Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
July 1
Books and Boots
The Elkhart Public Library has teamed up with the Elkhart County Park to offer a book club for kids! Each meeting will include a book discussion followed by a park-led activity exploring one of the book’s environmental themes. Activities could include hikes, live animals and more. This month’s book will be Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Contact the Dunlap branch to check out a copy.
July 5
July 6
Wednesday Bird Walk
Start the day off watching beautiful birds at Cobus Creek. Enjoy an easy-paced bird walk along woodlands, waterways, and meadows seeking out the unique bird life hidden within. We’ll observe the fascinating behavior of unique species, including Field Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, and Baltimore Oriole. The group will head out at 8 a.m. – please plan travel time accordingly.
July 6
July 7
Garden Buds (Part 1)
Dig into some gardening fun by joining this hands-on 3-part series for kids. Over the course of three Thursdays, participants will engage in a variety of topics – from soil and seeds in week one, to roots and plant parts in week two, concluding with flowers and pollinators in week three. Deliciously tasty snacks will also be included.
July 8
Friday Night at the Museum
Come on out for game night at Friday Night at the Museum! The whole family can enjoy fun games of the past and present that will be taking place both inside and outside of the museum. Of course, you can see the museum’s great exhibits, and complete a scavenger hunt and I-spy activities.
July 8
Carbon Sequestration Talk
Biological carbon sequestration is the process of how plants store carbon. Come learn about this exciting concept and how you can encourage this important process on your own land. Steven Shantz, an Elkhart County Master Naturalist, will teach you about the many benefits of sequestering carbon in your soil. All ages are welcome.
July 11
Adventure Bike Camp
Embark on an adventure along bike-friendly trails at our brand-new camp this summer. Each day will bring new discoveries for cyclists, ages 9-13, as we seek out fun destinations and activities together. Each day will also have different start and end locations. We will cycle to Fidler Pond for a little boating, Elkhart Aquatic Center for a little swimming and Warehouse Climbing Co for a little climbing wall fun. All you need is a bike, helmet, water bottle, backpack, and sense of adventure!
Adventure Bike Camp runs 7/11-13, 12 -4 p.m (daily). Drop-off and pick-up locations will vary each day (stay tuned for details).
July 14
Garden Buds (Part 2)
Dig into some gardening fun by joining this hands-on 3-part series for kids. Over the course of three Thursdays, participants will engage in a variety of topics – from soil and seeds in week one, to roots and plant parts in week two, concluding with flowers and pollinators in week three. Deliciously tasty snacks will also be included.
July 15
Movie in the Park: Luca (in English)
Bring your lawn chair or blanket for a movie night at Ox Bow County Park. In partnership with Everence, we will be showing Disney’s Luca at 6 p.m. in English and again at 8:15 p.m. in Spanish. Forget to bring snacks? No problem! Swing by one of the food trucks during both showings
July 15
Movie in the Park: Luca (en espanol)
Bring your lawn chair or blanket for a movie night at Ox Bow County Park. In partnership with Everence, we will be showing Disney’s Luca at 6 p.m. in English and again at 8:15 p.m. in Spanish. Forget to bring snacks? No problem! Swing by one of the food trucks during both showings
July 18
Trail Trekkers: Watersheds
Outdoor explorers (ages 6-9) are invited to join Jenna Wait with the Elkhart County Soil & Conservation District for an afternoon learning about watersheds. Interactive hands-on activities will teach participants what a watershed is, how we affect them, and what we can do to help them. The entire class is outdoors, so please dress accordingly.
July 19
July 20
Open House at the Schoolhouse
Grab your schoolbooks and step back a century as you explore the One-room Schoolhouse at Bonneyville Mill County Park. Imagine yourself a student sitting in one of the small wooden desks, practicing your handwriting on the heavy slate boards, while keeping warm next to the wood-burning stove. As you catch a glimpse of what life was like for the average run-of-the-mill student, staff will be on-site to answer any questions you may have during these open hours.
July 21
Garden Buds (Part 3)
Dig into some gardening fun by joining this hands-on 3-part series for kids. Over the course of three Thursdays, participants will engage in a variety of topics – from soil and seeds in week one, to roots and plant parts in week two, concluding with flowers and pollinators in week three. Deliciously tasty snacks will also be included.
July 21
Yoga in the Park
Join Registered Yoga Teacher, Amanda, for an hour of empowering yoga in the park. Enjoy guided practice welcoming of all skill levels in a relaxing park environment. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring water, and their own mats. Participants are required to register in advance.
July 23
Bonneyville Bake Day
Bonneyville Mill has produced water-powered stone-ground flour the same way for more than 180 years. This summer, we are highlighting some of the unique products the Mill makes. In July, the highlight is rye flour. Come watch the Bonneyville Millers demonstrate the entire grinding process. Along with freshly baked treats to sample, the event will feature tips and favorite recipes included with the purchase of any Bonneyville Mill flour product.
July 29
Singing Insect Sound Hike
Step outside on an early fall evening, and your ears will be surrounded by a symphony of insect sounds filling the air. Learn how to pick out these nighttime noisemakers by their sound at a special evening program with ear-trained naturalist, Carl Strang. After a brief intro, we’ll head out for a twilight hike to explore Boot Lake Nature Preserve’s soundscape, and listen for singing crickets, cicadas, katydids, and other subtle sounds of the insect symphony.
Note: Participants are encouraged to arrive early and dress for an evening hike.
