June 30:  Griffith.  Toddlers, 18 to 35 months of age, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, will make paper fly swatters, and enjoy the tale of the Old Black Fly, as well as participate in a musical game.  10:30 am, pre-register at 219-838-2825, Griffith Branch Library, 940 N Broad St, www.lakeco.lib.in.us/griffith.htm

June 30:  Munster.  Children, ages 2 and 3, accompanied by a caregiver, are invited to our 30-45 minute story time.  Today's theme is "Ants in My Pants,"  and will include stories, music, a craft, and other activities.  10:30 am or 1:30 pm, 219-836-8450, Munster Branch Library, 8701 Calumet Ave, www.lakeco.lib.in.us/munster.htm

June 30 - August 31:  Porter.  The National Lakeshore will help families enjoy the outdoors with their new Junior Ranger Activity Room at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center.  Visitors of all ages will be able to explore and interact with games, exhibits, natural objects, books and puppets in this interactive orientation space.  Rangers and volunteers will be on hand to assist visitors as they learn about the best places to visit and the unique resources found with this park.  Free, 8:30 am-6 pm, 219-926-7561 X225, Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center, on Kemil Rd at US 12, 3 miles east of Indiana 49, www.nps.gov/indu/

June 30 - September 1:  Porter.  Do your kids get bored doing the same old thing at the beach?  Then connect with a ranger at one of the times listed below or stop by the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center to get your free copy of the Junior Ranger Beach Activity Guide.  The guide shows fun, but simple-to-do activities, that will allow children to learn about the lakeshore and earn their very own Junior Ranger badge.  After your child completes the activity guide, have it checked by the ranger at either the beach or the visitor center and receive a badge.  Fridays 10 am-noon at West Beach, Saturdays & Sundays 10 am-noon and 1:30-3 pm at West Beach & Mount Baldy, Mondays - Thursdays look for a ranger at peak times at West Beach and Mount Baldy.  $6 per vehicle to enter West Beach, 219-926-7561 X225, West Beach is located 12 miles west of the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center on US 12 to County Line Rd, north on County Line Rd for 1/4 mile; the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center is located on Kemil Rd at US 12, 3 miles east of Indiana 49, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July:  Chesterton.  Visit the Nature Center to find out how you (and your family) can earn special patches and pins (and other prizes) in the state parks this year.  We meet everyday for an hour to get you started or help you along.  1 pm, program is free and open to the public after paying the park entrance fee, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, 219-926-1390, Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, www.in.gov/dnr/files/sp-dunes-july.pdf

July 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 24, 31:  Griffith.  The Griffith Branch Library, 940 N Broad St, has nature related programs planned for children in various age groups.  219-838-2825, www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#Griffith

July 1, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24:  Hobart.  The Hobart Branch Library, 100 N Main St, has nature-related activities planned for children of various age groups.  219-942-2243, get the details at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#Hobart

July 1, 24, 29:  Lake Station.  The Lake Station-New Chicago Branch Library, 2007 Central Ave, has nature-related activities planned for children of various age groups.  219-962-2409, get more information at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#LakeStation

July 1, 3, 10, 15, 22:  Merrillville.  The Central Library, 1919 W 81st Ave, has nature related activities planned for children of various ages.  219-769-3541, get all the details at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/happeningsjr.htm

July 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 29, 30:  Munster.  The Munster Branch Library, 8701 Calumet Ave, has nature-related programs planned for children of various age groups.  219-836-8450, get more details at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#Munster

July 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 22, 23:  St John.  The St John Branch Library, 9450 Wicker Dr, has nature-related activities planned for children of various age groups.  219-365-5379, visit www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#StJohn

July 2, 9, 17, 24, 28:  Cedar Lake.  The Cedar Lake Branch Library, 13330 Parrish Ave, has nature related activities planned for children of various ages.  219-374-7121, visit www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#CedarLake  for more information.

