Did you know The Parklands is home to over 40 species of fish?

Come meet some of our amazing underwater neighbors—we can’t wait to introduce you!

Stop by during fish fest to take a casting class, enjoy fishing demos, and learn about what lives in our streams. Get a chance to catch fish in our creek with fishing poles or dipper nets, and stick around for fish themed crafts and games, it’s going to be fin-tastic!  

2025 FISH FEST SCHEDULE:

• Ranger-Guided Hike on the Sycamore Trail: Join one of our rangers for a short hike to the creek and explore hands-on fishing stations, including rod-and-reel and net techniques!
  Times: 11:00am, 12:00pm, & 1:00pm
• 10:45am – Fishy Field Games: Learn how to play classic fish-inspired games like Sardines and Bass and Minnows (a native twist the game sharks and minnows)!
• 11:45 pm – Minnow Racing: Cheer on these tiny swimmers as they race to the finish line! Watch minnows take to their lanes and compete for glory in The Parklands’ very first minnow race.
• 12:45 pm – Fishy Flavors: You never know until you try! Sample a variety of fish-inspired treats—taste something new like anchovies or sardines, or enjoy familiar favorites like Goldfish crackers and Swedish Fish candy.

All Day Drop In Activities:

• Rod and Reel Fishing Station with Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Net Fishing Station with seine net, casting nets, and dipper nets
• Fly Fishing Demonstrations by Derby City Fly Fishing
• Fish-themed activities, crafts, & games
• Science & exploration stations
• Giant bubbles & more

Junior Explorer is a free family-friendly event series at The Parklands that is open to all ages, that focuses on a special nature topic each time. Drop in at any time during the event for themed activities and check back closer to the event date to get a full list of scheduled happenings you won’t want to miss. Join the Parklands’ education team, community partners, and special vendors to explore our natural world with themed activities, games, hikes, crafts, and more!  

This event is free and open to everyone, with activities geared toward pre-k and elementary-aged kids. No registration is required unless otherwise stated.

Are you an organization or vendor who would like to join the fun? Please contact Olivia Hardin at ohardin@theparklands.org for more information on how you can get involved!