Things to do with Kids in Indianapolis: Indy Fun

Looking for Indy Fun Activities to do with Kids?

This sponsored post and giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal. #ad

Are you looking for things to do with kids in Indianapolis? We're always on the hunt for fun, kid-friendly activities in Indy. (#IndyFun) If your kids like to tinker and build things and are into LEGO® or other building block toys, you'll want to try out a Snapology.com for your next birthday party! Snapology is a play place for kids of all ages. Keep scrolling for information on a kids' business opportunity and a fun giveaway- just in time for the holidays!

To get everyone in the party spirit, we're giving away a LEGO® brick set of the Snapology Mascot Sebastian Gator - recommended for ages 6 & up. Deadline for entry in Wednesday, Nov. 15. To enter the giveaway, just comment on this post! Just comment why you think this is a great idea for a business! #giveaway

Snapology encourages learning through play. It's a great place for after schoolers, preschoolers, homeschoolers, and anyone who is looking for something fun to do with kids in the Indy area. Check out this franchise video to learn more.





Some Fun and Affordable Birthday Party Themes include:

• LEGO®
• Minecraft
• Star Wars
• Angry Birds

When you have a birthday party at Snapology, a certified Snapology party facilitator will set-up, conduct activities and clean up. You can sit back and enjoy your child’s big day. Snapology parties are designed to be fun and affordable for families. 

Snapology is also a great place for scouting events, after school fun, preschool, and special needs programs. Snapology provides interactive, STEM / STEAM programs for children featuring technology and popular building toys such as LEGO® bricks and K’Nex®. 

In Indy West, Snapology is currently serving recreation centers and schools. If you are interested in a Snapology franchise, check it out.

Recommended:

Lego Gifts for Kids

Things to do in Indiana with Kids

Follow us on Pinterest

Teenage Birthday Party Ideas Indianapolis: Tweens Too!

Birthday Party Ideas  for Teens in Indy

Planning a unique birthday party for a tween (soon to be teen) or teenager is difficult. When they're younger, there are so many options- plus they don't even remember most of them! By the time they become teenagers, you're running on empty. Here's a list of Teenage Birthday Party Ideas in Indianapolis, your tween will love them too. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links.

Speedway Indiana: Things to do & Activities

Family Friendly Things to do with Kids in Speedway, Indiana

We love Speedway, Indiana. We attended church in Speedway for several years and have attended many events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We're sharing our favorite places to go and things to do in Speedway with kids. Enjoy!

Speedway Indiana: Things to do & Activities.

Things to do in Indiana: fuelperks Gas Station

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Market District and GetGo. All opinions are 100% mine.

We recently had the opportunity to visit Carmel's Market District GetGo®. These gas station all-in-one stores are popping up all over the greater Indianapolis area and we've been anxious to try one. With the new fuelperks + program, it seemed like a great time for a visit. When you're off looking for things to do in Indiana, you'll need gas and snack for sure- you'll want to check this out. Here's a little about the experience. Enjoy!

Free Tickets to Chicago Toy and Game Fair: ChiTag

Fun Giveaway for Chicago Toy Show!

We're giving away a FAMILY WEEKEND PASS (value $92) and $3 Family Pass Coupon to ChiTAG. The Toy and Game Convention in Chicago! It is November 18-20, 2016, which is the same weekend as the light parade on the Magnificent Mile. Make it a weekend to remember when you enter to win. Enjoy!

Chicago Toy and Game Fair Tickets, 2016.

Homeschool Jamboree Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek Park Homeschool Jamboree

If you are looking for Indiana Homeschool Programs, Eagle Creek Park is a great place to start. You can take classes at the Orinithology Center or the Earth Discovery Center. The Homeschool Jamboree at Eagle Creek Park started as a fall progam, but now is also offered in the spring too. Don't delay in signing up, because they fill up fast. Enjoy!

Homeschool Jamboree Eagle Creek.

What you Need to Know:

Their website is bit tricky to navigate and not well updated, but here is a link to their calender of events for 2016:

Eagle Creek Park Event Calendar 2016

Registration is $15 per child. This is an all day event. Parents are welcome to stay with their children, but they can drop them off too. Children ages 8-14 can attend.

