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by Shelly on September 20, 2016 Leave a Comment

Corn Maze Guide for Central Indiana

What to Bring:

For liability reasons, most locations do not allow pets but call ahead if you’re wanting to bring your furry friend. Wear comfortable shoes – corn mazes can be up to 8 miles long and are on uneven terrain. Bring a stroller for children – larger wheel strollers are best for maneuvering through the mazes. Wagons are available at several locations free of charge. Bring your lunch or choose to stop at the concessions for a fall treat. Bug spray – with all the rain this year there are more mosquitoes than ever. Sunscreen for your non-corn-maze activities like pumpkin hunting or apple picking. Flashlights for those of you daring enough to try the mazes at night! Check the hours to make sure your location is open for night time hours. Some locations will have a haunted maze in the evening hours so be sure to check before taking small children (or moms like me who scare easily!) Also check out the websites for additional events such as Paintings and Potions, Civil War Reenactments and live bands!

Here’s a full list of Corn Mazes in Indiana

North

Exploration Acres

6042 Newcastle Rd, Lafayette, IN 47905

At Exploration Acres, there is so much to do. Once you arrive you can warm-up with a quick run through our straw bale maze, then visit our 18-acre corn maze with over 8 miles of twists and turns (the largest corn maze in northwest Indiana!). You can test your skill at a pedal car race, fire a three-ear corn cannon salute or dive into a mound of hay. Check the website for Thursday discounts as well as discounts for military, seniors and children. Phone: (765) 296-2863 Hours: Th-10AM-6PM Fr-6PM-11PM Sa-10AM-11PM Su-12PM-7PM.

Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch

12290 E 191st St, Noblesville, IN 46060

There are two corn mazes this year, depending on the amount of time you are wanting to spend at the farm and/or level of difficulty. A smaller 5 acre maze with a scavenger hunt theme is available for anyone wanting to find their way around while searching for designated farm items throughout the maze. A larger 10 acre, scavenger hunt maze is available for those with more time and eager for a real challenge. Phone: (317) 773-9078 Hours: September 24th and 25th, 10:00AM – 6:00PM and Every Saturday and Sunday in the month of October, 10AM-6PM.

South

Greendell Landscape Solutions

749 West SR 42, Mooresville, IN 46158

The Fall Festival is back again for 2016! Attractions: the Marauder’s Corn Maze, Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, 4-acre pumpkin patch, Straw maze and climb, Tire climb, Corn hole, Life-size Jenga, Tic-tac-toe, Checkers, Football toss, and Sack races. Phone: (317) 996-2826 Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 8AM – 5PM Thursday & Friday 8AM – 6PM Saturday 8AM – 5PM Sunday 10AM – 5PM

Kelsay Farms

6848 N 250 E, Whiteland, IN 46184

Kelsay Farms is a dairy farm that opens to the public the month of October. Attractions: 7-acre Corn Maze, Baby Barnyard, Bale Mountain, Human Moosball Foosball, Rope Maze, Corn Crib Play Area, Hayrides, Cornhole Games, Straw Play Area, Pumpkins and Moo Choo Express. Phone: (317) 535-9150 Hours: Friday 6 PM- 10 PM Saturday Noon – 10PM Sunday Noon – 6PM

East

Lark Ranch

1611 N. Meridian Rd. Greenfield, IN 46140

There is tons to do at Lark Ranch! Aside from pumpkin picking and the corn maze there is: Tree House Village, Jumping Pillow, Pony Rides, Gem Mine, Corn Box, Straw Maze, Rock Wall, Air Extreme and Bungee Trampoline. Phone: (812) 295-9000 Hours: Saturday 12AM-7PM Sunday 12AM-6PM

Piney Acres

1115 E 1000 N, Fortville, IN 46040

A fall visit to Piney Acres Farm in rural Hancock County is full of interactive hands-ons fun for the entire family! Our 73 acre farm is full of wide open space where families can connect and enjoy relaxed farm fun activities, both educational and entertaining, such as picking a pumpkin from our patch, hayrides, corn mazes, visiting with barnyard friends and autumn treats in our farm store. Phone: 317-326-1700 Hours: Sunday – Thursday Noon – 6PM Friday Noon – 10PM Saturday 10AM – 10PM

Tuttle Orchards

5717 N 300 W, Greenfield, IN 46140

Tuttle Orchards is a favorite central Indiana apple orchard and pumpkin patch in Indiana. Apple picking, pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm store, local food. Our corn maze includes an opportunity to complete activities as a family while finding your way through the maze. $5/person Phone: 317-326-2278 Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM. CLOSED SUNDAY.

West

Beasley’s Orchard & Gardens

2304 E Main St, Danville, IN 46122

Beasley’s offers a variety of family-friendly agri-entertainment activities throughout their season. Along with the ever-popular Corn Maze, every weekend in October, Beasley’s offers hayrides to their 15-acre U-Pick pumpkin patch, a giant Hay Mountain for young guests to climb, and our new Barnyard Bonanza which features: a giant jumping pillow, a spider web rope climber, and ball zone for testing your accuracy in throwing footballs, basketballs and baseballs! Phone: (317) Hours: Corn Maze- Fridays & Saturdays: 10AM-5PM Sundays: 12PM-5PM. Orchard: Monday-Saturday 9AM-6PM Sunday 12AM-6PM.

Hogan Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

8900 E County Rd 1000 N, Brownsburg, IN 46112

NEW for 2016! Come and walk through the corn maze and see how long it takes you to find your way out. This year’s maze is Presidential Election Themed! There will also be a petting zoo every weekend in October. Phone: (317) 450-5245 Hours: Tuesdays thru Thursdays 2PM-6PM Fridays thru Sundays 10AM-6PM. CLOSED MONDAYS.

