Family events in Elkhart County, IN

Discover local birds on a guided walk at Wellfield led by Mary Kauffmann-Kennel, a Wellfield volunteer and Audubon Society member. All ages are welcome, and minors must be accompanied by a parent. The outing typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. This is an outdoor program that proceeds in any weather, so dress for the conditions. If severe weather prompts a cancellation, updates will be shared on the Wellfield Facebook page or by calling 574-266-2006 x105. There is no additional fee beyond admission.

Seasonal Mom Walks at Abshire Park in Goshen offer an easy way to get outdoors, move your body, and connect with other mothers in a friendly setting. All moms are welcome, including those who are pregnant or postpartum. Children are encouraged to come along, and participants can bring a stroller, snacks, and anything else that helps them feel comfortable. There is no set agenda or pressure. The focus is simple community and unhurried time together during a casual walk.

Supported by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Elkhart County residents receive complimentary garden admission every Tuesday, up to a $10 value per person. Please bring proof of residency to receive free entry. Those who are not residents, or who do not provide proof, are subject to admission fees. You are welcome to arrive any time during open hours, with last admission taking place 30 minutes before closing. If you prefer not to register in advance and want to save on tickets to events and classes, a membership is available and can also provide free visits to other gardens. Staff can share current membership options. Thank you for supporting Wellfield.

This gathering offers relaxed Pokémon play and friendly matches. It is free to participate. Attendees who sign in with a Player ID receive promotional packs as a thank you for showing up.

This playful storytime is for children ages 2 to 4 and builds the earliest literacy skills through talking, reading, writing, singing, and play. The program is tailored to early learners and focuses on developing very beginning reading readiness. No registration required.

Set out on a guided bike ride along the Elkhart River, exploring its natural and cultural history and the wildlife that depend on it. The route spans roughly three miles out and back on the River Greenway Trail between the Elkhart Environmental Center and Studebaker Park, with a treat waiting at the midway point. All ages are welcome. Bring a helmet and water bottle. The fee is $5 per person, and children riding in bike trailers participate for free. Meet at the River Greenway Trailhead at the Elkhart Environmental Center. Presented in partnership with the Elkhart Environmental Center.

The Bristol Farmers Market celebrates the close of a memorable season with its final market day. Pick up favorite items one last time this year and support the vendors who made it possible. Thank you for shopping local, and look for the market again next season.

As night settles over River Preserve County Park at Benton Dam, the landscape transforms and the spotlight turns to one of the park’s most active nocturnal residents. This guided night hike centers on spiders, offering a chance to watch them at work after dark while naturalists help identify species and share insights into their remarkable behaviors. Expect a 2-mile hike on park trails. Suggested gear includes sturdy hiking shoes, a flashlight or headlamp, and extra layers if the evening is cool. The program is free with no registration required and is designed for participants ages 12 and up. This activity is weather dependent, and updates are posted on the event page.

Explore how water has shaped Elkhart County from the earliest Indigenous creation stories through the era of Edward Bonney and into the 21st century. The program begins at the Elkhart County Historical Museum with an immersive exhibit focused on local waterways, followed by time along the banks of the Saint Joseph River. It continues with a tour of the 1830s Bonneyville Mill, a functioning water-powered flour mill located a short drive away. Participants engage their senses, learn how water has influenced communities and daily life, sample baked goods made with Bonneyville flour, and take home a souvenir water bottle and a bag of freshly ground cornmeal. Portions of the experience take place outdoors and include both paved paths and uneven ground, and participants are responsible for their own transportation between sites. Cost is $20 per person with a limit of 20 participants, and all ages are welcome. Meet at the Elkhart County Historical Museum.

Catch The Erly at Elkhart Public Library (Downtown) as part of the Curbside Concerts series. This free performance was rescheduled after a previous rainout. Food and drinks will be for sale. Bring a chair, a blanket, or your dancing shoes. The series spotlights local talent and is presented with support from the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The event features a morning of canine-centered activities, including a best of dog fun show with awards for standout pups. Dog owners may register their pets to take part, and spectators are welcome to watch. Food and treats will be available for purchase, and a "Smooch your Pooch" photo booth offers a memorable photo opportunity. Attendees can pick up training and obedience tips from Kasten's Dog Training and listen to a presentation about the role of support and service dogs. Canine-focused vendors will be on site with a range of products and services. For the safety of everyone, all dogs must be registered before entering the venue.

A community 5K run and walk pairs with a 1 mile Kids Fun Run, with all proceeds supporting Passionately Purple: The Sarah Crane Foundation and its work assisting local families who have a loved one battling cancer. The atmosphere is family friendly, strollers are welcome on the course, and dogs are not permitted. The Kids Fun Run follows paths through Bicentennial and Island Park, then the 5K sets out on a flat, fast route downtown along the riverwalk. Recognition includes medals for the top three finishers in each age division and awards for the top three overall women and men. The day honors the legacy of Sarah Crane, an Elkhart Memorial High School student-athlete whose strength during treatment for stage 4 colon cancer inspired the SARAHSTRONG mantra. Purple represents both her favorite color and the broader fight against cancer, and the foundation’s efforts include fundraising for scholarships at Elkhart High School along with supplies, counseling, and other support for local families facing cancer.

Connect with other mothers balancing careers and family in a welcoming setting focused on encouragement, conversation, and shared experiences. This informal gathering offers a chance to trade tips, ask questions, and build community with those in similar situations. No advance sign-up is required, and children are invited to come along.

The 6th Annual Waggin' in the Woods brings families and their furry pals to the Elkhart Environmental Center for a day of pet-friendly fun. Enjoy activities for all ages and dogs, browse vendors, sample offerings from food trucks, and cheer on the pooch parade. Admission is free with a donation of any pet supplies or other support for Tracking in the Shadows. Attendees should bring a leash for their furry friend. Additional details, activities, and sponsors will be shared as they are confirmed.