 21–40 people
            $60 for a group of 41–60 people
There is no admission fee to enter the park or nature center.

Group programs typically last 1 to 1.5 hours, although your group is welcome to enjoy the park on their own for the entire day. Should you decide you'd also like to reserve the park pavilion for your group, the pavilion can be rented for $50 for county residents ($75 for non-residents). Please contact the parks office to determine availability (765) 676-5437.

Outreach Programs

Your group chooses the location, and the park naturalist brings the program to you! Please note that programs can be held at business locations and in public facilities, such as a church or community center, but programs will NOT be held in private residences.

Outreach Program Fees:
            $20 for 1-hour
            $10 each additional hour

Please note, outreach programs are great fun and valuable learning opportunities for everyone but they are not meant to be a substitute for the immersion experiences field trips provide. The park naturalists bring nature indoors through plant specimens, animal furs and bones, and tools used to interact with the outdoor world. Combined with visual presentations and crafts, these programs are a great opportunity for learning and fun for everyone. The agency scheduling the outreach program is welcome to have as many attend the program as they'd like but the quality of experience will be diminished by having too many people attend too short a program. We suggest planning an hour for every 40 people in attendance.

*Please note, School Group programs are separate programs designed to meet Indiana Academic Standards and tailored to meet specific group dynamics. More information regarding school groups can be viewed on the Educators page.