Urban Forest School brings the forest school idea into the city, with an Indy Parks naturalist leading families on weekly nature explorations at a different park each Friday. Activities may include hiking, hunting for bugs, creek stomping and shelter building, and sessions continue through the seasons to deepen families’ connection with nature.
The free program is designed for families with children ages 2 and older and meets rain or shine, so families should dress for the weather and expect to get muddy or wet. Registration for each site is recommended to receive location details and weather updates, and some sites fill up.
Looking for more free things to do? Browse our monthly list of free events in Indianapolis.
2026 Dates:
- Friday, October 2, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Marott Park (registration full)
- Friday, October 9, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Raymond Park
- Friday, October 16, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Skiles Test Nature Park
- Friday, October 23, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Robey Park
- Friday, October 30, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Northwestway Park
- Friday, November 6, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Washington Park
- Friday, November 13, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Riverside Adventure Park (registration full)
- Friday, November 20, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Broad Ripple Park
- Friday, December 11, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Juan Solomon Park (registration full)
- Friday, December 18, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon | Paul Ruster Park
2027 Dates:
- Friday, January 15, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Sahm Park
- Friday, January 22, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Southwestway Park (registration full)
- Friday, January 29, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Marott Park (registration full)
- Friday, February 5, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Raymond Park
- Friday, February 12, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Skiles Test Nature Park
- Friday, February 19, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Robey Park
- Friday, February 26, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Northwestway Park
- Friday, March 5, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Washington Park
- Friday, March 12, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Riverside Adventure Park (registration full)
- Friday, March 19, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Broad Ripple Park
- Friday, March 26, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Juan Solomon Park (registration full)
- Friday, April 2, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Paul Ruster Park
- Friday, April 9, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Sahm Park
- Friday, April 16, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Southwestway Park (registration full)
- Friday, April 23, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Marott Park (registration full)
- Friday, April 30, 2027 | 10 a.m. to noon | Raymond Park