Kids of all ages are invited to explore and learn about nature at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education on Saturdays, May 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Join a ranger and help feed the center’s resident animals including reptiles, amphibians, and fish that live in the education center. Learn about these animals and the environments that they call home. There will also be a nature-themed craft for children and parents to make together.

Outside the center, the Nature Play Zone lets families experience nature firsthand as they play outside or even build a fort out of the natural resources around them. A ranger helps guide the experience, but parents are required to stay with their children during the program. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information about the Friends, or how to join this group that supports the park, visit dunefriends.org.

The Paul H. Douglas Center is in the western portion of the national park at 100 North Lake Street, about one mile north of U.S. Highway 12 in the Miller neighborhood of Gary. For more information on this and other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, call 219-395-1882, visit our website, download the official National Park Service app, or view our Facebook page.  

Indiana Dunes National Park has an entrance fee of $25 per car for a 1–7-day pass. A $45 annual pass for the national park is also available. Please purchase passes or pay the entrance fee at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, Paul H. Douglas Center, West Beach Entrance Station (after April 1st) or at www.recreation.gov/sitepass/indu. Veterans/Military/Gold Star Family, Access, and 4th Grade passes are available for free. For more information on national park passes go to www.nps.gov/indu. 

Original source can be found here.