Tadpole Time
Young children are naturally curious ! Encourage their
curiosity through fun and interactive introductions to nature in our Tadpole Time programs ! Tadpole Time programs at McCloud Nature Park are for preschoolers ages 2-5 years old ! Each month will focus on a different topic and feature native animals , stories , crafts , nature exploration , and ideas for continuing exploration at home !
For the months of February and March , we are offering Tadpole Time in-a-box on designated Fridays . We will set up a selfguided trailside activity or two at the park and we will stock each box with at least three other take-home activities for you and your tadpole to tackle at your own pace and place .
In April , we will switch back to Wednesday , in-person , outdoor Tadpole Time . To accommodate safe distancing , Tadpole Time will take place entirely outside . Ongoing stations will offer naturalist-led activities to 1-2 families at a time . We will also offer a self-guided activity and a take-home craft .
Recommended for ages 2-5 with a parent or guardian . ( Older siblings ages 6-7 are also welcome to register .) Identical sessions are offered from 10 a . m . to noon and again from 1-3 p . m . Only $ 3 per child ! Advance registration is required .
FEBRUARY : A TIME TO SNOOZE Box pick up date : Friday Feb . 5 • 10 a . m . -4 p . m . Advance registration required by January 31
The ground is frozen , the air is cold , and there is barely a bug or beast to be seen . What are our animal neighbors doing at this time of year ? How can they live when there is so little outside to eat ? Uncover the winter survival secrets or native creatures with this activity kit !
MARCH : IN THE DEEP , DARK NIGHT Box pick up date : Friday March 5 • 10 a . m . -4 p . m . Advance registration required by February 28
Winter is becoming spring , and the nights are growing shorter . Whooo could be grumpy about that ? With sunny weather , there is more to see and more to eat , even at night ! Explore the special features of night-loving animals like the owl , bat , and bobcat with this activity kit .
APRIL : FABULOUS FROGS & STUPENDOUS SALAMANDERS
Wednesday April 7 • 10 a . m . & 4 p . m . Advance registration required by April 4
We love all of our guests at McCloud Nature Park and the Vandalia Trail , and we want everyone to feel welcome regardless of sexual orientation , gender , race , ability , or political / religious affiliation . Our parks are here to provide a respite from the conflict , stress and anxiety of today ’ s world , so we encourage everyone from all walks of life to find peace through the beauty and tranquility of nature .
Tadpoles go through some big changes to become grown up frogs and salamanders : losing their swimming tails , growing new legs , some do not even get to keep their slimy skin ! But only grown up frogs and salamanders get to leave the pond for adventures on land . Dress to hop around outdoors while we explore amphibious adaptations !
If you feel unwelcome at our parks , or if you need assistance in enjoying what we have to offer , please feel free to contact our office at hcparks @ hcparks . net or at ( 317 ) 718-6188 .
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