Astronomy Saturday , Sept . 23 • 8 p . m . McCloud Nature Park
Take stargazing to new heights by escaping the light pollution of the city and heading to McCloud Nature Park , where thousands of stars twinkle like jewels in the dark night sky !
The Indiana Astronomical Society partners with Park Naturalists to hold this sky seminar and viewing . These programs , led by expert sky watchers , are geared for the novice astronomer . This program will begin with a brief informational session (“ sky seminar ”) where you will learn which planets and constellations will be visible that night .
These seminars last about 30 minutes and are best suited for ages 8 through adult .
IMPORTANT NOTE : Sky seminars will take place rain or shine , but sky viewings are dependent upon clear skies . If poor weather is forecasted or any severe weather advisories are issued , the skyviewing portion of the program will be canceled .
For updates regarding the seminars , follow the Hendricks County Parks and Recreation Facebook page or call the Weather and Program Hotline at ( 317 ) 718-6111 .
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 8 THROUGH ADULT | FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 2 HOURS
Fall Harvest Festival Saturday , Oct . 7 • 11 a . m . to 1 p . m . W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park
Join us in a celebration of the fall harvest season during our 2nd Annual Fall Harvest Festival at W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park ! It ’ s going to be a celebration of the fall harvest season , complete with corn-shucking , harvest-themed games , and other fall activities !
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES | FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 2 HOURS ( ONGOING )
Get Ready for Solar Eclipses !
Saturday , Sept . 30 • 1 p . m . McCloud Nature Park
An event that has not occurred in 819 years is coming to central
Indiana ! There will be a total eclipse of the sun on April 8 , 2024 ! And we ’ ll also have a partial solar eclipse on October 14 , 2023 ! Join the Indiana Astronomical Society for this free program to learn all about solar eclipses , how to safely observe them , and other out of this world facts .
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES | FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 1 HOUR
Photo by AJ Harbison
Fall Colors Run Saturday , Oct . 21 • 8:45 a . m . McCloud Nature Park
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and the crisp air while running the trails at McCloud Nature Park . This event will include a 5K walk / run and a 10K walk / run . Scenes will include forest , prairie , Big Walnut Creek , and the historic truss bridge ! After the professionally timed race , stick around for the McCloud Fall Colors Festival which includes food , archery , atlatls , hayride , prairie maze , games , and more for the whole family !
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES FEE : $ 20 / PERSON ( 5K ); $ 30 / PERSON ( 10K ) ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED ( SEE PAGE 5 )
Birding for Absolute Beginners Thursday , Oct . 5 • 6:30 p . m . Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library , 1120 Stafford Road , Plainfield
Learning to identify birds can seem overwhelming at first , but is something that anyone can do if they learn some simple techniques and then go out and apply them . A Hendricks County Park naturalist will teach you to look at a bird ’ s size and shape , special markings , behavior , and habitat to help with identification . Discover some easy apps that are helpful for birding and practice with binoculars . Advance registration is required by Sept . 28 by contacting the Plainfield-Guilford Township Library at ( 317 ) 839-6602 .
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES | FREE TO ATTEND APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 1 HOUR
10 • www . HendricksCountyParks . org
Fall Colors Festival Saturday , Oct . 21 • 10 a . m . to 3 p . m .
McCloud Nature Park
Our fun , FREE , family-friendly festival featuring fabulous fall foliage returns to McCloud Nature Park on Saturday , Oct . 21 ! Come out to McCloud to celebrate the colorful autumn leaves at the Fall Colors Festival and explore the features and activities planned for this year !
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES | FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 5 HOURS ( ONGOING )