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Monday November 24, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM    ZNC Outreach Program
 
Tuesday November 25, 2025
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM    ZNC Outreach Program
 
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM    ZNC Outreach Program
 
Wednesday November 26, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM    Drop-in Discovery - Thankful for Nature
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.
 
Tuesday December 2, 2025
9:00 AM - 11:45 AM    ZNC Outreach Program
 
Wednesday December 3, 2025
9:00 AM - 11:45 AM    ZNC Outreach Program
 
Thursday December 4, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM    PEEPs - Winter Wonders
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
 
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM    Discover Your Backyard - Animal Tracks
The Trailhopper is the newest mobile outreach vehicle to join the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department. Join us each month as we visit one of our local parks and discover what’s happening in our backyard with hands-on activities and adventures. Drop-in and stay as long as you’d like!About the TrailhopperThe Community Outreach Program aims to increase the scope and programming potential for the Parks Department through meeting residents at their doorstep through recreation and education. In 2022 the Zionsville Parks launched its first Outreach vehicle, the Creekstomper. In 2024, with APRA fund support, the Department expanded outreach with the Trailhopper, a mobile Nature Center. Looking for a unique addition to your business or community event? Let us bring the Zionsville Parks to you! The Creekstomper and Trailhopper are available for area businesses and organizations to help provide information and experiences to your community. Whether a church or school function, the neighborhood block party, or a promotional event at your business let the Zionsville Parks help create memories. Request your reservation HERE.
 
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!
 
Friday December 5, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM    Toddler Trek - Letters
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.
 
Saturday December 6, 2025
3:00 PM - 10:00 PM    Pavilion Reservation
 
Wednesday December 10, 2025
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM    After-School Nature Club - Tracks & Scat
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. 
 
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. 
 
Thursday December 11, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM    PEEPs - Winter Wonders
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
 
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM    Jr Ecologist Homeschool Club - Ecology
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 December 13, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM    Winterfest - Christmas in the Park
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. 
 
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM    Nature Ornaments - Nature Ornaments
Visit the Zionsville Nature Center this weekend to make some nature-inspired ornaments. Perfect for gifts, or to decorate your tree and start a new family tradition. Drop in anytime between 2 – 4 p.m. You may make one of each of the three ornaments offered.
 
Wednesday December 17, 2025
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM    ZNC Private Scout Program
 
Thursday December 18, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM    PEEPs - Winter Wonders
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 December 19, 2025
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM    Winter Break Campfire - Winter Break Campfire
Celebrate the start of winter break with an enchanting evening by the campfire. Toast marshmallows, enjoy gooey s’mores, and welcome the start of a new season as the Winter solstice approaches. All participants must register.
 
Saturday December 20, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM    Fly Tie Workshop - Fly Tie Workshop
Learn the art of fly tying in this hands-on workshop led by local angling enthusiasts from Moving Water Outfitters! Participants will discover how to create their own custom fishing flies using a variety of materials and techniques. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop offers a relaxed, supportive environment to learn, create and connect.
 
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM    Private Birthday @ ZNC
 
Tuesday December 23, 2025
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM    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!
 
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM    Animal Tracks - Animal Tracks
Winter is a great time to search for animal tracks! Spend the afternoon with us as we learn how to identify different tracks, hike through the forest to search for them, and make our own tracks to take home.This is a drop off program for ages 6 - 12 years old.