Cool Creek Campfires bring families to Cool Creek Park in Carmel on Wednesday evenings in June and July for songs, live animal presentations and marshmallows around the campfire ring.
At 7 p.m., a music educator from Moriah Music kicks off the evening with sing-alongs, then a special guest takes over for a half-hour presentation on a different animal theme each week. The program wraps up with marshmallows around the campfire, which is usually the point when kids decide this was absolutely worth staying up for.
The Cool Creek Campfire series changes themes each week. My family attended Snake Night, where 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 Indiana. The event, while thrilling to my three boys, has definitely had me in closed-toed shoes ever since.
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Cool Creek Campfire Themes
Cool Creek Campfires run every Wednesday evening from June 3 through July 29. Each program begins at 7 p.m. and includes music, a guest presentation and marshmallows around the campfire.
June 3: Birds of Prey
Take Flight Wildlife Education’s Mark Booth brings several birds of prey to share with the audience. Hawks, owls and kestrels are a few of the birds families may see during this program focused on animals that hunt smaller animals in the wild.
June 10: Nocturnal Animals
Indiana WILD leads a program about animals of the night. Families will learn about nocturnal creatures and the adaptations that help them move, hunt and survive after dark.
June 17: Saving Wildlife
Rebecca Hamon of Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation shares how to tell when wildlife may need help, how to keep people and animals safe, and what families should consider before trying to help an animal in the wild.
June 24: Reptiles with Indiana Jim
Indiana Jim brings a wide assortment of reptiles and amphibians for an evening that is likely to be a hit with kids who enjoy snakes, lizards and other cold-blooded creatures. This is one of those programs where “front row” may depend entirely on how brave everyone feels that night.
July 1: All-American Animals
Coyote Chris of Silly Safaris helps celebrate the holiday week with animals connected to the All-American theme. Families can expect a live-animal presentation designed for kids and animal lovers.
July 8: Hoosier Owls
Take Flight Wildlife Education’s Mark Booth returns with several owls to share with the audience. The program focuses on owl adaptations and the diversity of owls found in Indiana.
July 15: Barnyard Animals
This barnyard-themed evening gives families a closer look at farm animals. It is a good pick for younger kids who like animals but may prefer hooves and feathers over talons and scales.
July 22: So You Want a Dragon?
Indiana WILD returns for a program about pet ownership, especially for families considering a nontraditional pet. The evening gives kids a fun animal program while also sharing the practical reality that some pets require much more than a cute name and a tank from the pet store.
July 29: Dangerous Animals
Amazon John with Silly Safaris closes out the series with a program about dangerous animals. Expect a live-animal presentation that leans into the creatures kids tend to find fascinating, alarming or both.
Tips from a Seasoned Pro
- Pack a picnic or run through a drive-thru before the program, then let the kids play at the park until the show is about to begin.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early if your kids want a closer seat.
- Bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.
- Bring extra marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars if s’mores are part of the plan.
- Bring bug spray. It is summer, it is Indiana and the mosquitoes have also marked their calendars.
- Consider having younger kids change into pajamas before the program. The ride home may do the rest.
- If rain is in the forecast, the program moves inside the nature center.
More Info
Dates: Wednesdays, June 3 through July 29
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
Location: Cool Creek Park, north side of the park, 2000 E. 151st Street, Carmel, IN 46033
Pre-registration: Not required
Website: hamiltoncounty.in.gov
