HAMCO HAPPENINGS: NOV 8-10 WEEKEND

Its almost mid-November, and the holiday season is upon us. Take a break from decorating your house, and bring the family to some of the many free activities happening all over Hamilton County this weekend. Also, some area schools have Friday off for conferences so it's a perfect day to try new activities with the kids.

We've highlighted a few events below. Some are drop-in activities which we love because it takes the pressure off of getting out the door to make it to a class on time which can be a huge challenge with the unexpected delays that inevitably pop up.

FRIDAY

Drop-In Craft - Carmel Library

(Ages 2–5) Come create with colorful paper, crayons, and glue! No registration or tickets are required. Stop by the Discovery Room anytime between 10:00am and 11:30am.

Friday Funday: D is for Dinosaur - Westfield Library

From 10:30am-3:30pm, drop in or pre-reserve a take & make kit of digital book recommendations, songs/rhymes, educational activities, crafts and coloring pages all based around dinosaurs. Designed for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Homeschool Hikers - Cool Creek Nature Center

A Wild Edible Feast - Many of the plants used on the first Thanksgiving are still here to learn about. After naming identifying various native flora and fauna, we'll sample recipes that include them. After a short presentation, we explore the woods to investigate our topic further. 1:00pm-2:30pm, registration is required. Best for ages 7-16.

Pajama-Rama - Cool Creek Nature Center

Put on your cutest pair of pajamas, grab your favorite teddy bear, pack up an old blanket, and join us for Pajama-Rama from 7:00pm-7:45pm! The educator from Moriah Music will lead us in songs and stories about some of our favorite animals. Best for ages 1 - 8. Registration NOT required.

SATURDAY

Annual Model Railroad Meet - Carmel Library

Come see amazing operating model trains and miniature circus trains at this all-ages event during National Model Railroad Month from 10:00am-3:00pm! Don't miss this engaging event for all ages. No registration required.

Paws to Read - Westfield Library

Practice reading to a friendly dog who is a very good listener! Therapy dogs serve as a calm presence and allow children to work to improve literacy, comprehension, and communication with a nonjudgmental listener. Registration required for your 15-minute session. Please arrive 10 minutes before your session if you need to pick out a book, then check-in at the Children's Desk! A few time slots are still available at the time of posting. Register here.

Read with Wrangler the therapy horse - Cicero Library

Learn about kindness to animals with Lindsay Fisher and her certified miniature therapy horse, Wrangler! You'll hear a story, feed Wrangler, and have an opportunity to get your picture made with him! This is program is for preschool - elementary school aged children, their siblings, and their caregivers from 10:30am-11:30am. Still 55 spots left at the time of posting. Register here.

Read to a Therapy Dog! - Fishers Library

Bring your favorite book or choose one with the help of a librarian and read out loud to a special furry friend! Representatives from Love on a Leash will be here with registered therapy dogs from 11:00am-12:00pm. Reading to dogs helps kids build self-esteem and confidence as well as valuable reading skills. Ages 5 and up.

SUNDAY

Hand Sewn Drawstring Dice Bags - Fishers Library

Drop-in to Ignite during library hours to make a hand sewn dice bag! DIY a bag to hold your D20s in celebration of International Games Month. Get your game on by selecting some fun fabric to place on the outside and colorful plush felt for the inside. Step-by-step instruction sheets will help you in this self-guided activity. While supplies last. Ages 5+.

Family Game Night - Cool Creek Nature Center

Bring the family to play a nature-themed game they have never played before from 6:30pm-7:30pm! Refreshments provided. Register all family members attending.

More events and details at www.freetimefamily.com. We hope you and your family have a fantastic weekend exploring Hamilton County together!