Indy Parks provides the residents of Indianapolis countless opportunities to connect with nature and spend time outdoors, but did you know that visitors at some of our parks have the opportunity to learn about and meet birds, turtles, insects and more?
There are several reoccurring programs that allow visitors to interact with our animal ambassadors. Which one will you attend first?
Falcon Fridays
Fridays, 2 – 2:20pm | Eagle Creek Ornithology Center | Free with park admission
Every Friday at 2pm, meet one of our falcon ambassadors and learn all about their story and natural history. Most programs will be outside, weather permitting. Learn more about upcoming Falcon Fridays.
Meet a Raptor
Sundays, 2:30 – 3pm | Eagle Creek Ornithology Center | Free with park admission
Join a naturalist at the Ornithology Center to discover the world of raptors! You will meet one of our Raptor Ambassadors and see a special training demonstration. These Sunday programs usually feature Freyja the Peregrine Falcon. Most programs will be outside, weather permitting. Learn more about upcoming Meet a Raptor programs.
Beastly Brunch
2nd Wednesday of each month, 11:30 – 12pm | Holliday Park Nature Center| Free
Get an up-close look at a selection of Holliday Park’s animal ambassadors and experience a live feeding at Beastly Brunch. Activity is designed for children ages 2+, but the whole family is welcome. Adult supervision is required. Learn more about upcoming Beastly Brunches.
Critter Tales
1st Thursday of each month, 10 – 11am | Holliday Park Nature Center | Free
Join Holliday Park staff for a delightful hour of fun and learning at this free story time program. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, this engaging program features captivating stories, lively songs, and a special live critter to help spark curiosity and wonder of the natural world. After the story and songs, children can enjoy interactive playtime with a variety of toys and activities. It’s a wonderful opportunity for little ones to develop a love for reading, music, and exploration. Learn more about upcoming Critter Tales programming.
Critter Chat
One Saturday per month, 11 -12pm | Garfield Park Conservatory
At this all ages drop-in event, visitors have the opportunity to meet one of Garfield Park’s resident critters in the beautiful Blake’s Garden just outside of the conservatory. The rain or shine event is held indoors in a classroom if the weather is inclement. Learn more about upcoming Critter Chats.
Indy Parks to visit if you want to see animals at any time
We know after reading this you’re probably really eager to see some of the wonderful animal ambassadors at Indy Parks. If you don’t want to wait until the next program, there’s a few Indy Parks family centers that have critters on display for educational purposes any time the center is open to the public.
Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center
6515 Delong Rd
The Eagle Creek Park Ornithology is a unique nature center that’s a perfect oasis for bird lovers. The naturalists in the Ornithology Center specialize in the birds of the Midwest and birding in Indiana. You can visit the center to view exhibits, birdwatch in wildlife observation areas, meet the center’s resident birds, and more! Learn more about the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center.
Eagle Creek Park Earth Discovery Center
5901 Delong Rd
Eagle Creek Park’s Earth Discovery Center is the place to find answers to all of your nature and wildlife questions. While visiting the center, you can enjoy the views from the deck, explore exhibits, and meet some live educational reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate ambassadors! Learn more about the Earth Discovery Center.
Holliday Park Nature Center
6363 Spring Mill Rd
The Holliday Park Nature Center is a great place to learn within the beautiful park. Inside the center you can visit Habitat Hall, featuring exhibits like Music of the Wetlands, White River Water Table, and an elevated Hardwood Forest viewing area allowing visitors to experience the forest canopy. Plus, there several animals to see on display including an american bullfrog, bluegill, madagascar hissing cockroaches, a painted turtle and more! Learn more about the Holliday Park Nature Center.
Garfield Park Conservatory
2505 Conservatory Dr
The Garfield Park Conservatory in Indianapolis is known for its beautiful blooms from all over the world, but did you know that you can see live animals there as well? Alongside the plants, you can view a few different amphibians and insects, as well as Koi fish in the ponds. Learn more about Garfield Park Conservatory.
