Things to do in Indy with Teenagers

Fun Activities to do with Teens in Greater Indianapolis

Did you type in your search bar, 'fun activities with teens near me' or  'things to do with teens near me?' If you're looking for fun things to do with teenagers in Indiana, we're compiling a list and editing it often! No matter the season, whether you live in Indiana or you're on vacation, you'll find things to do with teens as a family. These Indiana things to do are also perfect for your teenagers birthday parties.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Things to do with Teens in the Greater Indianapolis Area

Fishers Castleton Noblesville Carmel

• Axe Throwing for Kids and Teenagers, ages 10 and up, Castleton, Indiana. Look for Groupon Deals. (Archery coming soon!)

Axe Throwing Review, Kid Friendly?

Oh my gosh, it's fun! Is axe throwing safe for kids? Well, it's no less safe for kids than it is for adults, particularly for adults who've been drinking. Is axe throwing safe? If you follow the rules, if you go slow, if you pay attention to your surroundings, yes! 

They'll give you a quick lesson, tips, and rules to follow. Make sure everyone listens. For me, the hardest thing to remember was to wait for the other thrower to throw BEFORE you go after your axe. Think of it like bowling. Be polite and go one at a time. Then, when you're both done throwing, go together to retrieve your axes. 

Tip:  It's a hour. It seems pricey for an hour, but you'll be tired and your muscles will ache. Got a kid who doesn't listen and likes to run around? Don't bring them here. Everyone is required to sign a waiver.

Love it? They also offer axe throwing leagues... for real.

• Tomahawk Throwing at Conner Prairie, Fishers, Indiana. Ask about Tomahawk Throwing when you purchase your ticket at the gate. There's lots to do at Conner Prairie, but this is probably the thing teenagers will most enjoy. Conner Prairie also offers balloon rides, weather permitting.

• Bounce U,  Read our Bounce U Fishers Review, Fishers, Indiana. (Look for coupon deals with Google Search.)

Tip:  What makes Bounce U more teen friendly than other bounce and jump places? It's not all slides and bounce houses. You can box, sumo, and joust. Also, they lead the teens in the activities while you sit and use the wifi or participate, whichever you prefer.

Inflatable Sumo Suit for Teen Birthday Party

• Dave and Buster's, Castleton, Indiana is a fun place for teenagers. They offer many youth activities including birthday parties for teens and kids of all ages. Enjoy bowling, pool, arcade games, virtual reality games, and dancing games

• Woodland Bowl on 96th Street, Indianapolis offers fun teen activities like bowling, Pirate Laser Tag and Miniature Golf.

Avon Clermont Danville Plainfield Speedway

• Western Bowl, near Plainfield and Speedway Indiana

• Roller City is just across the parking lot from Western Bowl. Offering $2 Tuesdays.

• Beasley's Orchard Apple Festival, Danville, Indiana. Apple Cannons and lots more, but your teen will love shooting the apple cannons. Thank me now.

Get Water Balloon Slingshot 

• Lucas Oil Raceway Drag Races, Clermont, Indiana.

Your teens with racing aspirations can participate in Wild Wednesdays with a signed, notarized waiver. They'll love you forever... if they live through it. 

• Take your Teens to Jail at the Hendrick's County Historical Museum, Danville, Indiana.

Indianapolis Downtown with Teens

• If you're cool with sexual innuendo (and who isn't?) and you have older teens, eat at Dick's Last Resort, downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.

• 10 Things to do in Indianapolis with Kids (Read our list for kids of all ages.)

• Top 10 Things to do with Teens in Indy from Yelp

Beech Grove Greenwood Franklin Whiteland

• Great Times just outside of Beech Grove, Indiana, off I-465 is a fun place to take teens when in the Indy area. Teenagers can race karts, ride boats, and then head next door to the Expo Bowl bowling alley which offers a Laser Tag experience.

• Rascal's Fun Zone, Whiteland, Indiana

• Urban Air, Franklin, Indiana

This place is fun for everyone, but teens will especially like the climbing wall, indoor ziplines, jousting and more. 

Camby Mooresville Martinsville Bloomington

• Dr. Who Store, Camby, Indiana

• Pioneer Park Flying Soaring Eagle Zipline, Mooresville, Indiana. This zipline is mommy friendly too. Afraid of heights? Hold your breath, but take a chance. This is an Eagle shaped car (think an amusement ride) you sit in and fly through the trees. Best part? It's only $5 per rider. The park also has an awesome swimming pool, trails, and a covered bridge.

