Homeschool Programs

HOMESCHOOL DAYS

Plan Ahead — 2025 Homeschool Days!

Wednesday, April 23
Thursday, May 29
Tuesday, August 19
Wednesday, September 10
Prairietown4

Student: $8 | One Free Teacher: Free | Additional Adult Chaperones: $8

Give your students a unique and personal experience to connect with history and nature. At Conner Prairie we invite guests to “Step into the Story,” and we also strive to step into theirs. Through observation, deep listening, and thoughtful questioning, we create meaningful connections, offering guests an opportunity to go beyond “doing” and experience “being.”

Special Programming during Homeschool Days:

April 23
Planting the Seed: Learn about different types of food that originated in Africa and take home seeds to transplant in your own garden.
Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Origins Cabin

Boxx the Artist Community Canvas: Join Boxx the Artist to add your own part to a community canvas!
Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Shelter next to Animal Encounters

Water Quality Testing: Join us as we partner with Hoosier Riverwatch to learn strategies for testing water quality in a community science project. Learn how to collect water samples and perform chemical tests to assess the quality of waterExplore macroinvertebrates, the small aquatic animals who live in the White River, and how they provide clues into the health of our waterThe data we collect will be added to a statewide database tracking the health of Indiana waterwaysBe a part of this important community science program and learn how to tend to our shared water resources. 
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.  
Location: River access point behind Treetop Outpost


Lunch on the Lawn: Stop by and join us for a lovely picnic on the lawn of the William Conner House. Citizens from Prairietown will be gathering on the lawn and bringing foods that represent their heritage. Learn about the seasonality, recipes and styles of food. 
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.  
Location: William Conner House Lawn


International Crane Foundation Migration Game and Table: Join the International Crane Foundation to learn about migration through an interactive game. In this game, attendees will learn how wetland loss affects Sandhill Crane populations, how they can protect wetlands in their neighborhood for cranes, and the challenges all cranes face on migration. Becoming cranes, participants will migrate in an interactive game learning the importance of stopover sites and challenges migratory birds face along the way. The program ends with a discussion on the importance of wetlands not only for cranes and other wildlife but in our own lives. 
Time: 1–3 p.m.  
Location: The Junction 

 

May 29
Owl Pellet Dissection with Indiana Audubon: Explore and dissect owl pellets to gain a better understanding of an owl's diet, hunting patterns and how they're connected to the surrounding habitats. Limited capacity, sign up for this free program at the Clowes Greeter desk near the balloon. 
Time: 1:30–2 p.m. and 2:30–3 p.m.
Location: Featherston Patio

 

August 19
Play American Cricket: Join in a game of American Cricket! Spend some time playing this sport and learn about its history.  
Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: The Junction
 

 

September 10

Water Quality Testing: Join us as we partner with Hoosier Riverwatch to learn strategies for testing water quality in a community science project. Learn how to collect water samples and perform chemical tests to assess the quality of waterExplore macroinvertebrates, the small aquatic animals who live in the White River, and how they provide clues into the health of our waterThe data we collect will be added to a statewide database tracking the health of Indiana waterwaysBe a part of this important community science program and learn how to tend to our shared water resources. 
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.  
Location: River access point behind Treetop Outpost


It’s About Time: Take the opportunity to explore and discover the foundational concepts of history and the passage of time. Through objects representing art, music, technology, and play, children will be able to compare and contrast utilizing multiple senses. This experience is designed to set the framework for conceptual understanding of history and the objects that help us to learn about people, places, and cultures.
Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.  
Location: Featherson Barn

Curious by Nature

2025 Dates:

  • March 24: Promised Land as Proving Ground Guided Walk
  • April 14: Investigate- Woods & River (Sold Out)
  • April 28: Forest Bathing (Sold Out)
  • May 19: Foraging
  • June 16: Animal Love & Care
  • July 14: Time, Space & Freedom
  • July 21: Flight
  • July 28: Water Quality Testing
  • August 4: Canoeing on the White River
  • September 15: Favorite Kid Spot
  • September 22: Weather
  • October 6: Simple Machines
  • November 3: Your Place in Nature
  • November 17: Thriving in the Winter & Living off the Land

Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Ages: Please note age recommendation for each program

Student Prices:
$8 per child, one adult free - Children must be accompanied by an adult during the program.

Join us for our Homeschool nature program designed to enhance your current home studies by offering your children the time, space, and freedom to let their innate curiosity for the natural world around them thrive! Research has proven (and we are listening!) that spending time outdoors in nature has a multitude of benefits, especially for children as they are continuing to grow. We are excited to invite you and your homeschool community to join us as we spend our time together in nature’s classroom exploring over 1,000 acres of beautiful, natural spaces here at Conner Prairie, often in spaces not open to the general public. Each date will be unique and special, and you won't want to miss a single one!

Please Note:

  • Please read each class description carefully and note the recommended ages as a few classes are designed specifically with our older learners in mind.
  • Due to the nature of these programs, the experience will not be easily accessible for strollers or wagons. We highly suggest if younger siblings need to attend with you, that baby backpacks/carriers are used instead.
  • Please always dress for the weather and outdoor play and exploration.
  • If your child has accessibility needs, please call our Guest Services department, and we will do our best to accommodate and provide the best experience for your child.
Learn more about the 2025 dates:
March 24 Promise Land as Proving Ground Guided Walk

STAY & PLAY

2025 Dates: October 14 and November 18

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Come & Go Style)

Ages: Preschool through 5th grade (Caregiver must be present/No charge)

Student Prices:
Nonmembers: $16
Members: $14

Location: Prairie House, for directions please speak with guest services at the front gate.

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We invite you to join us for STAY & PLAY!, a special time to reap the benefits of play and take in the beauty of the season from a beautiful, cozy indoor spot on the Prairie!

Students in Preschool through 5th grade will experience intentional and thoughtful play invitations set up in a relaxing environment that will inspire curiosity, ignite creativity, and promote inquiry and discovery. Come when you can, stay as long as you'd like, and leave when you need to.

Each child must be pre-registered and must be accompanied by an adult at no charge.

Homeschool Series

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Looking to complement your home studies with the addition of programming focused on nature and the arts? Come join us for a multi-age, multi-week series of classes held one day per week. Please read the details carefully for each program. Important information such as day of the week, length of series, and ticket pricing is different for each.

Please Note: Due to the intentional design and atmosphere of this series, we kindly ask other plans be made for younger siblings outside of the posted age range.

View our latest ones in the series:

Homeschool Series: Nature+Art (4 weeks in April)

Classes

Enhance your homeschool journey with historic classes at Conner Prairie, where hands-on experiences in trades, crafts, and daily life spark curiosity and connection. Bring history to life for your students through immersive learning in an inspiring, one-of-a-kind setting.

Questions? Call Guest Services at 317-776-6000 or email info@connerprairie.org