The best place to register is Indy Parks. To stay up to date on activities, follow Eagle Creek Park on Facebook.

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring a bag and an extra pair of shoes. (You might get muddy.)
• Bring a sack lunch. (You store it in the building.)
• Dress for the always changing Indiana weather.
• Don't be late.
• You can sign up with a friend.
• Parents can stay with their children or leave.
• There are a lot of students. Remind your child to stay with the group and LISTEN to instructions.
• There are nice, clean restrooms in the center.
• There is plenty of room and things to do in the center. If you have small children, you can keep busy inside while your child attends classes.

Eagle Creek Park Homeschool Jamboree.

Choose from a variety of environmental activities. Here are a few of our favorites:

Orienteering (Nope, not rowing related. Learn to navigate your way through the woods by reading a compass.)

Orienteering class with a compass.

Tree Climbing (This is the real thing. They teach how to use grappling hooks.)

Water Safety

Learning to Not Leave a Trace (Save the Environment.)

Canines

Endangered Species

Animal Tracking 

We attended the spring session this year. I took the opportunity to have some mommy me time, and I missed the tree climbing! I had hoped to watch the kiddos and take some photos of each event.

On the way to the Homeschool Jamboree at the Earth Discovery Center.

It is crowded! Here, they are lining up for their classes.

Learning how to use a compass. There is a lot to know!

Mayhem orienteering.

Once you complete the lesson, you get a prize.

Recommended:

Things to do in Indiana

Learn about Orienteering*

Online Ornithology Lesson 

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Massachusetts Avenue Indianapolis Things to do with Kids

Mass Avenue Indy Families

Whether your looking for things to do on vacation or you are a resident of Indiana, you won't want to miss Mass Avenue in downtown Indianapolis. There are lots of things to do with kids on Massachusetts Avenue. We've shared our favorites. Enjoy!

Massachusetts Avenue Indianapolis Things to do with Kids.

Of course, there are many things to do in Indy with kids. We are highlighting Mass Avenue, but sharing some other things you will enjoy. Click the links for more detailed information about downtown Indianapolis activities for families.

Take a stroll along Mass Ave during the day, and take a peek inside all of the unique shops. Don't miss the Mass Ave toy store. The staff is friendly and testing out demo toys is encouraged! The staff is also happy to demonstrate some of the more challenging toys, so that the kids can play with them on their own.

Mass Ave Toy Store.

While you're walking, pay attention to the street art! Be sure to get a picture making you the "I" in Indy. Apparently, the sculpture moves all over downtown. If you miss it, there is plenty of other street art, as well, as art exhibits.

After all that playing and walking, you'll be hungry. There are two kid approved pizza eateries on Mass Avenue: Bazbeauxs and Pizzology.

Catch a kid-friendly show at the nearby Murat Theater, now the Old National Centre. If you arrive early, there is plenty of parking.

Lobby of the Old National Centre.

Csz (Comedy Sportz) and the Theatre on the Square are both located in the Mass Avenue district.

The Fire Station Museum is the perfect refuge for those who dream of becoming firefighters. Open Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Fire Station Museum, downtown Indy. Photo courtesy of Warbirds and Airshows.

Find detailed information and more pics at Warbirds and Airshows.

Now, to the best part of Mass Avenue- Desserts! Get big, beautiful cupcakes from The Flying Cupcake. Top off your cupcake with Mass Ave ice cream from Sub Zero. They literally make the ice cream right before your eyes using liquid nitrogen.

Sub Zero Ice Cream made from scracth right before your eyes!

So, we wanted to show you a picture of our ice cream, but we ate it too fast. Besides, you know what ice cream looks like! At Sub Zero, it starts as sweet cream. They also have gluten-free and dairy-free options. If you are really hungry, they serve sandwiches too! The best part, they stay open until 10 p.m. Catch a show and then catch some ice cream!

Sub Zero, downtown Indy.

Recommended:

Central Library - More than just a library, worth a visit.

Greater Indianapolis Field Trip Ideas

Apple Picking and Picnic Time in Mooresville.

