"Great Activities for Kids and Families"

  LOOKING FOR BIRTHDAY PARTY SUGGESTIONS?  TRY DEEP RIVER WATERPARK AND CEDAR CREEK FAMILY GOLF CENTER.  BOTH ARE GREAT FOR SPECIAL DAYS (See below)

• School Groups Choose their own Topic at Deep River
• Learn to Swim at Deep River Waterpark
• GuardStart Program at Deep River Waterpark
• Children's Summer Historical Discovery Series at Deep River
• Pioneer Hands On Experience at Buckley Homestead
• Buckley Homestead Corn Maze
• Summer Fun on the Farm at Buckley Homestead
• Water, Water Everywhere at Whihala Beach
• Preschool in the Park at Deep River
• Birthday Parties at Cedar Creek Family Golf Center and Deep River Waterpark
• Interpretive Programs at Gibson Woods
• Programs at Gibson Woods
• It's a Wild Wild Woods at Gibson Woods
• Group Experiences at Buckley Homestead

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  School Groups Choose Own Topic at Deep River County Park for Historical Experiences

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays in May, September and October

• Fee: $1 per student or adult with a $20 minimum fee.

• Grades 3 and up

• Reservation and $20 deposit must be received at least one week prior to the tour.

• Time: 1 ˝ to 2 hours, depending on age

Students will tour Wood's Historic Grist Mill and learn about the earliest industry in Lake County and why it was important to the early settlers in the area. They may also select one of the following topics:

• Can You Dig This? - Students will be able to dig for artifacts, then identify and talk about their finds and how the items were used in an earlier community. What will they find? Depending where they dig, they may find beads, bones, buttons, shards of pottery, shells and more (Note: This option is not available in the Spring).
• Letters from Home - Students will read aloud excerpts from letters written about life in the community of Deep River.
• Vintage Base Ball - Gather on Grinder Field to learn about America's game of base ball guided by the rules of 1858. Learn how they differ from today's rules
• Homemade Treasures - Quilts: their history, their use and how they were made. Students will view some of the collection at Wood's Mill.
• Deep River - Where does it begin? Where does it go? Learn why it was so important to settlers in Lake County Indiana.

Time for shopping for souvenirs in the Visitor Center Gift Shop will also be included in the field trip. Groups may stay in the Park after their tour to picnic and/or play.

Call the Lake County Parks Business Office at 219-945-0543 to make a reservation for your school class or home school group.

2008 Pioneer Hands On Experience at Buckley

This daylong experiential educational program is guaranteed to create memories for years to come. Students learn about life during the early settlement period of southern Lake County. They learn about chores, recreation, school work, and challenges of life during 19^th century.

Students prepare their own dinner, recite lessons, learn spelling words and tongue twisters, bake cornbread and squeeze lemons, and help prepare the gardens for the coming season. They also make a craft item to take home.

Available Dates:  April 2, 4, 7, 9*, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 2008

Time:  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (please arrive at 8:45 a.m.). It is important that groups are on time.

Age:  Recommended for 4th and/or 5th graders. Not appropriate for younger than 2^nd grade.

Capacity:  120 students (do not include adults in this count). Minimum number per individual school is 30 students. School groups are combined to fill to the capacity. Groups are further divided into four activity areas and rotated throughout the day.

Cost:  $5.00 per person (include students, chaperons, & teachers);  $50 deposit required at time of reservation, balance due in full at the park site

Reservations:  Taken beginning Wednesday, November 28, 2007. Call the Lake County Parks at 219-945-0543 or 219-755-3685. Reservations are open until filled or March 15, 2008.

Payment/Deposit:  Staff and volunteers are assigned after reservations are processed. Without advance payment, assignments cannot be made.

*April 9 is devoted to home school and smaller groups that cannot meet the minimum number. All groups will be combined to meet the capacity number.

We recommend schools arrange for PLENTY of chaperons and remind everyone to dress according to weather conditions. We will be prepared to continue with the program rain or shine, except during major thunderstorms. Schools are required to furnish certain supplies. A list of instructions, activities, and a schedule will be mailed to the school upon registration.

