Just off Memorial Road between Meridian and MacArthur is Martin Park Nature Center where children can get up close and personal with all kinds of birds, squirrels, prairie dogs, butterflies, and bugs. The park is open from 9am-6pm Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is free, and you can hike with your kids at your leisure. There are 3.5 miles of gravel hiking trails with some moderate slopes. The park offers special guided tours for just $2 per person-call ahead (755-0676) to find out what topics are being covered each day. In addition to the outside animal viewing, the park maintains an indoor, hands-on museum where children can view small animal homes. Picnic tables are available, so pack a lunch and plan to spend the morning outside and the hot afternoon in the museum.