Visit Telescope Indiana: IU Link Observatory

Homeschool Science Field Trip: Visit the Link Telescope


If you are looking for something different to do in Indiana, visit the IU Link Observatory Telescope between Mooresville and Martinsville, Indiana. It's a one tank trip from most places in Indiana, and it makes a great homeschool science field trip. Psst... It's not just for homeschoolers and science junkies. Architects, historians, and gardeners will love it too! Keep reading to find out why.

The Link Observatory is a magnificent piece of architecture in a beautiful setting. It sits atop a hill adjacent to a Daffodil garden. Completed in 1939, for Dr. Goethe Link, the domed structure is made of local wood from the property. The dome swivels for a panoramic view of the night sky. Until the 1980's the observatory was used for astronomical research. However, as the the city lights of Indianapolis grew, it made star viewing increasingly difficult.

The adjacent Daffodil garden is the perfect setting for a family picnic, to catch up on reading, to walk your dog, or to paint the gorgeous landscape. The day we visited, an artist was painting a lovely watercolor painting of the dome.

And this happened in 2018, Indiana native, David Wolf, electrical engineer, medical doctor, and astronaut, joined the Link Observatory Space Science Institute staff as Chief Science Officer. Dr. Wolf works with the Institute on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) educational programming, public engagement, and fundraising.

Link live events take place at area libraries. You can also invite them to do a program at your school, camp, or other event. Check the Link Telescope Event Calendar for activities at the observatory and within the surrounding communities. The Link Observatory is free to the public on the 1st Saturday of each month for night sky viewing and the 2nd Thursday of each month from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm for daytime tours of the telescope and facility.

We visited on a free Thursday. The docent was full of fun facts, science humor, and shared the interesting history of the observatory. It seems Mrs. Goethe planted and cultivated the Daffodils. There are several different species, still blooming after all of these years. 


Tips for your Visit:

Don't expect anyone to greet you at the door. Just walk in and head up the steps to see the telescope.

If you visit during the day, pack a picnic lunch. You can tour the facility in under 20 minutes, but be sure to let the guide share the telescope's history with you. We even got a demonstration of the dome pivoting around its track.

When you're done, head over to Martinsville to visit the Martinsville Candy Kitchen or the Martinsville Farmer's Market.



Recommended:

Indiana: Between Camby and Moorseville on State Rd. 67 visit the Dr. Who Store and Museum

For more one tank trips and family friendly vacation ideas follow us on Instagram or check out our  Things to Do on Vacation page.

Click here to find some cool kids telescopes.

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.

Cincinnati Vacation Ideas: Family Fun

Visit Cincinnati with Kids

Planning a day trip to Cincinnati with kids? There's lots to do. You'll probably want to stay a few days to enjoy everything the Cincinnati area has to offer families while on vacation. We lived in Cincinnati for a few years and still live close enough to take a regular one tank trip. These Cincinnati vacation ideas are sure to please. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

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

What are the Best Ideas to get Kids to Exercise

 How to Get Your Kids Interested in Exercise

Nowadays, with all of the video games and gadgets available, it’s difficult to get kids to put away their screens and try something active. This has led to a huge rise in childhood obesity and health problems related to sedentary behavior. As a parent, you want your child to be as happy and healthy as possible, so how can you encourage them to become more interested in exercise rather than playing video games or watching TV? Here are some of the best ideas to get kids to exercise to give you inspiration.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Photo by Hunter Johnson on Unsplash

Ways to get Children to Exercise:

Try out a sport

If your child finds exercise ‘boring,’ then maybe they just haven’t found a sport they like yet. Sports are both lots of fun and a great way to burn extra calories, and team sports can also teach your child vital life skills like teamwork and cooperation. 

Volleyball is a fantastic, fast-paced sport that your kids will love. If you buy volleyball equipment to play this sport at home, then you’ll need to make sure you look after it so it doesn’t get damaged. In particular, volleyball ball pumps are essential for keeping the ball in perfect condition.

Go to after-school clubs

If you don’t have the space or equipment for your kids to play sports at home, then you can sign them up for after-school sports clubs instead. These clubs will have much better facilities and will be able to teach your child more about the sport, helping them reach their full potential. Additionally, your child will participate with other children at these clubs, which will help them make new friends and learn how to collaborate.

