Tired of winter? Tired of being inside? Look forward to lots of happenings in the parks around Broad Ripple. It's time to reconnect to the village!

This year would be a good time to explore the opportunities at two wonderful parks within walking or biking distance of the village. Broad Ripple Park, longtime anchor of the area, has programming that can interest old and young alike. If you check into the Indyparks.org website or stop by the Park's office on Broad Ripple Avenue, you can sign up for a variety of classes. Preschoolers can dance, do gymnastics, or busy their hands with arts and crafts. Dogs can join the fun and access daily exercise at the popular dog park streetside. Adults have a variety of options from dance, bridge, self defense, or just renting meeting space. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

"Moonlight Madness" - Egg Hunt (Ages 3-10) - Hop on out to Broad Ripple Park for an 'eggs-tra' special flashlight Surprise egg hunt. Games, arts, crafts, and refreshments are all part of this fun program. Be sure you bring a flashlight and dress appropriately. Pre-registration is required

April 4, 2014, 7:30-9 p.m. $10 - "Eggs"cellent Egg Hunt (Ages 2-7) - Get ready for one spectacular egg hunt. All kinds of candy and prizes will be hidden. There will be"egg" sighting. crafts, games, the bunny hop, and best of all a visit from our big cuddly Bunny. Pre-registration only. April 5, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

One of Indianapolis' oldest parks, Holliday Park, located along the banks of the White River, is a major urban resource encompassing 95 acres of woodlands and trails. The Park's wooded areas contain natural springs and wetlands, a woodland pond, and a long approachable stretch of the White River, a climax beech-maple forest and over 400 tree, plant, and wildflower species. Bird watchers have listed more than 200 species in the Park. In addition, deer, fox, beaver, rabbits, squirrels, and many other native species reside in or pass through the Park's heavily wooded, plunging ravines. Amenities: nature center, playground, trails, arboretum, extensive native gardens. Check on Holliday Park's website for a variety of programming. Here you don't even have to leave the city to enjoy nature at its best- yes, right in Broad Ripple's own backyard.

Holliday Park also provides a Nature Discovery summer camp experiences. Registration has begun so plan ahead and get your camper a spot. And, if you qualify and are an early bird, they are asking for camp counselors. Holliday Park Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily. Nature Center: Monday.-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5.p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Admission to Holliday Park and the Nature Center is free. Some classes and programs have fees. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260 (317) 327-7180.

Mark your calendar for May 2, 3, and 4, 2014. It is Orchard in Bloom time at Holliday Park. This fun event ushers in the planting season with artisans and landscapers who tantalize the gardener's imagination. A point of interest is that Orchard in Bloom has donated more than $100,000 to Holliday Park in the history of the event.

I can't leave out the Village activities. The restaurants will be preparing their patios for summer dining. Spring and summer inventory will be arriving at retail stores. Some of the brew pubs will be changing the beer formulations for the coming spring. Broad Ripple Farmer's Market begins May 3. Again this year, the Farmer's Market will be behind Broad Ripple High School every Saturday morning. I can't wait! Mark your calendar for two other big May happenings: the Spring Gallery Tour is May 9, just the week before Broad Ripple Art Fair, May 17 and 18, 2014. The 44th annual Broad Ripple Art Fair will be at the Indianapolis Art Center.

Here's to all the good times in coming months. There's lots more to Broad Ripple in addition its popular bars and restaurants. There will be music, festivals, cruising, and evening strolls along the Monon Trail. Shop first in Broad Ripple at local stores. Our village has so much to offer for your time with family and friends.