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Saturday January 3, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM	Junior Naturalist - Junior Naturalist JAN 3 Kids, here is your chance to become a Naturalist for a day at the Zionsville Nature Center. Work with our staff to clean and feed the Zionsville Nature Center’s turtles, snakes, and other educational animals. Participation limited to one date.

Wednesday January 7, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Drop-in Discovery - Animal Tracks Drop into the Zionsville Nature Center to explore new topics each month with our Naturalist staff. Celebrate the changing seasons with crafts and activities for all ages.

Thursday January 8, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM	PEEPs - Winter Wildlife PEEPs: Preschool Environmental Education Program Series Let curiosity lead the way! PEEPs is a playful, hands-on nature program for preschoolers and their caregivers. Each week, we encourage exploration through outdoor adventures, sensory play, and discovery-based learning. Together, we’ll follow the seasons, explore local wildlife, and support early development through movement, creativity, and connection with nature. Register monthly to join a themed 3-week series. Come ready to play, explore, and get a little messy!Younger siblings are welcome to attend, but activities will be geared towards ages 3 – 6.  Parents/Adults are required to stay

Friday January 9, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM	Toddler Trek - Shapes Toddler Treks are a perfect way to introduce our youngest audience to nature! Each month toddlers and their caregivers will meet at a different park to explore a theme through play, hands-on activities, and outdoor experiences. Older siblings are welcome to attend, but activities are geared towards 4 and under. Dress for the weather and be prepared to get moving!  For children ages 3 - 6 check out our new PEEPs program.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM	Owl Prowl - Owl Prowl Winter is one of the best times of the year to spot owls. Come learn about the different owls that make their home in Zionsville and head out with a Naturalist to hopefully observe some in the wild.  Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots.  You may bring a flashlight, but you will be required to cover it with a red wrap to protect our night vision and the vision of the owls.

Tuesday January 13, 2026
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Winterfest - Luminary Walk Winterfest: A Celebration of the Winter SeasonImagine old-fashioned winter celebrations. Warming frosty fingers around a steaming mug of cocoa, the laughter of children, the aroma of a crackling fire. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy during our three month-long celebration. From the Open-Air Holiday Maker's Market, to Christmas in the Park and a visit from Santa and his reindeer to luminary walks, and a little Mischief and Magic thrown in. Join us in making the winter season a season of fun and memories for everyone in the community.Note: Due to Lincoln Park construction - Lincoln Lights, Fireside Nights and Java Trail will return to Winterfest in the 2026 - 2027 season.

Wednesday January 14, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM	After-School Nature Club - Snowflake Science Are you ready for an after-school adventure? Join our After-School Nature Club! Each month, we’ll uncover the wonders of the natural world through outdoor exploration, fun games, and hands-on activities. This club is perfect for curious kids who love exploring, creating, and playing. Come discover the magic of nature - adventure awaits!This is a drop-off program, but parents are welcome to stay nearby.
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM	Indiana Master Naturalist 2026 - Indiana Master Naturalist The Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program provides hands-on opportunities to learn about Indiana’s natural resources. Adult learners will gain an understanding of Indiana's plants, waters, soils, wildlife, and other topics. The program provides a way for you to share knowledge, along with your life experiences, through volunteer services.  Classes involve indoor lectures from local experts and field experiences within Zionsville parks. To receive IMN certificate and pin 24 hours of volunteering must be completed. 80% of the class hours must be attended to receive credit. Classes meet on Wednesday evenings from 5-8pm biweekly from January 14 through May 20, 2026. Registration opens November 17

Thursday January 15, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM	PEEPs - Winter Wildlife PEEPs: Preschool Environmental Education Program Series Let curiosity lead the way! PEEPs is a playful, hands-on nature program for preschoolers and their caregivers. Each week, we encourage exploration through outdoor adventures, sensory play, and discovery-based learning. Together, we’ll follow the seasons, explore local wildlife, and support early development through movement, creativity, and connection with nature. Register monthly to join a themed 3-week series. Come ready to play, explore, and get a little messy!Younger siblings are welcome to attend, but activities will be geared towards ages 3 – 6.  Parents/Adults are required to stay

Saturday January 17, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM	Junior Naturalist - Junior Naturalist JAN 17 Kids, here is your chance to become a Naturalist for a day at the Zionsville Nature Center. Work with our staff to clean and feed the Zionsville Nature Center’s turtles, snakes, and other educational animals. Participation limited to one date.

Thursday January 22, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM	PEEPs - Winter Wildlife PEEPs: Preschool Environmental Education Program Series Let curiosity lead the way! PEEPs is a playful, hands-on nature program for preschoolers and their caregivers. Each week, we encourage exploration through outdoor adventures, sensory play, and discovery-based learning. Together, we’ll follow the seasons, explore local wildlife, and support early development through movement, creativity, and connection with nature. Register monthly to join a themed 3-week series. Come ready to play, explore, and get a little messy!Younger siblings are welcome to attend, but activities will be geared towards ages 3 – 6.  Parents/Adults are required to stay

Saturday January 24, 2026
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Meet the Animals - Meet the Animals Stop by the Zionsville Nature Center twice a month for an exciting chance to meet and learn about our resident reptiles and amphibians. Discover the unique traits of these fascinating creatures as they get enrichment outside of their homes. No reservations needed—just drop in and experience the adventure!

