I solicited input from our social media fans (thus, Fan Favorites!) and here are some of their favorite family-friendly things to do in Hendricks County this time of year.
**Check out our Events Calendar for current, family-friendly, hyperlocal events year-round!
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1. Hendricks County Trails
Hendricks County has dozens of miles of hiking and biking trails, just waiting for you to explore! Flowers and trees are blooming, making for great family outings and photo opportunities. Most trails are open now, with some COVID safety measures in place; review individual websites before venturing out. Check out these previous MK articles about our favorite hiking trails: 9 Hiking Trails in and around Hendricks County, and biking trails: Our Favorite Hendricks County Bike Trails.
**Editor's picks: The B&O Trail in Brownsburg offers great paved walking, running, biking, etc. I love going "off trail" at Arbuckle Acres, exploring White Lick Creek along the way, and the trails at McCloud Nature Park are worth the drive there!
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2. Do a Color Hunt!
Color abounds in the springtime, between flowering plants and colorful birds (and bugs) in the air. Head to a local home improvement store (especially local businesses like Brownsburg Ace Hardware or Ferguson Do It Best Hardware in Danville) and let your little ones pick out a few paint color cards. Then, go on a walk or hike together (or wander around your yard) to explore all the things they can find that match those colors! Keep track by making a list of your discoveries on the color cards. Every trip out can be a new adventure with different colors!
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3. Choose Your Own Adventure (Backpack)!
McCloud Nature Park
8518 Hughes Rd., North Salem IN 46165
765-676-5437
Open dawn to dusk daily
Stop by the Nature Center during regular business hours to pick up one of several themed backpacks to make your next family adventure truly unique! From bugs and birds to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and geocaching, there is something tailored for nearly every age group (or just for yourself if you're adventuring solo). Inside each backpack is equipment and informative guides to help you learn more than you ever imagined about the outdoors. Backpacks are loaned out once per day on a first-come, first-served basis.
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4. Fun For Fido!
There are several places around Hendricks County where your favorite canine friend can get some exercise alongside your family. *Most dog parks require pre-registration, which comes with an annual or monthly fee.
- Cardinal Bark Park (3432 Hornaday Road, Brownsburg)-- This park opened in 2020 and features two acres of play space, benches, walking paths, and wash stations. Find out how to become a member and review usage policies here.
- Paw Park (CR 575 East, Avon)-- This was the county's first dog park, and is home to the popular Woofstock fundraising event. Click here to learn about obtaining an annual pass.
- Bark Park (1007 Longfellow Drive, Plainfield)-- Open from dawn to dusk every day, this park is maintained by Plainfield Parks & Recreation. Call (317) 839-7665 for more information about membership passes.
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5. Pick Up Fresh Produce at Farmers Markets
Hendricks County boasts a number of bountiful Farmers Markets, some of which open as early as the first week in May. Check out these opportunities to fill your pantries with locally-sourced, healthy and delicious produce.
- Pittsboro Parks Department Linda Ash Farmers Market (Pittsboro United Methodist Church)-- Weekly each Wednesday, 5:30-7:30pm, runs May 5-September 29.
- Danville Chamber of Commerce Farmer's Market (Washington Street, East side of the Danville Square)-- Saturdays from 8am-Noon, runs May 8-September 4.
- Belleville Farm Market (1882 E. US 40, Clayton)-- Open daily from 10am-6pm. Opening day was April 14.
What are your favorites? Share them with us via email (mackidhendricks@macaronikid.com) or social media!
