Deep River County Park in Hobart, Indiana hosted a woodland tea party with story time, offering families a blend of storytelling and nature education. The event, organized by Lake County Parks, invited participants of all ages to enjoy tea, listen to stories, and learn about local wildlife in a vibrant outdoor setting. Families were greeted by Caryn Corriere, environmental education manager at Lake County Parks, who guided the group through the park.
The walk began at the back of the park, and they walked through the baseball field to get a closer look at the fall foliage. Attendees also caught a glimpse of Wood’s Historic Grist Mill, a structure built in the 19th century. Families were led to a secluded picnic area in the park, vibrantly decorated to reflect the whimsical theme of the tea party.
“Our theme is get out, go, play, explore,” Corriere said. “Each of our parks has its own specialties, but Deep River County Park is really a nature park, one of the first in the area. I’m a huge supporter of getting kids outside, and this is a great way to do just that.”
The tea party was designed to create a magical experience for both children and adults. Attendees sat at picnic tables decorated with whimsical decorations and were served a selection of herbal teas. Children took turns adding honey and sugar to their teacups, enjoying the experience of preparing their own drinks while seated in the park’s natural surroundings.
After the tea party, attendees gathered on a blanket for the story time portion of the event. Corriere read a children’s book featuring woodland creatures, captivating the audience with tales of adventure and nature. Children listened attentively as they learned about the animals that inhabit forest settings similar to Deep River County Park.
Following the story, Corriere introduced attendees to some of the wildlife native to the park. Up close and personal events like this help foster conservation awareness and connect families with nature.
“I always say you can’t love something if you don’t know about it,” Corriere said. “If kids aren’t exposed to nature, they could grow up being scared of it. Things like this give them the chance to be outside and learn about animals as well.”
Corriere passed around animal pelts – a skunk and a fox – allowing children to feel the textures of animals they might see in the park. The hands-on experience was designed to help participants better understand and appreciate wildlife in their local environment.
Deep River County Park, part of the Lake County Parks system, spans over 1,200 acres and offers a variety of activities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational programs. The park’s centerpiece is Wood’s Historic Grist Mill, which serves as a reminder of the region’s industrial past. The Woodland Tea Party is one of several events aimed at encouraging families to explore the outdoors and learn about the natural world.
The Woodland Tea Party provided an opportunity for families to engage with the outdoors in a creative and interactive way, supporting Lake County Parks’ mission of promoting environmental awareness and conservation.
To learn more, visit https://lakecountyparks.com/151/Deep-River-County-Park.
