Top 10 Free Family Friendly Events to do This Summer in DeKalb County, Indiana.
10) Go for a Wilderness Hike. In the back of Auburn’s Eckhart park, there is a trail in the woods. Go on a hike through that trail with your kids to discover nature! Keep younger kids occupied by giving them things to find; like acorns, stones, or leaves. DeKalb County also has two nature preserves with easy hiking trails - you can read about them HERE and HERE.
9) Stay indoors and play a game! DeKalb County summers are filled with thunderstorms. Stay safe inside, put all the phones and tablets in a box, and play your kids’ favorite game with them! It’s better for kids to learn about disappointment from their parents on game night than from their first real-world job -- so don’t let them win every time. Mom and Dad can model being a good winner and a good loser.
8) Free Family Fun Day at Greenhurst Commons. This new park, located at the old Greenhurst Golf Course (1740 North Main Street, Auburn) will hold a free event on June 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be games, fun, and much more! Any questions regarding this should be directed towards Kendra Klink of The James Foundation by clicking HERE.
7) Free Summer Lunches! DeKalb Central School District offers free lunches to all kids 18 and younger at various locations in Waterloo, Ashley, and Auburn. There’s no cost and there’s no enrollment! They started May 30 and continue through June. Parents or Babysitters are always welcome to join the fun and may purchase a lunch for only $3. For locations, menu, and times, click HERE.
6) Library Summer Reading Programs, at all DeKalb County Libraries, can be a lot of fun! Programs with performers, like magicians or dumpster drummers, are often presented to the kids and they may get prizes for reading more books! Every library is going to have a different setup, so check out the website for the area closest to you: Waterloo, Auburn, Butler, or Garrett. You do not have to have a library card to attend a library’s programs!
5) Enjoy Auburn’s Classic Car Heritage. There are numerous events this summer revolving around the Classic City’s car heritage. First Fridays is a free event in downtown Auburn held the first friday of every month, starting at 6 p.m. It includes a local cruise-in of some fine classic cars. Thursday Cruise-ins are similar fun! The Great Race will come to Auburn on June 28. This event features over 100 classic cars traveling across the country, and stopping in our community overnight!
4) Experience Local Festivals together! The last week of September isn’t the only time for DeKalb folks to have a reunion! Auburn has a Strawberries in the Park event on June 21 with free activities and family-friendly music. The St. Joe Pickle Festival is always a lot of fun, as is Butler Days in early August, the Ashley-Hudson Festival on August 5, Hamilton Summer Days on August 26, and the Garrett Heritage Festival With a Bang during the Independence Day celebrations.
3) Expose Kids to the Arts! On August 19, The James Cultural Plaza (the new stage area in downtown Auburn, at the corner of 7th and Jackson) will host Spotlight on the Arts on August 19 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. This event will feature a day packed full of fun art activities for families. The stage will feature musical acts, puppet shows, and other artistic presentations throughout the day, while the plaza will be packed with activities presented by local libraries, schools, artists, etc.
2) Enjoy a Bonfire together! Teach older kids how to cook a hot-dog with a stick and enjoy a s’more party with a group of neighbors or friends. Some cities have bonfire restrictions or require a permit, so be sure to check with your city government first.
1) Send Your Kids to a Vacation Bible School (VBS) Program. Parents have the unique opportunity to point their children towards God. Churches near you can help. New Hope Christian Center (located just one mile north of DeKalb High School) is holding a completely free weeknight VBS program from 6 - 8 p.m. from July 10 - 14. At New Hope’s VBS, kids 3 years through 5th grade will learn about God’s relationship with us! He created us, He loves us, and He has great plans for us! Kids will have a blast with free snacks and crafts. Everything’s free, but you’ve got to register. Click the button below to get going.
