Things to do in Indiana: Take a trip to Sodalis Nature Park to Spot a Myotis Bat
We love to explore new things, especially FREE things to do in Indiana. One day, while exploring in the countryside (of what I thought was Morgan County), we stumbled upon a large area of preserved lands and followed the signs to Sodalis Nature Park. This Hendrick's County park sits near Morgan and Marion Counties down Camby Road, just off 975 East. Since then, we've discovered the many family activities held on Saturdays in the new shelter, travelled many of the hiking trails, and even participated in the catch and release fishing. Yes... we made the bat houses and you should too!
Hike the animal trails at Sodalis Park.
Sodalis Nature Park: Home of the Endangered Myotis Bat in Plainfield, Indiana.
Nestled at the edge of three Indiana counties, the Sodalis Nature Park is Plainfield's best kept secret and one they'd love to share. The 5 1/2 acre catch and release pond has an ADA accessible fishing pier and picnic areas with charcoal grills. Relax at one of the pleasantly placed picnic tables and you might spot a Great Blue Herron fishing. Walk along the bank and marvel at the little tadpoles and frogs.
In cooperation with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Hendrick's County created the 210 acre park to protect the endangered Myotis Sodalis Bat which resides in the area. The park now preserves native wildlife, woods, open spaces, and grassy areas for all to enjoy through the well-marked nature trails named after various animals you might catch along the trails including, Bobcats, Beavers, and White-tail Deer.
The park is open from dusk to dawn and offers Saturday programming. Admission is free but some programs require registration. Park naturalists do outreach at area libraries, "Animal Tales".Schedule of Events Make a day of it and visit these Mooresville area attractions:
'Tis the season! Are you looking for fun family activities and things to do this holiday season? We've gathered up the 25 best holiday light displays in the greater Indianapolis area and beyond. During the holidays, Indiana is a festive place. Many of the holiday light displays start the weekend before Thanksgiving. Some of these Indiana holiday activities and light shows are free.
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You've eaten until your belly feels like it is going to pop. You've unbuttoned the top button of your pants to make room for desserts. What next? You can sit in the chair and watch the same old holiday movies while in a food coma or you can go for a ride and get in the holiday spirit with a festive holiday light show display or an immersive holiday activity that's fun for the whole family. If you start now, you can do them all before New Year's Day!
25 Best Holiday Light Display Shows and Family Friendly Activities in Indiana
2016 was the inaugural light show at the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway. Pay per car load and take a ride around the famous track.
See over 2 million lights at the Brickyard: 11/17 - 12/30, $25 per car Monday to Wednesday, $30 Thursday to Saturday, $50 for vehicles with 15+ passengers, speedy passes also available for an additional cost.
Danville - Ellis Park Drive Thru Light Display Winterland is open daily starting 11/24 thru 12/30 (Closed Christmas Day) Sunday to Thursday 6pm to 9pm and Friday & Saturday 6pm to 10pm. $10 per car load. See Santa in the Train Station on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 23rd. Copy and print this discount coupon to save $5 at the gate.
Carmel - ChristKindlmarkt The Carmel Christkindlmarkt offers a blend of traditional German foods and gifts, surrounding a beautiful outdoor ice skating rink. The whole family will enjoy exploring the market and making cherished memories. Event is located at 10 Center Green - Between The Palladium and The Tarkington Theater 11/18 - 12/24 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) Wednesday thru Thursday 4-9 pm and 1-9 pm weekend days.
Located on the north side of Kokomo in the 2300 block of North Market Street (just west of the intersection of Gano and Lafountain) this outdoor display has over 1,000,000 lights and animated displays. Drive thru the park or walk the 3 acres to enjoy. Muncie - Minnetrista Enchanted Luminaria Walk
Kick off the holiday season with this family event. Experience sweet treats, winter games and crafts, carriage rides, and holiday music in celebration of the season. Enjoy rides and food for a small fee. Indoors, Minnetrista also hosts a holiday tree event.
