Free Event Offers Familes a Chance to Get Outdoors

National-Get-OutdoorsDunes Learning Center will offer families an exciting day of outdoor fun at no cost in celebration of National Get Outdoors Day on June 8. Trail hikes, river exploration, kayak demonstrations, camp crafts and lunch on the lawn will be supplemented by art exhibitions and live music at this annual event.

Located in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on the site of the former Good Fellow Youth Camp, Dunes Learning Center is not generally open to the public. Thanks to local partners, families will have a great opportunity to sample a wide range of outdoor activities among the park's wetlands, rivers, prairies and woodlands.

"We invite families to come out and experience the outdoors, see our facilities and explore this great National Park," said Geof Benson, Executive Director of Dunes Learning Center.

The event will offer a number of ways for families to connect with nature.

Dunes Learning Center's education staff will lead themed hikes throughout the day, including one to the Little Calumet River—where kids will observe, identify, and learn about river creatures.

An exhibition of multi-media works depicting native perching birds by artist Melissa Washburn will be featured. Artist/educator Bonnie Zimmer will guide guests of all ages in the creation of a temporary collaborative sculpture made from recycled and found materials. "I'm so pleased to be invited to participate in this event combining art, children and the outdoors," said Zimmer, "what could be more fun?"

National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day) is led by the U.S. Forest Service and the American Recreation Coalition with the goal of encouraging visitors to public lands, and reconnecting youth to the great outdoors.

In celebration of Leave No Child Inside Month, Chicago Wilderness alliance partners—including Dunes Learning Center—are offering dozens of outdoor events for families across Northwest Indiana, Northeast Illinois and Southwest Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.chicagowilderness.org/lnci

Among the participating organizations is the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, whose members will be introducing kids to kayaking and demonstrating skills and safety.

Musicians from Save the Tunes will provide live entertainment while hungry adventurers enjoy a picnic on the lawn and Lakeshore Public Television will offer opportunities for kids of all ages to share the day's experiences with their "Curiosity Cam."

Last year, more than 375 people turned out for a day of outdoor fun. The event will run from 11-4 (CT) on Saturday, June 8. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. Register online at www.duneslearningcenter.org.