Ziplines for Backyards.

• Double B Arena, Mooresville, Indiana, Mutton Busting and Bull Riding. You read that right, your teens and preteens can ride a bull for $20 and other rodeo experiences. Bring your ambulance.

• IU Link Observatory, Martinsville/Mooresville, Indiana

Recommended:


Indiana Indy Field Trip Ideas for Kids

Fun Things to do with Kids (Vacation and Staycation Ideas)

Best Parks in Indiana for Family Fun



More to come, we'll be updating this post monthly. For more things to do with teenagers in Indy stay informed on our  Kids Creative Chaos Instagram profile.

How to Renovate a Nursery for First Time Parents

How do you Plan a Nursery?

The prospect of becoming a first-time parent is an equally daunting and exciting journey. There are many things that need to be done in preparation for your baby’s arrival, and for first-time parents, the list can often seem never-ending and overwhelming. Wondering how do you plan a nursery? A key task within that list is decorating the nursery, and organizing a space for the newest member of the family. Although it’s a joyous project, there are various factors and small details that are required to create the perfect nursery for your baby. Here at We Buy Any Home we’ve composed a guide on how to renovate a nursery for first time parents, along with things to include and some helpful tips. This article is written by Holly Herbert.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Planning a Nursery Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1- Make A Plan:

It’s no question that preparing for the arrival of the baby takes planning, and planning the nursery is no exception. Your nursery will serve as a multi-functional room, not only will it be the place where your baby will eventually sleep, but it's where you will dress them, change, teach and feed them. Ensuring you have an in-depth plan is a great way to make sure you have everything you need and no little detail is missing.

Nursery on a Budget Ideas

Step 2- Cleaning and Maintenance:

It’s vital that you ensure your future nursery is pristine before you begin to think about decorating. Babies are incredibly susceptible to germs that arise through dust, pet hair and mold, so it's important that you spend a good amount of time cleaning all surface areas. However, try to refrain from using harsh chemicals when cleaning as the fumes can linger in the air and be toxic if inhaled by your baby. 

It’s important to consider the smaller factors about the room. Are there drafty windows? Is the main light overbearing? Do the door hinges creak? All these small maintenance checks need to be fixed prior to the arrival of your baby, as you want them to have the most comfortable time in their nursery.

Whimsical Nursery Decor Ideas

Step 3- Themes and Painting:

Once you have decided where you are going to put the nursery, then it's time to get creative. If you're thinking about painting then your options are limitless. Traditional colors are usually pink and blue, however neutral color palettes are becoming increasingly popular for a minimalist feel to the room. If you're thinking of being extra creative then you may want to consider going with a theme or perhaps a mural wall. A side note- if you opt to paint the nursery, make sure you buy a non-toxic paint that won't flake.

Don’t forget to decorate the ceiling too. Babies spend a lot of time on their backs, so why not give them a feature to look at. Consider adding a ceiling mural or a soothing color to enhance your nursery.

Under the Sea Children's Bathroom Decor

Step 4- A Focal Furniture Piece:

Most nurseries are centered around a focal piece of furniture such as a crib, but there are other options to choose from. A painted dresser can work well, or a large window or alcove. A small checklist of essential nursery items includes:

•  A cot (mattress and sheets too!)

• Changing table or mat.

• Nursing station.

• Storage for things like clothes and nappies (bibs.)

• Feeding chair.

A helpful tip is to ensure that everything is in reach of the changing table- including wipes, changing table covers, diaper disposal system, laundry hamper and a pacifier. This will allow you to reach for things with ease, avoid stress but more most importantly, keep your eye on your baby at all times. 

What Style Baby Sling are You?

Step 5- Don’t Forget About Flooring:

As your baby grows, you will notice that they will begin to spend more time on the floor- therefore it's an important factor to consider before they get to that stage. If you’re opting to lay down a carpet, ensure it’s a shade that won't highlight stains and spills.  Wooden floors are a popular choice, and you can put down a rug to add a pop of color and cushion any tumbles.

How to Make a Birthday Balloon Cupcake

Step 6- Sentiment:

This is your baby’s first room, so don’t forget to make it feel like home. Including items of sentiment for example, family photos, generational gifts such as soft toys and blankets are a neat touch to completing your nursery.

Recommended:

Portable Nursing Station

Educational Toy Ideas

Nursery Decor Ideas Amazon

Tips to get Baby to Sleep Through the Night

S.I.M.P. Squirrels in My Pants: Disney's Phineas and Ferb the BEST Live Tour Ever

What Does SIMP stand for? Ask Phineas and Ferb!