Fishers - Conner Prairie by Candlelight As a past Conner Prairie Interpreter and Manager of Music and Theatre programming, I participated in this event many times. Dress warmly. This magical, family friendly 90-minute walking tour transforms you back in time to 1836 Prairietown where it’s the night before Christmas. 12/8-12/23, $16/adult ($14/adult member) $13/youth ages 2-12 ($11/youth member) Groups of 15+ guests $15/adult & $12/youth. Tours begin at 6 PM and run every 12 minutes until 9 PM. Best for ages 7+. Fishers - Winter Wonderland
Celebrate the magic of the season when Fisher's Nickel Plate District transforms into a Winter Wonderland, complete with a place to leave letters for Santa. Starts 11/30, FREE.
Fishers - Reynolds Farm Christmas Light Show A million bulbs illuminate a 57' tall abominable snowman and donations benefit a local food bank. 11/21 - 1/1, FREE.
Indianapolis Museum of Art - Newfields - Winterlights Winterlights is an outdoor strolling experience in the gardens of IMA. Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes. Enjoy millions of lights that dance to music and beverages and firepits to roast s'mores at Newfields (Art Museum). 11/9 - 1/7, $8 to $20, FREE for children 5 and under, 5 & 7 PM Indianapolis -Christmas at the Zoo Twinkling lights surround the seals, sea lions, walruses and tigers. 11/24-26, 29-30; 12/1-3, 6-10, 13-23, 26-30, $9.95 for children and $12.95 for adults. Indianapolis - Circle of Lights See the Soldiers and Sailors Monument transformed into a giant Christmas tree made of more than 4,000 lights. Lighting of the tree is 11/24, FREE. Indianapolis - Chinese Lantern Festival Thirty sets of giant Chinese Lanterns light up the Indiana State Fairgrounds. 11/24 - 1/7, $10 to $15, FREE for children 4 and under.
Broad Ripple - Broad Ripple Lights Up! Broad Ripple lights up for the holidays complete with a Wonderland activity village and twilight parade. 12/3, FREE. Mooresville - Victorian Christmas Celebration The annual Victorian Christmas Celebration features a number of fun stops and activities throughout Mooresville. A free shuttle service takes you to each stop so you don't miss a thing! Enjoy carolers, craft fair, carriage rides, performances and Victorian characters 12/2, FREE. While in Morgan County, hop over to Martinsville and see the candy canes being made at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen. Santa Claus - Santa Claus Indiana for the Holidays The town with Santa's name is packed with holiday activities. Visit Santa, mail a letter and more. Check the website for dates and details.
Garfield Park - Conservatory Crossing See the Conservatory decked with a brilliant display of poinsettias, enjoy model trains and villages, and thousands of twinkling lights. 11/24 – 12/31, Monday-Saturday: 10-5 pm, Sundays: 1-5 pm, Evenings Hours (until 8 pm): December 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23, $4 per person or $10 per family (2 adults max.)
Celebration Crossing comes alive with holiday merriment from the sounds of bands, bell and vocal choirs and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will entertain visitors in their cozy home through 12/24. Take a trip back in time by gazing into the recreated L.S. Ayres store windows rekindling Christmases past. 11/24 - 1/7, included with museum admission. Don't miss the train - it will make cherished memories for years to come.
Celebrate family traditions and holidays with Jolly Days Winter Wonderland. Enjoy favorites like the two-story Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear, and visits with Santa. 11/24 - 1/7, included with museum admission. The Eiteljorg Museum - Jingle Rails
This popular locomotive wonderland and Indianapolis family tradition opens 11/18 - 1/15, included with museum admission. Indiana History Center - Festival of Trees The history center is full of festive activities at the Festival of Trees. Visit the website for a full list of holiday happenings. 11/17 - 1/6, included with museum admission.
Nearby Events - Mason, Ohio - King's Island Winterfest Ring in the holidays with the return of WinterFest at Kings Island on select nights 11/24 - 12/30. The park transforms into nine enchanting winter wonderlands featuring ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower transformed into a magical Christmas tree, up to 17 rides including Mystic Timbers, more than 5 million lights and 14 holiday characters spreading merriment, like Jack Frost and Sugar Plum Fairy. Visit the website for hours and cost. Recommended: Things to do in Indiana
Holiday Road: Dress the whole family in festive Christmas pajamas while you tour the light shows from the comfort of your vehicle.
Ring in Ring in the holidays with the return of WinterFest at Kings Island on Pin it!
Cardboard Toilet Tubes turned Holiday Hats How many rolls of toilet paper do you go though each month? We've got to recycle that ca...
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