It's A WILD WILD Woods at Gibson Woods

You never know what will happen when you walk into the woods.  You may encounter mysteries, odd animals, or make a wrong turn.  But by the end of the day you’ll come home with many exciting and interesting stories to share. Dress for the weather and don’t forget insect repellent. Reservations and a $5 fee per participant per session are required.  Space is limited. Click Here for 2008 program content

Make your way through a life-size puzzle of corn when ten acres of cornfield are cut into a maze. Opening day is August 23, 2008.

• Open to the public weekends from August 23, 2008 through the last weekend in October and on Labor Day.  Visit the historical farm after or before your corn maze adventure.  Check in at the visitor center.
• 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Everyone must be out of the maze by 5 p.m.  It generally takes about one and a half hours to find all the clues.  Some groups take less time, some more.  You may stay in the maze as long or as little as you wish, as long as you are out by 5 p.m.
• Great family challenge. Divide into teams and see who finds their way out first. Which team can answer the most Buckley Challenge Questions.
• Groups and school tours may schedule weekday adventures that include educational and fun puzzle sheets. 
• School tours may schedule both the Buckley Historic Tour and the Buckley Maze (separate fees required). Bring your lunch and make a day of it on the farm.  For reservations call 219-945-0543 M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Water, Water Everywhere -- ATTENTION MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Water, Water, Everywhere -- Our GREAT Lake at Whihala Beach the week of September 22-26, 2008

• Program Times: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. OR 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Cost: $2 per person ($20 deposit required)

• Information: 219-844-3188

• Group reservations:  219-769-PARK

  Designed especially for middle school students – grades 6-8

  Minimum of 20 and maximum of about 60 students

  TEACHERS – call early to make your reservations

  Lake Michigan, our nearest Great Lake, is a wondrous natural resource. For thousands of years, humans and animals of all kinds have relied on the Great Lakes to sustain them. Today we realize the value of this natural resource more than ever.

  The Lake County Parks is offering a reserved program "Water, Water, Everywhere" to help Middle School students learn the importance of the great lakes – past and present – particularly Lake Michigan. Through hand-on activities and experiences right on the lakefront, students will be able to learn to appreciate the fragile water resource and its many uses. Sign up your class today.  Click Here for other 2008 programs 

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  Preschool in the Park at Deep River

   

  • Deep River County Park           

  • Thursdays in April, May, September and October, 2008

  • 10-11 a.m. OR 1-2 p.m.

  • Ages 3 & 4 - Preschool                        

  • Fee: $1 per child

  • No registration needed

  Older brothers and sisters have returned to school.  So bring the preschoolers to Deep River County Park for a program designed just for them.  Children may hear stories, play games, sing songs, do finger plays, eat a treat, and more.  Plan to have fun along side your preschooler.  Bring your lunch to picnic in the Park before or after the program.  Children are encouraged to wear theme-appropriate clothes and bring accessories for the program theme.

  Everyone is invited to bring a brown bag lunch and picnic and hike in the Park before or after the program.  Meet at the Visitor Center to begin your program.

  PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR DAY CARE GROUPS

  These preschool programs are also available to preschool leaders by reservation only and at a fee of $25.00 per program for a group of up to 25, payable in advance.  Call 219-945-0543 to make your reservation.  Click Here for 2008 program content

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  Birthday Parties at Cedar Creek Family Golf Center and Deep River Waterpark

  Looking for a place to have your party? 

  We supply everything . . . including the FUN!

   

  Cedar Creek Mini-Golf Party

  Party Packages from $8.99 per person

  • Lunch provided in the party room

  • Prizes

  • Hot dog, chips, pop, cup cake and ice cream

  IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • No food or beverages are allowed to be brought on to the premises.

  • Minimum number (10) provided use of the private party room for one hour.

  • No decorations are allowed on the mini-golf course, which remains open to the public

  • Party invitations are available free of charge upon request

  CALL 219-365-2902 

  10483 W. 109th Avenue in Cedar Lake, IN 46303 (1/4 mile east of Rt. 41 on Rt. 231)

   

  Deep River Waterpark Birthday Parties

  Experience the best, most Splashtastic Birthday Party ever... at Deep River Waterpark!!

  Kids... Adults... Adults that think they are kids...
  it doesn't matter... everyone has FUN!!

  Our package includes...
  • Admission to Chicagoland’s premiere waterpark
  • Reserved party table
  • Birthday Cup Cakes
  • Choice of Pizza, Hot Dog or Chicken Strip lunch
  • Ice Cream treat
  • Birthday child receives special prizes and surprises!!!!

