Awesome Play Days at Hays in July

Hays Nature Preserve is one of Huntsville’s hidden gems – but did you know they offer FREE programs for kids in the summer? Operation Green Team and the City of Huntsville offers this fantastic gift to the community, and you don’t want to miss it in July. Play Days at Hays is a great way to get outdoors in nature, and maybe even learn a thing or two about animals, conservation, and the world around us.

It’s the perfect time to get out to Hays and enjoy these free programs. Mayor Battle has proclaimed July Parks & Rec Month, and encourages families to explore the parks and green spaces. You can even use the hashtag #GoPlayHsv when you post photos to social media and win some prizes!

Play Days at Hays July Details & Dates

[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”75%” border_width=”1px” ] Who can come to Play Days at Hays?
Activities are geared for kindergartners to sixth graders. With the help of an adult, a younger child could participate.

What should you bring with you?
For all these events, children should wear old comfortable shoes and play clothes that can get a bit dirty. Bring a bottle of water and put on your preferred insect repellent, especially on the lower legs, it’ll fend off unwanted insect bites. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the sessions.

Water Crafts

Tuesday, July 11 from 10AM – 2PM
In the heat of July, who could think of a better day than to focus on water? Children can create crafts that have water at the base, such as a beautiful watercolor painting, nature printing and painting rocks. Tuesdays are drop in days! No need to register, just show up ready to play.

Clean Water

Thursday, July 13 at 9:30 AM – 11 AM
Call 256-532-5326 to RSVP
Our world’s most prized natural resource is gradually becoming in crisis. We will discuss water conservation, make a water filtration experiment and have a refreshing treat made from water! Space is limited. Reservations are required on Thursdays.

Nature Art

Tuesday, July 18 at 10 AM – 2 PM
There are so many opportunities to make a special art piece out of natural materials. Pop-in so your children can make some that might just become treasured pieces (Hint: your kids might – probably will – get dirty!) Tuesdays are drop in days! No need to register, just show up ready to play.

Let’s Go Fishing!

Thursday, July 20 at 9:30 AM – 11 AM
Call 256-532-5326 to RSVP
Bring your rod and reel, or use one of our cane poles! Operation Green Team will have worms. You come ready to practice your fishing skills during our ‘catch and release’ activity at Bar Lake. If you need a bit of help baiting your hook, just ask. Reservations are required on Thursdays.

Fun Day

Tuesday, July 25 at 10 AM – 2 PM
Have fun playing some traditional and newer outdoor games with the Green Team spin on them. Try your skill with a new scavenger hunt at Hays. Tuesdays are drop in days! No need to register, just show up ready to play.

Caterpillar Crazy

Thursday, July 27 at 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Call 256-532-5326 to RSVP
We may find some that are very hungry! Learn all about these cute fuzzy critters soon to transform into butterflies with Butterflies by Tina. A craft to take home will be a great addition to your summer craft collection. Reservations are required on Thursdays.

Outdoor Bash

Friday, July 28 at 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
We’ll spend the last Friday of summer break doing special activities at Hays sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. There may be some optional obstacles involved. Dress to get dirty during the fun. Whole Foods Market Huntsville will be there for Fruit Friday, so we will stay fueled up on healthy snacks. Drop-ins welcome!