The Lake County Parks and Recreation Department has plenty of activities planned this winter to keep all ages busy.
Maple syrup tours
Deep River County Park, 9410 Old Lincoln Hwy., Hobart, will begin taking reservations Tuesday for Maple Syrup Time group tours set for March 12-14 and 19-20.
By reservation only on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, two-hour tours begin at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Cost is $1 per person, children from grade 1 through adults, with a $20 minimum advance deposit required.
The tour includes an outdoor interpretive program explaining when and how trees are tapped and how the sap is collected. See the entire process, from sap to syrup at the wood-fired evaporator. Learn about other syrups and get a taste of Deep River's own brand.
Much of the tour is conducted outdoors, so dress accordingly. There are indoor alternatives in case of extreme weather.
Call (219) 769-7275 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Sew it up
The Volunteer Sewing Parlor "Behind the Scenes" Costume Making group meets from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 27 at the Lake County Parks Visitor Services building, 8305 Randolph St., Crown Point.
Bring a sewing machine and lunch and help make hats and costumes for the living history farm and other park programs. Those who do not sew can iron and pin patterns to fabric while enjoying the day with others.
RSVP to Megan at (219) 947-7275 or MeganF@lakecountyparks.com.
Just for seniors
Maple Syrup Time Just for Seniors will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. March 20 at the Deep River County Park Visitor Center, by reservation only beginning Jan. 17.
Learn the maple sugaring process from indoors. Watch the classic video “Maple Sugar Farmer” while enjoying cake and coffee or maple tea, learn about tapping trees and collecting sap, and ask questions.
Cost is $5 prepaid, no walk-ins. Call (219) 769-PARK
For the birds
Bird Feeding Basics is a program set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Gibson Woods Nature reserve, 6201 Parrish Ave., Hammond.
Watching wild birds at the feeder from inside a warm observation room, ages 8 and older will join a Lake County Parks naturalist to learn the basics of feeding birds, and different birds that may be attracted with the right food and feeder. Make a feeder to take home.
Cost is $3. Register at least three days in advance by calling (219) 844-3188.
Bellaboo Bakers
The youngest park lovers can try Cooking with Cupid at 3:45 p.m. weekdays, Jan. 29 to Feb. 17, at Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center inside Three Rivers County Park, 2800 Colorado St., Lake Station.
Cookie cut-outs, rolling pins, a sprinkle of cheer and a dash of fun make this baking class a recipe for smiles. Regular admission fees apply.
MLK day event
Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center will host “Dreamcicles” to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Winter Celebration Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 21 Regular admission applies.
A day full of culture made fun for children, inside and outdoors, culturally diverse art, stories, songs and games will help keep participants busy.
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