So, the show started out odd. I mean, way odd. We drove in only 45 minutes early and got a parking space directly across from the stadium for only $5, and it was nearly empty. That can't be good- right? I said nothing.

Banker's Life Fieldhouse.

My eight-year-old son feared Phineas and Ferb would just be people in costumes, so when the girl came out to prep the crowd he said, "Hey, this might not be so bad after all; I like it."  

I said nothing. 


She asked trivia, had them singing and dancing, and got everyone psyched- including Mr. Downer.

Getting psyched pre-show.

Then, a cartoon came on- Mr. Downer said, "Hey, this might be okay. I didn't know it was a movie."  

Again, I said nothing.

Phineas and Ferb for real.

Phineas and Ferb slid onto the stage straight out of the movie. Mr. Downer crossed his arms over his chest and said, "See! I was right after all. This is going to be dumb just like I said."

I said nothing.

We love Perry the Platypus.

But, when Perry and Dr. Doofenshmirtz hit the scene, I caught him leaning forward in his seat and smiling, of course; I said nothing.

Perry was a hit. Did I mention, we just love Perry?  Anyway, all was going well until a mash-up scene with giant beach balls golf balls. The entertainers actors tossed the balls out into the crowd. 

How fun! Everyone cheered and Mr. Downer smiled, but so did Daddy. He was having the best time; he sang all the songs; he batted the ball that finally came to our seats... did I mention he was having a great time?

Stupid Daddy, he batted the ball away. Mr. Downer was excited to hit it. It was clearly the highlight of the show. Little sister, Mayhem stood in her chair, and Daddy was oblivious. That was that; the ball never came back to us.

Sister cried and put her head under her chair. Brother crossed his arms over his chest and said, "That was the worst show ever!"

I said nothing, but I scowled at Daddy. He shrugged his shoulders, "What? I thought it was going to hit them on the head." Giant, cushy balloon Daddy, poor excuse.

Final Scene with lots of fun confetti.

Confetti, magical confetti. Did you know it has healing properties? Even as they tried to kick us out the kids collected confetti.

Oh, the confetti.

So, what was your favorite part of the show?  "I liked the confetti!"  Well, that's fair, I mean they spent a lot of money on the Monster Truck, performers, and those Squirrel Pants were pretty funny, (I'll be singing that song forever: "S-I-M-P. Squirrels in my pants. I've got squirrels in my pants.") but if you liked the confetti who am I to judge? 

Oh, wait. I only thought that; what I said was... 

Nothing.

Ringling Brothers Dragons.

Can't wait for Disney on Ice, Worlds of Fantasy with
Lightning McQueen and Buzz Lightyear.  

Bring a fat wallet for party favors.

The show was a little long for little ones, and it was a school night. Many seats were empty, but I think everyone must have been at the COLTS game. I mean, I liked the show. I thought it was fun. You should go- just don't let your Dad come.



Recommended:

Phineas and Ferb Stencils

Perry the Platypus DIY Costume

Phineas and Ferb Printables

Thanksgiving Crafts: Footprint Headband Native American hat craft for kids

Native American Headband Craft to make with Footprints for Preschool

This is an easy paper footprint craft to make to teach preschoolers about the first Thanksgiving with Pilgrims and Native Americans. Enjoy!

Footprint headband hat craft to make.

Gobbles and Giggles Class

Oh What fun! I taught a Seasonal Celebrations class with a Thanksgiving theme. We traced our feet onto colored construction paper. This is a great tactile activity for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as, a fun way to learn colors.

Kids love to use scissors! Half the fun was cutting the paper into pieces while the Mommies and Grandmas cut out the feet.

Thanksgiving Crafts: Footprint Headband Native American Hat Craft for Kids.

Make a headband from small strips of paper, attach it with staples or tape, then hand the kiddos a glue stick and let them get busy sticking those feathered feet onto the band. It's a nifty twist on the traditional, Native American headdress. 

We read, "Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving" and Played Broomstick Toss. We hugged the turkey dubbed, Princess Emma, goodbye.

Giant Balloon Turkey.

Recommended Reading:
Paper Bag Indian Dress
Turkey Races Game
Turkey Marshmallows
Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks (Reading Railroad)

Try These 9 New Year Activities for Kids: Games for a Night of Family Fun

Here are 9 fun New Year Activities for Kids for a night of family fun and games! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Are you staying home with the kids? Looking for fun games and activities to play on New Year's Eve? Try these 9 ideas to celebrate and have a great party with kids. Enjoy!

