Hosted in Putnam County by a number of participating organizations, Nature Play Days originates from the Indiana Children & Nature Network. During the first week of June each year, children and youth are encouraged to get out into nature and interact and learn.
All events are free of charge and open to the public unless otherwise stated.
Nature Play Days are June 1 – June 9, 2025.
Calendar of events:
- June 1, 1-5 pm, Camp Friend
- Meet other families to play outdoor games with Putnam County Gaming Initiative or join an informal hike.
- June 2, 5:30-6:30 pm, Glenn Flint Lake boat ramp shelter house
- Local Monarch enthusiast Rebecca Bilbrey will teach families about Monarch life cycles, conservation, and raising at home!
- June 3, 5:30-6:30 pm, Vandalia Trail, Fillmore parking lot
- Family friendly short hike along People Pathways to learn about local trees and wildflowers.
- June 4, 4-6 pm, DePauw Nature Park
- Get your feet wet with Kim Beadles NRCS/Purdue Extension to learn about water quality and invertebrates that live in Big Walnut Creek.
- June 5, 5-7 pm, Cloverdale Community Park
- Join other families by packing a picnic dinner, meeting other kids on the playground, or enjoy the Putnam County Public Library’s Edgar & Betty Baliff Storywalk all at Cloverdale Community Park.
- June 6th, 5-7 pm, Camp Friend
- Join other families on an informal hike to explore the woods, stomp in the creek, look for bugs, and play make believe.
- June 7th, 10 am-12 pm, People Pathways family ride, Greencastle Ivy Tech parking lot
- Join other families on a kid-friendly bike ride along the paved portion of the People Pathways trail. Helmets suggested for all, and required for children. Length of the ride will be determined by skill level.
- June 8th, 10 am-12 pm, Hall Woods Nature Preserve (limited parking, please carpool)
- Known for its beautiful spring wildflowers, come explore the transition to summer understory.
- June 9th, 4:30-6:30 pm, DePauw Nature Park
- Are there more than one type of squirrel in Indiana? Find the answer, and so much more, at an exciting educational hike for all ages with Professor Jim Benedix.