Wednesday January 28, 2026
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM	Indiana Master Naturalist 2026 - Indiana Master Naturalist The Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program provides hands-on opportunities to learn about Indiana’s natural resources. Adult learners will gain an understanding of Indiana's plants, waters, soils, wildlife, and other topics. The program provides a way for you to share knowledge, along with your life experiences, through volunteer services.  Classes involve indoor lectures from local experts and field experiences within Zionsville parks. To receive IMN certificate and pin 24 hours of volunteering must be completed. 80% of the class hours must be attended to receive credit. Classes meet on Wednesday evenings from 5-8pm biweekly from January 14 through May 20, 2026. Registration opens November 17

Thursday January 29, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Jr Ecologist Homeschool Club - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Please Register for ONLY ONE date each month. Calling all young nature enthusiasts! Join a Naturalist from the Zionsville Nature Center for an engaging monthly homeschool series designed to spark curiosity and a love for the natural world. Each month dives into a new nature theme through fun, hands-on activities. At the end of each class, children will receive a themed take-home packet filled with ideas and activities to continue exploring at home. This is a drop-off program, but parents are welcome to stay nearby if they wish.

Saturday January 31, 2026
8:15 AM - 9:00 AM	Zionsville Puzzle Swap - Early Bird Access Calling all puzzle lovers! In celebration of National Puzzle Day, you are invited to bring gently used puzzles to Zionsville Town Hall between January 5 and 28. Then return to Town Hall on Saturday, January 31 to choose a new one. There is a limit of 10 puzzles per person swapped. Please read the puzzle rules closely. Last year over 1,500 puzzles were swapped in 2 hours! Puzzle Swap Rules: Puzzles can be any size but must be in their original box or tin. ALL PUZZLE PIECES MUST BE ACCOUNTED FOR, no puzzles with missing pieces will be accepted.  Puzzles must be in good condition and no older than 10 years. No puzzles accepted outside of normal Town Hall business hours or after January 28. Town Hall is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. No puzzles accepted day of the swap. No puzzles with profanity, nudity or drug or alcohol paraphernalia will be accepted. No wooden baby or toddler puzzles will be accepted. You will receive 1 ticket for every puzzle you bring. Max of 10 puzzles per person. You MUST have your tickets to enter the swap.  Zionsville Parks and Recreation reserves the right to keep, donate or destroy any puzzles that do not follow guidelines listed above or are not swapped by the end of the event. Town Hall will be closed January 19. Early Bird Tickets Want a chance to have first look at the puzzles and shop in a relaxed atmosphere? We have a limited number of Early Bird Access Tickets available for the swap. Early Birds get a chance to shop first from 8:15 - 9:00 am before the event opens for the rest of ticket holders.  Early Shopper Rules: Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided to our early shoppers.  Don't forget you still need your puzzle tickets to shop. A limit of 10 puzzle tickets per early bird. All individuals entering for early bird (including children) must have a ticket to enter. Early bird shoppers cannot hold puzzles for regular shoppers. Shoppers will be asked to check out before the doors are open for the public to enter. Early Bird Tickets go on sale January 2.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM	Zionsville Puzzle Swap - Zionsville Puzzle Swap Calling all puzzle lovers! In celebration of National Puzzle Day, you are invited to bring gently used puzzles to Zionsville Town Hall between January 5 and 28. Then return to Town Hall on Saturday, January 31 to choose a new one. There is a limit of 10 puzzles per person swapped. Please read the puzzle rules closely. Last year over 1,500 puzzles were swapped in 2 hours! Puzzle Swap Rules: Puzzles can be any size but must be in their original box or tin. ALL PUZZLE PIECES MUST BE ACCOUNTED FOR, no puzzles with missing pieces will be accepted.  Puzzles must be in good condition and no older than 10 years. No puzzles accepted outside of normal Town Hall business hours or after January 28. Town Hall is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. No puzzles accepted day of the swap. No puzzles with profanity, nudity or drug or alcohol paraphernalia will be accepted. No wooden baby or toddler puzzles will be accepted. You will receive 1 ticket for every puzzle you bring. Max of 10 puzzles per person. You MUST have your tickets to enter the swap.  Zionsville Parks and Recreation reserves the right to keep, donate or destroy any puzzles that do not follow guidelines listed above or are not swapped by the end of the event. Town Hall will be closed January 19. Early Bird Tickets Want a chance to have first look at the puzzles and shop in a relaxed atmosphere? We have a limited number of Early Bird Access Tickets available for the swap. Early Birds get a chance to shop first from 8:15 - 9:00 am before the event opens for the rest of ticket holders.  Early Shopper Rules: Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided to our early shoppers.  Don't forget you still need your puzzle tickets to shop. A limit of 10 puzzle tickets per early bird. All individuals entering for early bird (including children) must have a ticket to enter. Early bird shoppers cannot hold puzzles for regular shoppers. Shoppers will be asked to check out before the doors are open for the public to enter. Early Bird Tickets go on sale January 2.