Spring has come a little early this year. Trees are budding, flowers are blossoming and the thermometer has risen above 80 degrees on more than one occasion already.
For most students, Spring Break begins on March 26, and Porter County Parks and Recreation is offering programs during the entire week that are designed to get kids outdoors to enjoy nature at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road in Liberty Township.
Spring Break Spring Fever Hikes is ideal for kids in grades 2 to 7. These hikes will take place Monday, March 26, through Friday, March 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. no matter the weather – rain, snow or shine – at Sunset Hill Farm.
Porter County Parks and Recreation Naturalist Beth Hudick will lead these hikes, which will have different themes and explore new areas of the park each day. The cost of this program is $2 per hiker. Kids should come prepared for 60 minutes of hiking, and dress appropriately for the weather.
On Monday kids will hike the Redbud Trail through the woods. Tuesday they will travel through the Sunset Hill Farm Prairie out to the Beaver Pond, then take to Rollercoaster Hill on Wednesday. On Thursday hikers will walk past the Sunset Hill Farm animal pens and make their way through the farmer’s field to a hidden pond. The week will conclude with a “mystery hike” in Murray Woods.
“Each day, hikers will take a relaxed hike and ask questions along the way, or share their knowledge of the spring plants popping up a few weeks early along the trails of Sunset Hill Farm County Park,” Porter County Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Katie Rizer said.
There are also options available for younger kids at Sunset Hill Farm.
Preschool to early elementary school students can enjoy reading, exercising and family time by walking along the Tot Storybook Trail at Sunset Hill Farm.
The trail begins just south of the parking lot, by the playground, and offers several stations featuring pages from a children’s book and a suggested movement to go along with the story. This activity is free and open to the public every day during park hours (dawn until dusk). Stories will change every month. For more information, call 219-465-3586 or e-mail pcparks@porterco.org.
Parents as Teachers Porter County will also host a camp called Springtime on the Farm from Monday, March 26, to Thursday, March 29, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Campers will get a chance to learn about the goats and chickens at Sunset Hill Farm and help take care of them. Kids will also plant crops and learn about how a farm works.
The cost of this camp is $45. To register visit www.patpc.org.