Page last updated on September 25, 2025 at 5:37 pm
Bloomington Parks and Recreation's "Great Outdoors" programs introduce people of all ages to the mystery and beauty of our natural world.
All Great Outdoor program registration fees are per person, unless otherwise noted. Children under age 12 years must be accompanied by a registered adult. Programs occur both inside and outside, so please dress for the weather.
Community Gardening Programs
Great Outdoors Programs at Griffy Lake
Full Moon Night Paddle - Oct. 6
Enjoy a peaceful evening on Griffy Lake under the full moon. Participants can paddle a canoe or kayak while experiencing the quiet beauty of the lake at night.
- Equipment is provided. Bring a flashlight and be ready for a unique night on the water.
- For ages 5 yrs. and up with parent.
- Register for a Full Moon Night Paddle
Sunset Paddle - October
View the sunset from a boat on Griffy Lake!
- For ages 5 yrs. and up with parent.
- Register for a Sunset Paddle
Harvest Moon Night Hike - Oct. 6
A guided hike under the glowing orange harvest moon.
- For ages 10 yrs. and up with parent.
- Register for the Harvest Moon Night Hike
Fall Colors Paddle - Oct. 15
A naturalist-led paddle around Griffy Lake.
- For ages 10 yrs. and up with parent.
- Register for the Fall Colors Paddle
Fossil Frenzy - Oct. 16
Hunt for fossils at Griffy Creek.
- Hike a half mile on uneven terrain. Prepare to walk, and to stand for the duration of the program.
- For all ages.
- Register for Fossil Frenzy
Wings and Whistles: A Beginner's Birding Hike - Oct. 26
Guided hike to listen for bird calls.
- The program includes walking on uneven terrain.
- For all ages.
- Register for Wings and Whistles
Hoot Goes There? - Nov. 1
Learn to identify owls at Griffy Lake by sound.
- The program includes a guided hike on uneven terrain.
- For ages 10 yrs. and up with parent.
- Register for Hoot Goes There?
Nature Detectives - Nov. 8
Basic tracking skills and identifying animal sign at Griffy Lake.
- For all ages.
- Register for Nature Detectives
Great Outdoors Programs in City Parks
Hike & Seek - monthly, September through December
A nature adventure with your preschooler to a different city park each month.
- For ages 2-6 yrs. with parent. Only children need to be registered, but at least one adult is required to stay and participate.
- Register for Hike & Seek
Native Plants & Their Uses - Sept. 28
Identify native plants at Rogers Family Park used for food, medicine, and fiber.
- For all ages.
- Register for Native Plants & Their Uses
Throw & Grow Seed Bombs - Oct. 4
Meet at Miller-Showers Park to make balls of clay, compost, and wildflower seeds.
- For all ages.
- Register for Throw & Grow Seed Bombs
Talking Trees: Forest Stories & Indigenous Perspectives - Oct. 12
Short hike on uneven terrain at Leonard Springs Nature Park and storytelling around a campfire.
- For all ages.
- Register for Talking Trees
Nature Break - Oct. 17
Children's program at RCA Community Park focusing on the opossum.
- For ages 5-10 yrs. w/parent. Only children need to register, but an adult must stay and participate.
- Register for Nature Break
Let's Start Composting! - Oct. 22
Build a worm composting bin to take home.
- Class takes place at Butler Park Community Gardens.
- For all ages.
- Register for Let's Start Composting!
Creepy Crawly Night Hike - Oct. 25
Uncover the secret world of nocturnal creatures at Ferguson Dog Park.
- For all ages.
- Register for Creepy Crawly Night Hike
Watercolor with Natural Dyes - Nov. 22
Make watercolor from natural pigments and paint your own masterpiece.
- This program takes place indoors at the Allison-Jukebox Community Center
- For all ages.
- Register for Watercolor with Natural Dyes