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Things to Do in Indiana: The Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Things to do in Indiana with Kids: Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana offers many fun things to do with kids outdoors. Has your daughter ever dreamed of shooting a bow and arrow? Has she wanted to try her hand at mini-bikes or fishing? The last few years we have done these at The Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience. From visiting unique animals such as a large tortoise, trail mules and birds of prey, to baiting a hook and hiking the scenic trails, each visit has been one priceless experience after another. Enjoy!

Learn archery at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience.

Held Sept 19-20 at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park everyone from 4-100 will find something they enjoy! Activities of all types are available to try including this year’s Inaugural Harrison Hustle 5k held Sunday morning.

Learn to shoot.

Ride a Motorbike.

Practice fishing or learn to fish.

The friendly staff of the Division of Law Enforcement taught Baby Girl how to safely handle and shoot a rifle, while the Indiana Hunter Education Association gave her tips on how to hold and shoot a bow and arrow.  

There are many activities and things to do at
the Hoosier Outdoor Experience in Indiana.

Learn Beekeeping.

Baby Girl was able to don a beekeepers suit and learn how important bees are to us. She also learned how to make rope from the Boy Scouts! We both tried our hand at fishing with Mom catching the “whopper” of the day. 

Fishing is fun!

Sept. 19-20, 2015 at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park

Also new this year, are specialized classes sponsored by REI Inc. and Central Indiana Wilderness Club. Ultimate Camp Coffee sounds like a definite must attend for all parents. 

Girl Scouts attending can earn a special Hoosier Outdoor Experience patch by registering with GSCI. For more information go to www.in.gov/dnr #girlscouts #boyscouts #Ford #REI #outdoors #hiking #DNR

Recommended:


Archery for Kids*

Things to Do in Indy with Kids

Youth Archery Set*

Best Parks in Indiana for Kids and Families

What is the Best Park in Indianapolis Area?

If you're like us, you probably go park hopping and hop from park to park, trying to find the best park in Indiana for kids. We've been all around the state, but we stick mostly to the greater Indianapolis Area. So, what is the best park in the Indianapolis area to have the best summer ever? You decide, we've shared our favorite Indiana park experiences!

Best Park in Indiana for Kids.

Finding your way to the best park takes planning. Before we make the trek, we consult Google and add the address to maps. After a visit to Walmart, we pack a bag with sunscreen, bug spray, water, bread, peanut butter, jelly, and grapes! Notice, I don't mention sandwiches. We are always in a hurry to get started, so I just grab the basics and we make the sandwiches at the park!

The Indianapolis Zoo is always a fun option. For hot summer days, be sure to bring a towel,  plenty of sunscreen, and a change of clothes, so you can enjoy the splash pad. Also, check the zoo's website for daily deals. They offer lower ticket prices on slow days.

If you prefer free options, we've got 'em. Keep reading for the best parks in Indiana. 

Have the best summer ever at one of these great Indiana parks!

Plainfield, Indiana: Hummel Park

There are many little parks tucked away in Plainfield, but several of the city parks are all in one place! From Main Street (State Road 40) to Hadley Road, you'll find a skate park, an older park with a merry-go-round, baseball diamonds, an old-fashioned curly slide, and even a little gazebo for weddings. Coming from State Rd. 40, Hummel Park is on the right just before Hadley Road.

Plainfield, Indiana: Hummel Park.

Hummel Park in Plainfield is full of surprises. White Lick Creek runs through it, there are hiking and biking trails, a play area, a splash pad, and so many things to do. When you cross the bridge over the creek, you'll find an amazing wedding pavilion and additional play spaces.

Walk or bike the path around East Co. Rd. 600 S, and you'll discover a lake perfect for fishing.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Garfield Park

Garfield Park is one of the most beautiful city parks. There are many free things to do scheduled year around. They also offer activities that only cost a few dollars per person.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Garfield Park

They have an awesome pool at the Burrello Family Center. It also has gyms, food, and seasonal special events. The Garfield Park Arts Center offers many classes for children and adults. In the past we even taught a few drama classes here. Don't miss their Halloween and Christmas events.

Things to do at Garfield Park: Halloween.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Eagle Creek Park

Is as big as state park! Eagle Creek Park offers a beach, many playgrounds, shelters, wedding pavilions, an ornithology center, a yoga retreat, canoeing, a zip line, and an earth science center... all for the price to park your car. Read more about it: Things to do at Eagle Creek Park.