New Year's Activities for Kids.

• Marshmallows and Straws
• Monsters, Wizards, and Elves in a Rec Room
• Balloon Drop Pop and Printable
• New Year Rocket Popper
• Whip Cream and Gummi Worms Party Game
• Midnight Care Package or Fortune Gifts
• New Year's Noisemakers
• Chinese New Year Dragon Template Printable Stencil
• New Year's Day Bagel Breakfast Sparkler

Recommended Reading:

Holiday Games and Recipes for Get-Togethers*

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! :)

Top 10 Reasons to Hate Juice Packs, Recycle Plastic Bottles

Recycle Plastic Bottles for Lunch

Recycle Kid's Trash to Ease Mommy Woes. Hate Juice Packs? We're always looking for new ways to recycle plastic bottles. The juice pack mess really sparked this idea. How do you teach your kids to recycle? Enjoy!

How do you teach your kids to recycle? 

Ways to Recycle Plastic Bottles

Here are 10 reasons to hate juice packs:

1.  Straw wrappers. Everywhere.
2.  "Mommy, I can't get a straw in here!" (But they want to, try really hard, and squeeze juice everywhere.)
3.  Little dots of juice turned dirt magnets on the carpet. Everywhere.
4.  One box takes up a lot of fridge room and only lasts one day. Expensive, considering.
5.  Pouches in landfills. Everywhere.
6.  Half-full pouch tossed in trash because kids too lazy too squeeze out last drop.
7.  "I don't like Kiwi Strawberry." "I don't like lemonade." "Wah!" (Complaints)
8.  "Look, it's a volcano!" Everywhere.
9.  Added sugar.
10. Instant Balloon toys, need I say more?


Solution:
Recycle mini-soda bottles, fill with healthy drinks of your choice or even Kool-aid. Saves money, the environment, and Mommy headaches. 

Reuse Plastic Bottles: Kid's choose their favorite flavor and reseal for later.


Store recycled mini-plastic bottles in the bottom of fridge door for easy access: 
Allows for preschooler independence!

Of course, water bottles work too; maybe try it for lazy grown-ups or portion control.

Recommended Reading:

Uses for Plastic Bottles

Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons* 

Recycle a Bottle into a Valentine Card Holder

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! :)

How to Have the Best New Year Eve Party with Kids

Ideas for the Best New Year Eve Party 

What does it take to have the best new year eve party ever with kids? It depends on your expectations, of course. If you want to throw a memorable party with glitz and polish, planning is a necessity. However, a spur of the moment party with family and close friends can become a favorite memory. We're sharing some tips on how to have the best New Year's party with kids. The key is to have fun foods and simple games that everyone can play together. Scroll down for games and activities for your party. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Dory Bathroom Decor Ideas for Kids

Got a Finding Dory Fan? Decorate Your Bathroom in an Under the Sea Theme

Got a little one who is a big fan of Nemo or Finding Dory? If so, you'll want to decorate your bathroom in an under the sea theme. These fish decor ideas make perfect Dory bathroom decor ideas for kids. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links.

So, we've got SpongeBob fans who are even bigger carnival games fans. You know, pop the balloon with a dart, pull a duck out of a baby pool, toss a ping pong ball in a fishbowl. What do you do with all of those tiny little stuffed animals? We give a lot to Goodwill, but we always have a fresh supply. When we moved to our new (old) house I noticed a fish switch plate, so decided to go with an under sea bathroom theme. Add a set of fun fish curtains for a kids' bathroom and you're good to go!

Notice our SpongeBob is pink? He's a special stuffy for Breast Cancer Awareness. We just couldn't give these guys up- each one of them is a special memory from a fun, family vacation or holiday gift.

These are easy to hang with fishing line or kite string. Attach the string to the stuffed animal with a straight pin and then use an office push pin to hang it from the ceiling. I wrapped one end of the string around the pin and then made sure to poke through the end of the string when I poked the pin into the ceiling.

So, there's a story or two here. We have ducks. We like ducks. We have Guppies. The guppy cross-stitch was created by me in 1987! I guess it's my modern form of a stitch sampler. The many ducks came from my son's first bathroom when he was only one year old. The biggest duck is a stuffed animal that is coated in a scented wax and serves as a room freshener.  How to make a wax stuffed animal room freshener,

One of those duckies above is a night light. Don't forget to add the right lighting, an aqua glass sconce is the perfect companion lighting for an under the sea theme bathroom.

