Your Next Field Trip Adventure Awaits!
Field Trips are only offered during the school year.
Looking for a fun, educational trip for your classroom, daycare or small group? Then you’ve got to check out our field trips! We offer a variety of field trips for ages 4-10 years. From outdoor excursions, to learning about wildlife – your next adventure is closer than you think.
Field trips can be customized to fit the needs of your daycare, class or scout troop. We’ve seen some groups utilize our field trips as a supplement to their curriculum or as an end-of-school-year celebration.
Indiana academic standards chart
ADA Modifications
All of our programs are inclusive. If you or your family member would like to participate in any program or use our facility, we can make modifications to meet your needs. Requests for modifications must be made at least one month before participation.
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Nature Field Trips
Animal Homes
Offered September–May • Designed for ages 4–5Students will learn about tame versus wild animals, where they make their homes and will even look for them in the park!
Incorporates Academic Standards for Preschool and Kindergarten.
Birds & Binoculars
Offered September–May • Designed for ages 5–10Students will be introduced to the world of birds as they use binoculars and learn basic birding skills to hike the trails in search of our feathered neighbors.
Incorporates Academic Standards for Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade.
Bugs & Butterflies
Offered March–May • Designed for ages 5–10
Learn about the life cycles of common insects as we go on an adventure to collect and identify some critters with six legs or more (All insects released afterwards)!
Incorporates Academic Standards for Preschool, Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade.
Furry Critters: All about Mammals
Offered September–May • Designed for ages 5–10
We will take a close look at the different features these furry animals have that allow them to survive in the wilderness, and we will even hike around looking for tracks in mud, squirrel nests, mouse tunnels and more signs of animal activity right here in Central Park!
Incorporates Academic Standards for Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade.
Life in the Pond
Offered September–October & March–May• Designed for ages 5-10
Students will get an up-close and hands-on look at life in the pond as they use a dip net to try their luck at catching all manner of creatures!
Incorporates Academic Standards for Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade.
Maple Syrup
Offered February–March • Designed for ages 4–12
Did you know the maple syrup at the store is not maple syrup? Come out and learn how to tap a maple tree and how real maple syrup is made!
Incorporates Academic Standards for Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade.
Operation Conservation
Offered September–May • Designed for ages 6–12
Let’s explore how Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation helps preserve and restore nature at our parks, and brainstorm ways we all can be a part of conservation efforts by adopting environmentally-friendly behaviors.
Incorporates Academic Standards for 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Offered September–May • Designed for ages 5–10
Learn about Indiana’s reptiles and amphibians in this hands-on class spending time outdoors, exploring nature and looking at reptile and amphibian habitats (Live animals will be a part of the program).
Incorporates Academic Standards for Preschool, Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade.
Soil & Rocks
Offered September–October & March–May • Designed for ages 5-10
It’s not just dirt, it is soil! Learn what components are in soil and how those components support life. We’ll take samples of soil in Central Park and examine the different types of rocks and living things that are in it!
Incorporates Academic Standards for Preschool, 1st grade, and 3rd grade.
The Wonders of Water
Offered September–May • Designed for ages 6–12
Water is a natural resource that can do amazing things! It can form land shapes, sustain life, and cause destruction. Explore with us where water is found on Earth, and find landscapes in Central Park defined by water!
Incorporates Academic Standards for 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and4th grade.
Wacky Weather
Offered September–May • Designed for ages 4–12
What causes the weather we experience? Why is it hot in the summer and cold in the winter here? We’ll learn about seasons and how they make an impact on plants and animals in our area.
Incorporates Academic Standards for Preschool, 1st grade, and 4th grade.
Wilderness Survival
Offered September–October & March–May • Designed for ages 6–12
Learn to use a compass, read a map, build a shelter, and survive outside! Students will discuss important items to take on a hike.
Incorporates Academic Standards for 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 5th grade.
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Wellness Field Trips
Splash Into Safety
Offered September–May • Designed for ages 6–12Using the American Red Cross WHALE Tales Curriculum, kids will learn vital water safety skills including lifejacket safety, how to safely help a friend struggling in the water and much more.
Minimum participants: 10
Eat the Rainbow
Offered year-round • Designed for ages 4–8
The curriculum includes tips from the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans and real nutritional information that kids can understand.
Minimum participants: 15
POUND® Party
Offered year-round • Designed for ages 8–12
This rock music-charged class uses lightly weighted drumsticks that encourages participants to DRUM away their stress.
Minimum participants: 15
Zumba® for Kids
Offered year-round • Designed for ages 7–11
This is a great enhancement for the world of languages standard and Zumba® incorporates music and movements from many different countries (Latin America, India, Cuba, United States, Russia, etc.).
Minimum participants: 15
Meet Our Naturalist: Karen LaMere
Karen has a B.A. from Olivet College and an M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife with an emphasis in Environmental Education from Michigan State University. She has over 30 years of experience as a Naturalist, Park Manager, Nature Center Director and Interpretive Planner. She is also an Eco Tour Director and has led trips and tours both nationally and internationally.
Your Safety in Our Programs
Find all the details of our COVID-19 policies and procedures within our programs and facilities.
Logistics
When?
- We can accommodate groups any day of the week.
- Pick a schedule based on your availability!
Where?
- Locations vary depending on the field trip’s focus.
Cost?
- $4 per child per hour-long program with a 10 child minimum for nature programs and a 15 child minimum for wellness programs.
Anything Else?
- You will need your own transportation to get here.
- No charge for chaperones!
- We are happy to reschedule with at least one week advanced notice.
- Our classes are taught by certified individuals in the fields of fitness, aquatics and nature.
Ready to Register?
Contact Michelle Yadon at myadon@carmelclayparks.com or call 317.573.5245.
"I really enjoyed bringing my 4th grade class on a field trip to Central Park for their year-end celebration."
JACKIE T.