Indianapolis, Indiana: 100 Acre Woods

Indianapolis, Indiana: 100 Acre Woods.

Avon, Indiana: Washington Township Park

Offers a fishing lake, beautiful trails with bridges, a splash pad, wedding area, playground, sledding hill, and seasonal events.

Danville, Indiana: Ellis Park

Offers a nearby public pool, playground, baseball diamonds, wading creek, and seasonal events including a holiday light display.

Mooresville, Indiana: Pioneer Park

Offers a seated zip line, a pool, many playgrounds, camps, hiking and bike trails, baseball diamonds, and seasonal events. This is our pick for the best city park in Indiana.

Mooresville Park Pool.


Halloween Trail Activities at Pioneer Park in Mooresville.

Speedway Indiana: Park

Offers a nearby soccer field (at the school), a unique playground, a gazebo, and seasonal events.

Meadowood Park in Speedway. Photo from Speedway Daily Photo.

New Castle, Indiana: Memorial Park

This is a huge county park. It offers a sledding hill, fishing lakes, more adorable ducks and geese than you can imagine, many shelters for events, 4-H events, several playground areas, a beautiful golf course, an amphitheater, and so much more.

Memorial Park New Castle Indiana.

Noblesville, Indiana: Forest Park

Offers a pool, a train museum and train rides, camps, hiking and bike trails, sand volleyball fields, baseball diamonds, a carousel, mini golf, and seasonal events.

Noblesville Forest Park Carousel. Photo by Erinne Sikcih.

Spring Mill, Indiana: Spring Mill State Park

This historical park is 90 minutes from Indianapolis, but worth the drive. Beautiful historic buildings include the old mill and a blacksmith shop. The park also has picnic shelters, hiking trails, and playgrounds.

Spring Mill State Park.

Recommended:

Things to do in Indiana

Great Times Theme Park Indianapolis

Things to do in Indianapolis in Summer: Great Times

Have a Great Time this Summer in Indy

This summer has taken forever to get here, but we see the signs, and we're following them! If you are looking for things to do in Indianapolis this summer, we've got a fun activity for you. Don't forget to bring the BANANA BOAT® Sunscreen, you'll need it with all of the great, summer, outdoor activities. Indiana weather changes minute by minute. You never know what kind of weather you're going to get! We decided to spend the day exploring all of the fun things to do at Great Times in Indy. The best activities are the outdoor ones. That's why we stopped at Walmart to get some BANANA BOAT® products.

BANANA BOAT®  Sunscreen has products for swimming, sporting, and lounging on the beach.

BANANA BOAT® has a tons of products for kids. Whether you are sporty, swim in a pool, or on the beach, BANANA BOAT® has you covered. If your kids are like mine, they hate being covered in sunscreen, especially if they aren't swimming. The spray on sunscreen from BANANA BOAT® is perfect for kids in a hurry to get to the fun activities.

What is the best sunscreen for Summer Activities for kids?

So, you need to make it as fun as possible. We made up a song to sing while applying sunscreen. You've heard you are supposed to sing your ABC's to brush your teeth, why not sing to apply sunscreen too! Each time you reapply, be sure to sing the sunscreen song! The lyrics to our song are shared below. Make it a part of your sunscreen routine.

• Sunscreen, sunscreen, protect my skin while I play.
• Sunscreen, sunscreen keep me safe all through the day.

Did you know that sun protection requires 1 oz.every 2 hours in the sun? I didn't. Be sure to apply about 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to yourself and your kids' entire bodies 30 minutes before going outside and then reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

So, now that we're all prepared for a great time in the sun, let's talk about Great Times Family Fun Center. We went on a Thursday and to our delight, all activities were all inclusive from 11-6 with the purchase of an $11.50 per person, three hour wrist band. Yep, we spent 3 hours in the sun! And guess what... You guessed it! No sunburn.

First, the bumper boats!

Bumper Boats in Indianapolis at Great Times.

Their favorite thing to do was ride the go-karts, the ride is nice and long. These are on an all concrete track in full sun, so don't forget to reapply your sunscreen.