July 2, 8, 10, 15, 18, 22, 24:  Gary.  The 41st Avenue Branch Library, 3491 W 41st Ave, will have nature related activities planned for children of various age groups.  219-980-5180, www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#FortyFirst

July 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24:  Gary.  The Black Oak Branch Library, 5921 W 25th Ave, has nature related activities planned for children of various ages.  219-844-8809, get more information at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#BlackOak

July 3, 8, 17, 29:  Schererville.  The Dyer-Schererville Branch Library, 1001 W Lincoln Hwy, has nature related activities planned for children in various age groups.  219-322-4731, get the details at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#DyerSchererville  

July 4  - August 31:  Porter.  Bring your family out to "Feeding Time at Chellberg Farm" at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 4-5 pm, visitors can help the farmer take care of the animals while learning how important each animal was to an old-time farm.  Park in the Bailly/Chellberg lot and walk the short path to the Chellberg Farm barn.  The Bailly/Chellberg parking lot is located between Highway 12 & US 20 on Mineral Springs Rd.  Free, 219-926-7561 X225, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July 5:  Hobart, Schererville, Valparaiso.  The Home Depot Clinics will present a "Bird Home" project designed for kids 5-12.  This free workshop will teach do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment.  9 am-noon, pre-register at 2851 E Route 30, Hobart, 219-942-2136; 960 US Hwy 41, 219-322-1651; 2430 LaPorte Ave, 219-531-6687; www.homedepotclinics.com/

July 7 - 11, July 21 - 25:  Crown Point.  Camp directors and authors, Pamela Schiller & Deborah Onika-Brazys, teachers with Master Degrees in Art and Science, will lead you through the adventure of the Grand Canyon.  Exceptional 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders may enroll for this camp.  Registration deadlines are 6/27 for July 7-11, 7/11 for July 21-25; 1-4 pm - July 7-11, 9 am-noon - July 21-25; $99/residents, $125/non-residents (fee includes book), pre-register at 219-661-2271, City of Crown Point Parks & Recreation, 1313 E North St, www.crownpoint.in.gov

July 7 - 30:  Merrillville.  Teens and pre-teens, 11 to 14 years of age, with the ability to swim and complete basic swimming rescue skills, can learn the American Red Cross GuardStart Program at Deep River Waterpark.  Students will receive instruction in water safety, public relations, facility operations, water exercise, teamwork, leadership skills, basic work skills, life guarding skills, first aid, and CPR.  Deadline to register is 6/15 or until filled; participation is limited so sign up early.  $80/person for a season pass holder, $100/person/non-season pass holder (fee includes an activity book, iron-on transfer stickers, folders for organizing activities, whistle, Deep River Waterpark visor, and a hot dog lunch each day).  9 am-12:30 pm, Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, pick up a registration form at the Waterpark M-F from 8 am-4 pm or call 219-947-7850 X604 to have one mailed, 9001 E US Hwy 30, www.lakecountyparks.org

July 8, 15, 18, 22, 25, 30:  Highland.  The Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St, has nature-related activities planned for children of various age groups.  219-838-2394, www.lakeco.lib.in.us/Happeningsjr.htm#Highland

July 8 - 10:  Hobart.  Ever panned for gold?  Use our sluice to seek flakes of gold.  Who will find the biggest nugget?  Ages 3-4 on Tuesday, ages 5-6 on Wednesday, ages 7 & up on Thursday, 11 am-noon, $1/child payable at each program, no reservations required, adult care givers are required to remain in the Park during the 1-hour programs and may be asked to assist.  Programs will be held rain or shine, for weather update, call the Park at 219-947-1958, Deep River County Park, 9410 Old Lincoln Hwy, www.lakecountyparks.org 

July 9:  Hammond.  From mushrooms to moles, we will investigate all the elements of soil.  Find out how plants soak the dirty mess beneath our feet and turn it into the stuff we eat.  Then conduct a nature FBI investigation to reveal what scavengers do to return nutrients back into the soil.  Ages 10-14, 10 am-3 pm, $5, bring a lunch and dress for the weather, pre-register at 219-844-3188, Gibson Woods, 6201 Parrish Ave, www.lakecountyparks.org