  Limited availability... book early. Advance reservations required with deposit due 10 days in advance.

  Give us a call today for more info & reservations 219-947-7850 or toll free 800-928-7275 ext 604

   

  WATCH FOR ICE SKATING PARTIES when skating under the clock tower begins the day after Thanksgiving. . . weather permitting.

  Deep River Waterpark is located at 9001 E. U.S. 30 in Merrillville. Four & 1/2 miles east of I-65 on Route 30.  Call 219-947-7850 or see www.deepriverwaterpark.com

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  Interpretive Programs

  The naturalist staff for the Lake County Parks offers a variety of outdoor educational programs at the Environmental Awareness Center at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve throughout the year. When scheduling is possible, staff can conduct programs at other Lake County Parks or at schools or other facilities. Please contact the Corporate Office at 219-945-0543 to reserve a program. For questions regarding program content, please contact the education staff at 219-844-3188.

  Tours at Gibson Woods -- Environmental Education

  The Outdoor education staff at Gibson Woods Environmental Awareness Center offers a variety of reserve group programs. All programs include an indoor presentation and outdoor activity, so groups should dress weather appropriate. Programs are tailored to suit the age and experience of individual groups. All programs have a $1 per person fee with a $20 minimum per group and a 60-person maximum; specialty programs may have a smaller capacity. Reservations and pre-payment required at least ten days in advance by calling 219-945-0543. For more program information call Gibson Woods Nature Preserve at 219-844-3188.

  Program	Into the Woods	Aquatic Ecology	Tree Identification	GPS
  Season	All Year	Spring & Fall (Spring only at Gibson Woods)	Fall	All Year
  Grades	All	3 and up	All	5 and up
  Description	Provides an overview of the Gibson Woods Nature Preserve. Emphasizes endangered animals, habitat, and conservation. A chance to meet some live animals and hike in the woods.	Go beyond fish and frogs to search for all organisms hidden in the water.  Learn about food webs and the importance of aquatic organisms. Grades 5 and up will also test for water quality	It takes more than a leaf to identify a tree. Learn the essentials of tree identification that will turn tree I.D. from impossible to easy.	Students will use a GPS unit to navigate down a trail and collect data to actually create a map.  Team skill, math, science, and career goals all come together.

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  Group Experiences at Buckley Homestead -- Indiana History from 1850 - 1917

• Dates available:  Weekdays May, June through the 13th, September and October

• Two-hour tours

• Morning tours can be booked to start at 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m.

• Afternoon tours can be booked to start at 11:30 a.m. or noon

• $1 per person, including teachers and chaperones; $20 minimum per group

• Reservations and pre-payment required at least ten days in advance by calling 219-945-0543

  Tour Description:  This tour is designed to enhance Indiana history taught in the 4^th grade. It can be adjusted to fit the needs of younger grades, but is not recommended for Kindergarten or Pre-school groups.

  Students will divided into groups of not more than 30 students each. (Schools with larger groups can be accommodated if chaperones remain outside of buildings.) Students will visit each of three different sites; the 1910s farm, the 1900 one-room schoolhouse, and the 1850 log cabin. Interpreters are dressed in historically accurate clothing to add to the visual comprehension.

  • On the farm, the interpreter asks, "What do you see and why is it here?" From the animals, to the buildings, to the pastures and gardens, there is much to see and understand about subsistence living. Animals on the farm include chickens, geese, rabbits, sheep, cows, pigs, horses, and cats.
  • In the schoolhouse, children will learn what a school day was like at the turn of the 20^th century. They will be asked to compare and contrast their school with Buckley’s. They will notice similarities and differences in the building, the teacher, and the curriculum. Many things have changed, and yet, some things we do today are derived from our early agrarian days.
  • At the cabin, children will be asked to imagine moving here before the Civil War. What did they need to survive? What was their priority once they got here? Students will be asked to compare and contrast living in their modern home with living in the 1850 Buckley cabin.

  Additional Information:  The path is just under one mile of gravel and bark chip trail. Students will be outside much of the time and should dress for the weather. If a teacher has a student in a wheelchair or other special needs, it should be disclosed at the time of the reservation. Arrangements will be made to make the tour as accessible as possible.