Walk to school

A small change you could make to your child’s routine is walking them to school instead of driving them there (or letting them walk alone if they’re old enough). This will get them used to moving more and will reduce their total amount of sedentary behavior. 

Try sports and dance games

A fun family activity that’ll get you all moving is sports or dance games. Although video games often reduce your child’s activity levels, these games actually make them get up and move around in order to win. Games like Just Dance are also extremely fun and competitive - you’ll be having as much fun and getting as much exercise as the kids!

Just Dance Nintendo Switch

Ask them what activities they like

Most importantly, you can’t get your kids interested in exercise if you don’t listen to what they’d like to do. Forcing them to take part in sports and activities they hate will only make them resent exercise. For example, you may find out that your child prefers competitive team sports, solitary sports like running, or simply going for long walks. You may also find that your child isn’t very interested in sports but loves creative activities like dance. Try out a variety of activities to see what works for them.

Once you’ve found a form of exercise that your child enjoys, it’ll be so much easier to establish healthy habits and avoid harmful sedentary behaviors. Whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy the ride!

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Try Doing Summer Camp at Home

Homeschool Curriculum Resources

Supplemental Resources for Educators

Thanks to Oriental Trading for these curriculum resources.

Whether you're a homeschool parent or a classroom teacher, these curriculum resources from Oriental Trading are a great way to supplement learning. From the hundreds of items in the Oriental Trading catalog, we chose these items to supplement our homeschool curriculum. If you're looking for supplemental homeschool curriculum resources, be sure to check them out.

This post contains affiliate links.

Airbrush Marker Set, Money and Time Flashcards, Fraction Spinners, Ruler Tape, and World Map.

Last year, both kids attended Indiana Connections Academy online. We started our homeschool journey with them and after a few years of homeschooling on our own, decided to enroll again. It allowed both kids to take assessment tests. We discovered they both had jumped another grade level. However, Mayhem had some math learning disabilities and special needs.

Homeschool Curriculum Resources 

Connections Academy was great about testing her and getting her the help she needed, but this year we decided it would be better to once again go it on our own. This way, we can better address her mathematics learning gaps.

So, Jake will attend INCA as a 9th grader... Did you get that? He's officially in high school this year. Yikes! Mayhem is officially a 7th grader. By age, they should be in 5th and 7th. Which makes me skeptical about that assessed math disability.

There's certainly an issue, but she works very well at 4th & 5th grade level math. Her language arts assessment was college level and science and social studies were all above grade level, which is why they placed her in the 6th grade last year.

Homeschooling on our own allows us to tailor the curriculum to her specific grade level needs. We are using MobyMax to help with that. MobyMax finds and corrects learning gaps.

Tri-Facta math game for multiplication and division memory.

We ordered this educational math game, Tri-Facta, from OT. It's sort of like Scrabble for numbers. Even though Jake is a math whiz, he enjoyed the game.

It's a nice alternative to flashcards. We also got Time and Money flashcards, cool ruler tape, and fraction spinners. Everything You Need to Ace Math in one Big Fat Notebook is an awesome math book for reluctant mathematicians. It's written in note taking form and explains math concepts in a fun, easy to understand manner. Click here to find the resources at Oriental Trading.

If your kids like to color, this World Chart map (pictured below) is a great supplemental activity for geography and social studies. It comes with a booklet of facts. The idea is to find the fact's map location and then color it. We also got an airbrush set for future art lessons.

Social Studies Lesson: Color Chart the World Map.

Social Studies Resource from MindWare, Color Chart Map.

Just for fun, Teacher a.k.a. Mom, drug the kiddos out of bed for a 'I just woke up' shot to share on social media. Everyone always shares their back to school first day of school pictures and we didn't want to be left out.

For us, the first day of school means getting up a little earlier- okay, a lot earlier, but not as early as a traditional school day. No new haircuts, no new backpacks, no new shoes, no new school clothes. Just old pajamas. Well, really, old comfy clothes for sleeping. No matching necessary. We'll get dressed if we run out of food and need to make a trip to the grocery store. A trip to a fast food restaurant doesn't require getting dressed...

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Homeschool Lessons from Kids Creative Chaos

Indiana Field Trip Ideas

Homeschool Curriculum Resources on Amazon

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