July 11:  Fishers.  Create a cow craft and make and taste some butter.  Then visit one of our cows out on the grounds.  Ages 2-6, 9:30-11 am, 12:30-2 pm, a parent or designated adult must accompany each participant, $10/non-member, $9/member, pre-register at 317-776-6006 or 800-966-1836, Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, www.connerprairie.org

July 11, 12, 25, 26:  Lowell.  The Calumet Astronomical Society and astronomy professors from Purdue University Calumet will run the 3rd annual Youth Astronomy Camp at the Thomas Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead.  Advanced registration is required by 6/20 or until filled.  Call the Lake County Parks at 219-769-PARK to pre-register.  Recommended for students between 6 and 12th grade, $30/4 sessions ($5 each additional participant from the same family) includes membership to the Calumet Astronomical Society.  Parental supervision is highly encouraged for all and required for children in grades 6-8.  Bring along a lawn chair for seating.  Camp sessions will be held rain or shine; in event of cloudy or rainy weather, discussion topics will still be held, either on-site (clouds) or indoors at Buckley Homestead (rain) with the posted rain date to be used for the observing portion of the camp session.  Check-in at 8 pm with pick-up at 10:30 pm for 7/11 & 7/12, check-in at 7:30 pm with pick-up at 10 pm for 7/25 & 7/26, 3606 Belshaw Rd,  www.lakecountyparks.org

July 14 - 24:  Hammond.  Join us at the Environmental Education Center for Earthlings Summer Day Camp, sponsored by the Lake County Solid Waste Management District.  This free, environmentally themed program will entertain your children with games, crafts, nature hikes, and the message of "Reduce, Reuse & Recycle."  Families of Lake County may register for this free summer program.  Students must be entering 1st through 5th grades for the 2008-2009 school year.  9:30 am-noon, for more information or to register, call the Environmental Education Center at 219-853-2420, www.lcswmd.com

July 16:  Hammond.  It's all about snakes and turtles, frogs and salamanders.  We'll have turtle races, live like a snake with no arms or legs, and play secret salamander.  There will even be opportunities to touch a turtle and snake.  Ages 7-12, 10 am-3 pm, $5, bring a lunch and dress for the weather, pre-register at 219-844-3188, Gibson Woods, 6201 Parrish Ave, www.lakecountyparks.org

July 18:  Fishers.  Celebrate summer with a variety of fun activities:  bubbles, obstacle course, water play, story and craft.  Ages 2-6, 9:30-11 am, 12:30-2 pm, a parent or designated adult must accompany each participant, $10/non-member, $9/member, pre-register at 317-776-6006 or 800-966-1836, Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, www.connerprairie.org

July 21 - August 11:  Crown Point.  This nature program combines learning about the environment as well as hands on crafts.  Sign up today for your adventure with nature.  Ages 7-12, each Monday from 2-4 pm, $5/class/residents, $10/class/non-residents, held at Sauerman Woods, pre-register at 219-661-2271, City of Crown Point Parks & Recreation, 1313 E North St, www.crownpoint.in.gov

July 23:  Hammond.  We'll play mosquito tag, investigate dragonflies, and become bees.  Then we'll take a look at the lighter side of bugs like butterflies and discover that these crawly critters may not be bad after all.  Ages 7-12, 10 am-3 pm, $5, bring a lunch and dress for the weather, pre-register at 219-844-3188, Gibson Woods, 6201 Parrish Ave, www.lakecountyparks.org

July 25:  Fishers.  Visit the Conner Prairie pigs, sing pig songs and play with pig puppets.  Ages 2-6, 9:30-11 am, 12:30-2 pm, a parent or designated adult must accompany each participant, $10/non-member, $9/member, pre-register at 317-776-6006 or 800-966-1836, Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, www.connerprairie.org

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Indiana Budding Gardener Club Meetings:

Portage.  The Portage Junior Garden Club, for grades 1 to 6, normally meets from 4 to 5 pm the 4th Thursday of each month at the Boys & Girls Club of Portage, 5895 Evergreen, 219-762-2025, 219-763-2273.