Every Wednesday evening in the summer, when the sun is beginning to set, you will find a group of Indy-area families gathered around the campfire ring in the middle of Cool Creek Park in Carmel.
At 7 p.m., a musical artist leads the crowd in sing-a-longs, then hands over the entertainment to a special guest speaker for the last half hour.
The Cool Creek Campfire series has a theme each week, and my family and I attended Snake Night. We learned about the kinds of snakes that call Indiana home, plus the myths and facts about these reptiles. I had no idea we had so many snakes lurking around in Indiana! The event, while thrilling to my three boys, has definitely had me in closed-toed shoes ever since.
Related Page: Free Things to do in Indianapolis
After the music and special guest, each evening finishes by roasting marshmallows at the campfire.
2024 Cool Creek Campfire Themes:
June and July are filled with interesting campfire evenings, including:
June 5: Nocturnal Animals
Indiana WILD will join us for a program all about animals of the night! These highly adaptive nocturnal creatures are as interesting as they are unusual!
June 12: Birds of Prey
Take Flight Wildlife Education’s Mark Booth will bring several birds of prey to share with the audience. Hawks, owls, and kestrels are just a few of the amazing birds that prey on small animals and examples of what Booth will have for the audience!
June 19: Indiana Jim: Reptile Experience
Indiana Jim’s wide assortment of reptiles and amphibians are sure to surprise, teach, fascinate, and intrigue you!
June 26: Saving Wildlife
Join Rebecca Hamon of Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation as she presents information on how to determine if wildlife needs our help, ways to keep us and our animal friends safe, and things to consider when trying to help animals in the wild!
July 3: All-American Animals
Celebrate our country’s birthday with Coyote Chris of Silly Safaris. Animals that get us excited about our independence will be featured!
July 10: Hoosier Owls
Take Flight Wildlife Education’s Mark Booth will bring several owls to share with the audience. He will share their amazing adaptions with us and present live birds to help participants appreciate the diversity of owls in our state!
July 17: Baby! It’s Wild Outside
Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators will talk with us about the do’s and don’ts of wildlife that we might encounter in our communities. Some of their own rehabilitated animals will be on hand to help us understand when our help is needed and when it is harmful for wildlife… and us!
July 24: So you Want a Dragon
Indiana WILD will be back talking to our audience about pet ownership… especially for those considering getting a “non-traditional” pet.
July 31: REALLY Dangerous Animals
Amazon John with Silly Safaris is back with some REALLY DANGEROUS ANIMALS! Be sure to make it to this exhilarating show.
Tips from a Seasoned Pro
- Pack a picnic (or run through a drive-thru) before and hang out at the amazing new park until the show is about to begin.
- Get there 10 to 15 minutes early, so that you can get a front row seat, if you wish.
- Bring a blanket or two.
- Bring a couple of lawn chairs.
- Bring extra marshmallows AND graham crackers AND chocolate bars.
- Bring bug spray.
- Have your kids take a bath and put their jammies on prior to the show. (They just might fall asleep on the ride home!)
More Info
Time: 7 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free
Location: Cool Creek Park (north side of the park), 2000 E. 151st Street in Carmel.
Pre-registration: Not Required
Website: hamiltoncounty.in.gov