Before we moved, we had a powder room decorated in a whimsical Winnie the Pooh theme. I made a border around the wall with rubber stamps and stencils and then colored it in with pastels. I couldn't let it go and now most of the Pooh decor is in my kitchen. 

Yep, whimsy would probably be a good word to describe me. Do you have a fun bathroom decor idea? Share it with us in the comments.

Recommended:

Cool Dory Stuff

Cool Ideas for Kids Curtains

Whimsical Nursery Room Furniture and Decor

Under Sea Wall Decals

Jakes Jokes for Kids - 12 Silly Kid Jokes and Riddles

Jake's jokes for kids and funny things kids say are updated and listed all in one place in our Jake's Jokes/Ask Amanda tab above. Here's our latest list of silly jokes and riddles for kids.

1. What has many limbs but can't move. ( A tree.)
2. What did the mother ghost say to the baby ghost? (Don't spook until spooken too.)
3. Why did the gingerbread man go to the hospital? (He was feeling crumby.)
4. Why did the farmer plant gold in his farm? (To make the soil richer.)
5. Knock knock. Who's there. Owls. Owls who? (Yes they do!)
6. What has three feet but can't run? (A yard stick!)
7. What is the tallest building in the city? (A library because it has the most stories.)
8. What blows up but doesn't explode? (Possible answers: a balloon, a blowfish.)
9. What do you call Dracula? (A pain in the neck.)
10. What dinosaur raps? (A VelociRAPtor.)
11. What did Susan B. Anthony coin say to the quarter? (Together we make a lot sense/cents.)
12. What dog can jump higher than a building? (Any dog, buildings can't jump!)

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Benjamin Harrison Activities

Fun Facts and Activities about Benjamin Harrison

When was Benjamin Harrison President? Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States. He was the last President to serve as a Civil War General. His history (his story) is lesser known than that of other Presidents, but it is very interesting. These Benjamin Harrison activities and lessons will help you learn all about the grandson of President William Henry Harrison. Enjoy!

Benjamin Harrison Activities. 

First, the facts!

• Harrison was President from 1889-1893.
• He was born in North Bend, Ohio in 1833.
• Republican
• He lived in Indianapolis for many years.
• Married twice, his second wife was the niece of his first wife.
• He died of Pneumonia on March 13, 1901.
• James Whitcomb Riley delivered his eulogy. 

*Facts found on Benjamin Harrison website.

Watch a video about Benjamin Harrison on the History Channel.

Picture of President Benjamin Harrison.

What did Benjamin Harrison sound like?

Immerse yourself in history when you take a tour of the Benjamin Harrison home in Indianapolis. We visited on President's Day and had the privilege of "meeting" President Harrison. They offer school tours and homeschool days. They are open every day except Sunday from 10:30-3:30. The parking and restroom facilities are conveniently located near the Welcome Center. Tours start in the Welcome Center.

President Harrison Home Field Trip.

Visit the President Harrison Welcome Center for a School Tour.

Brig. General Benjamin Harrison.

Carriage House Welcome Center at Benjamin Harrison Home.

Field Trip Ideas: President Benjamin Harrison Home Tour.

Lessons and Activities:

Win the Whitehouse Presidential Election Game

Benjamin Harrison Word Search Activity

Looking for a civics lesson? iCivics is an amazing site founded by Sandra Day O'Conner that is chock full of history and social studies lessons. Sign up for FREE to play fun online social studies games.

More President Lesson Activities.

Below, check out the scenes from President Harrison's Indiana home.

Presidential Quilt on Benjamin Harrison's Bed.

Benjamin Harrison and daughter.

Sleigh in front lawn of Harrison Home.

Piano in Benjamin Harrison's Parlor.

Benjamin Harrison's Parlor.

Kitchen with Icebox in Harrison Home.

Dining Room of Harrison Home.

Kitchen in Harrison Home: Reliant Windsor Stove.

Harrison and Lincoln China in Harrison Home. Lincoln China is purple on second shelf, Harrison China on top shelf designed by Mrs. Harrison.

Silk and Satin Quilt in Benjamin Harrison Home.

Abraham Lincoln for President Political Banner.

Benjamin Harrison's Carriage House.

Benjamin Harrison for President Banner.

Political Campaign Balloon.

President Benjamin Harrison Activities.

Recommended:

Books about Benjamin Harrison

Visit the Levi Coffin House in Indiana, learn about the Underground Railroad.

Abraham Lincoln Activities

Ways to Celebrate President's Day