FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Indiana is celebrating the 15th annual Kids to Parks Day on May 17.
Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play to get families out to connect with local, state, and national parks. Mike Braun declared May 17 as Indiana’s Kids to Parks Day and signed an official proclamation for it. This day is created so that kids can gain an appreciation for public lands and learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, and natural/cultural history.
There are several ways you can celebrate this year. You can find planned activities at this link for things to do around Indiana. Some examples of activities in the Wabash Valley are:
- Meet the Naturalist – Raccoon State Recreation Area 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Stop by the campground store to see the park’s naturalist at their table of interesting things from the park.
- Planetarium Program – Turkey Run State Park 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
- Explore constellations and hear the stories attached to them.
- Lusk Home Tour – Turkey Run State Park 11 a.m. – 12 p.m./ 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Hear the story of the Lusk Family. Tour their house and hear the nerve-racking tale of how Turkey Run became a state park. The Lusk Home is located on the eastern side of the park. Hike out on Trail 1 or 4, or park in the Lusk parking lot (access off of Narrow’s road).
- Bluebird Box Workshop – McCormick’s Creek State Park 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Come join the Brown County Bluebird Club to build a bluebird box to help support native birds. This workshop costs $10 a box. Please bring cash to pay for your birdhouse. You can build your box at Pine Bluff Shelter. This workshop requires pre-registration. Please register at b4bluebirds@gmail.com
- Check out the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights with 11 suggested outdoor activities every kid should do. Complete all 11 to become an official Hoosier Outdoor Child and get your certificate here.
- Get started on Hoosier Quest to earn patches and pins here.
- You can also check out the state parks kids’ webpage for more ideas.

