Last updated November 10, 2020. Check with each location for up-to-date COVID-19 information.
Letting your child explore is essential in their early childhood development. Exploration can include identifying new things in nature, learning about topics they’ve shown curiosity in, or even discovering cultures different from their own. To get the most out of exploration, let your child ask questions and be curious—and then help them find the answers. This process will prepare your child for a life full of learning, from Kindergarten and beyond!
Ready to start exploring? Delaware County, Indiana, is home to many great places for families to explore. Here’s an overview of some of our favorite FREE places worth exploring with your child:
Christy Woods and the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse
Located on the southwest corner of Ball State University’s campus, Christy Woods is home to 17 acres of deciduous forest, tall grass prairie, other plant communities, and the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse. Explore the woods via walking trails—supplemented by bulletin boards and a nature interpretation center—while the weather is nice, or pop into the Orchid Greenhouse for year-round tropical exploration. The Greenhouse features over 2,000 orchids, as well as edible tropical plants, poison arrow frogs, birds, and other tropical creatures. With so much to explore, you’ll likely need multiple visits!
Know Before You Go:
Christy Woods:
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Closed all official university holidays.
Click here for additional visitor information for Christy Woods.
Rinard Orchid Greenhouse:
Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Masks required.
Click here for additional visitor information for the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse.
Photo by Minnetrista
Nature Area at Minnetrista
Featuring representations of three native Indiana habitats—tall grass prairies, wetlands, and woodlands—the Nature Area at Minnetrista is a great place for kids to explore a variety of flora and fauna. As a bonus, the hilly terrain and hidden play areas make the Nature Area an ideal place for your child to burn off their extra energy!
Know Before You Go:
Winter Hours (first day of Fall through first day of Spring):
Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-6 p.m.
Click here for additional visitor information.
Photo by David Owsley Museum of Art
David Owsley Museum of Art
Art is an excellent way for your child to explore new cultures and perspectives, as well as creativity and imagination! Located on Ball State University’s campus, the David Owsley Museum of Art is free and open to the public year-round.
Know Before You Go:
Tuesday–Friday: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
The museum will be closed November 25 until January 19, 2021.
Masks required.
Click here for additional visitor information.
Dutro-Ernst Woods
Maintained by Red-tail Land Conservancy, Dutro-Ernst Woods features about one mile of flat walking trails through short-grass prairie, upland woods, and scrub-shrub wetland. These woods are family-friendly, complete with a Nature Play Zone (natural playground) and interpretive signage. Signposts at the beginning of the trail even teach children about different wildlife tracks, so they can identify various animals that may have passed through as they explore the trail!
Know Before You Go:
Open sunrise to sunset.
Click here for additional trail information.
Photo by Charles W. Brown Planetarium
Charles W. Brown Planetarium
Is your child curious about space, stars, and planets? Encourage this curiosity by exploring the night sky! Ball State University is home to the largest planetarium in the state, and all programs are free to the public! While the planetarium is not currently offering in-person shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can follow the Charles W. Brown Planetarium on Facebook for virtual programs, including live videos featuring a new constellation every Friday.
Know Before You Go:
Planetarium closed until further notice due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Follow Charles W. Brown Planetarium on Facebook for virtual programs.
Photo by Prairie Creek Trails
Prairie Creek Walking Trails
Managed by Mid-Indiana Trails, Inc., hiking and multi-purpose trails located on the southeast corner of Prairie Creek Reservoir wind through hardwood forests and woodland wetlands. Along the way, enjoy views of the reservoir, small streams, and various plant and animal species! These trails also connect with Red-tail Land Conservancy’s Nature Preserve, a 105-acre site ideal for year-round birdwatching.
Know Before You Go:
Open dawn to dusk.
Click here for additional trail rules and information.