Skip to main content

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.

Sunset Paddle - October

View the sunset from a boat on Griffy Lake!

Harvest Moon Night Hike - Oct. 6

A guided hike under the glowing orange harvest moon.

Fall Colors Paddle - Oct. 15

A naturalist-led paddle around Griffy Lake.

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.

Hoot Goes There? - Nov. 1

Learn to identify owls at Griffy Lake by sound.

Nature Detectives - Nov. 8

Basic tracking skills and identifying animal sign at Griffy Lake.

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.

Throw & Grow Seed Bombs - Oct. 4

Meet at Miller-Showers Park to make balls of clay, compost, and wildflower seeds.

Talking Trees: Forest Stories & Indigenous Perspectives - Oct. 12

Short hike on uneven terrain at Leonard Springs Nature Park and storytelling around a campfire.

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.

Creepy Crawly Night Hike - Oct. 25

Uncover the secret world of nocturnal creatures at Ferguson Dog Park.

Watercolor with Natural Dyes - Nov. 22

Make watercolor from natural pigments and paint your own masterpiece.

Subcategories

Activities