Go karting at Great Times is a fun thing to do in Indy in the sun!

There's also a very cool miniature golf course.

Things to do in Indianapolis in Summer: Great Times.

After all of the fun in the sun, you can go inside for a bite to eat, play games, or climb through the maze room. We'll be spending a lot of time here this summer. Good thing we have our trusty BANANA BOAT® SPF 50.

Banana Boat® Sunscreen SPF 50 Kids Free.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Banana Boat® . The opinions and text are all mine.

Recommended:


Things to do in Indy with Kids


Summer Camp Games to Play Outdoors


Summer Games to Play Outdoors*

Eagle Creek Park Earth Discovery Center and Bird Sanctuary: The Perfect After-School or Summer Camp Activity

Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis has a lot to offer when it comes to Things to do in Indiana

TwitPintGoogle PSeptember 14, 2011

Take a scavenger hunt and find animals hidden in the mural.

One of of my favorite things to do in Indianapolis is to visit Eagle Creek Park. The park is full of fun, free (or nearly free), educational things to do with kids. The activities are spread out, so ask for a map when you enter the gate. I say free, but your car is charged a small fee to get through the gate.

Eagle Creek Park Earth Discovery Center offers educational activities.

We enjoy bird watching at the Bird Sanctuary, Friday Night Frog Watches for Families, Swimming at the Beach, and visiting the Earth Discovery Center which is full of science and nature programs. You can visit the air-conditioned Earth Discovery Center and do a self-guided tour to learn about turtles, frogs, and other creatures that inhabit the park. We especially like the scavenger hunt room. They also offer summer camps and afterschool programs. If you are adventurous and want to spend some money try the Go Ape experience.

Eagle Creek Bird Sanctuary:
The Perfect After-School or Summer Camp Activity

When you visit the largest park in Marion County and one of the largest city parks in the nation, you will discover many treasures hidden among the 3,900 acres of land and 1,400 acre reservoir. The Ornithology Center or Bird Sanctuary is accessed by two main gates, which charge $3 per bicycle, $5 per vehicle, and $50 for a season pass.

Homeschool activities at Eagle Creek Park

Need to unwind after-school? The Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center is the perfect place. On most Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m. you can take your children to 'Meet a Raptor.' Park Staff will introduce you to a live bird of prey and even let you get up close and personal in an intimate setting. It is a great opportunity to sneak educational programming into an afternoon of fun.

Eagle Creek Ornithology Center: 

Field Trip Info or Homeschool Groups

The Center is nestled between the reservoir and a fun frog pond, which offers many opportunities for bird and frog watching. Check the special events calendar for "Friday Night Frog Watches" where you can learn to identify the various sounds of frogs vs. birds. Also, outside the center, (weather permitting) rescued hawks and owls are exhibited in special cages. A rustic deck, perfect for outdoor picnics, overlooks the reservoir.

Inside, boasts two bird viewing areas complete with binoculars and reference materials. One area overlooks the reservoir. Here, you can challenge your children to a game of eye spy that focuses on the various bird species flying over the water.

On any given day, you will spy a Great Blue Heron, Loon, or one of the two-hundred and sixty other species of Indiana Birds that call Eagle Creek Park home. Kids won't need binoculars to view the circus of squirrels that have taken over the manmade bird sanctuary fighting with Blue Jays and frightening Cardinals.

The indoor exhibit is filled with Indiana wildlife in their natural habitat and interactive computer kiosks with fun facts. The best kept secret is the kiosk which allows you to listen to various bird songs, match them with the appropriate picture, and even compose a little tune of your own. All of this is included with the park's general admission. For an additional fee the park offers after-school programming at the Earth Discovery Center.

Programs and Activity Calendar

Make a day of it in the summer and visit the beach too. Swimming is $3-4 per person, they have lifeguards, and life jackets are available on request. Yes, there is acutally sand on the beach. Enjoy!

Recommended Reading:

Beginning Birdwatching for Kids

Things to do in Indiana

National Geographic Kids Bird Guide of North America: The Best Birding Book for Kids from National Geographic's Bird Experts

Birds, Nests and Eggs (Take Along Guides)