If there are any Indiana locations you know of that we missed, please let us know! There are several locations that have done corn mazes in the past but will not be participating this year so be sure to check online or call before heading out.

by Shelly on August 26, 2016 Leave a Comment

Wee Wednesdays at the IMA

If you’re looking for a way to introduce art into your child’s life, greater Indianapolis has got you covered with Wee Wednesdays at the IMA! My favorite spot to learn about art is the Indianapolis Museum of Art but it’s not easy to be immersed in a painting or sculpture while shushing my two year old as she’s trying to climb the dragon vase. Thankfully the IMA shares my passion for children exploring the arts and has many options for families to explore the museum and grounds. We’ve been to the museum on Family Day, seen Saturday morning movies and just had the opportunity to check out Wee Wednesdays. Their programs range for children of all ages but Wee Wednesdays is perfect for my almost 3 year old.

What is ‘Wee Wednesdays’?

Wee Wednesdays is geared for children 2-5 but don’t let that stop you from bringing your younger children. There were several families that had their babies in a carrier or stroller while their toddler was able to be a part of the activities. You’ll meet Ashli in the lobby who will give your child an art smock as well as a name tag. If your child is like mine, and new to the program, they will refuse the smock and put their name tag on you. You’ll then head upstairs to the Star Studio Classroom where the guide will explain to the children what they’ll be looking for in the gallery by way of song. Our song was telling us we’d be looking for pets throughout the art work.

Off we went to the galleries with a photo in hand where the guide would have the children look at the photo and find that art piece within the gallery. Once all of the children had found the piece she would give a background on the piece in a way they found interesting.

The children loved circling up for story time right in the middle of the gallery to listen to a story called The Moose Belongs to Me. One piece of pottery we were looking for had a painting depicting a goat standing under an arch to symbolize it’s home. This piece of art lead us right back to the Star Studio where we made habitats for the finger puppet pets we were given.

We all talked about habitats and what that animal might need to survive in their home. I was very pleased with the integration of art education and nature at a level the toddlers could understand. It’s no surprise this event sells out within hours of it’s announcement.

It was coming close to nap time but we couldn’t leave without a short round of mini golf (free with admission). Although she was no Tiger Woods, she giggled with excitement at each new hole we came upon. You can also find a snack bar outside at the mini golf area but we opted to have lunch at the IMA Cafe. The food at the IMA Cafe is delicious but next time I’d like to pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the gardens or 100 Acres.

More Information

Wee Wednesdays runs every Wednesday from 11a-noon at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The Museum is located at 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Meet in the lobby with activities taking place in the Star Studio. $8 Members | $12 non-members | Free for grown-ups and children under 2 (ticket required). Registration for this even it required and it sells out within hours of the announcement. Unfortunately the remaining dates through December of 2016 are sold out but you can sign up for the newsletter to be first informed for the next session. To be placed on the waitlist email weewednesdays@imamuseum.org. For more information, visit imamuseum.org or call (317)- 923-1331

by Shelly on August 6, 2016 2 Comments

Doc McStuffins at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

I love living in Indy! The newest exhibit at The Children’s Museum is Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins!

“Experience the first-ever museum exhibit based on Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-winning television series “Doc McStuffins” as it opens at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit debuts August 6, 2016 and will travel to other venues around the country starting in 2017.”

Doc McStuffins started as an idea creator Chris Nee thought up to help her son not be as scared while visiting the doctor as he was treated for asthma. I love stories of parents who create something that helps make their children happy and it turns into something grand that makes millions of children happy! It has transformed from a 2D TV show to an interactive experience where children can explore health care in a fun environment. Children are invited to help Doc perform check-ups and diagnose toy patients, while learning about healthy habits, compassion and nurturing care.

The Exhibit

As you enter the exhibit you’re transported to Doc’s backyard playhouse where you can enter and ‘check in’ at the reception desk of Doc’s toy hospital. The toy hospital is divided into sections where children can visit the Nursery, Pet Vet, Emergency Room or Operating Room. Without spoiling too much, here are our favorite areas of Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit. Highlights: Pet X-ray in the Pet Vet, taking care of new babies in the Nursery, and meeting Doc McStuffins herself! Without giving any more away, I’ll let my photos give you a little glimpse to hold you over until you’re able to visit!

I really enjoyed the behind the scenes interview with Chris Nee that The Children’s Museum posted on FacebookLive yesterday. For more Doc McStuffins fun, visit the Disney Junior website for games, coloring pages and videos. Use the hashtags #atTCM and #DocMcStuffins on social media when you visit this heartwarming exhibit.

by Shelly on July 1, 2016 1 Comment

Treetop Outpost at Conner Prairie

If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, you know that we’re huge fan’s of the Interactive History Museum near us called Conner Prairie. It’s rare that a week goes by without Sophie and I stopping in to cool off at the splash pad, play in the kiddie area indoors, say Hi to Mosely the horse or run down the hill at the Conner House. We have more of a reason than ever to visit now that the Treetop Outpost at Conner Prairie opened earlier this month and we are thrilled to share it with everyone.

As a writer for Indy’s Child, I received an exclusive sneak peek of the addition prior to the public opening on July 1st, but before we get into those photos, let’s dig into some of the stats for this Bicentennial Legacy Project.

Treetop Outpost is an official Indiana Bicentennial Legacy Project as part of the Bicentennial Nature Center Network, a statewide coalition created to ensure that all Hoosier youth have access to environmental education and creative outdoor experiences within 60 miles of where they live.

Some of the Stats: Treetop Outpost at Conner Prairie

Size of entire experience: 6,000 square feet, not including an adjoining and existing Nature Walk
Square footage of art, building, digging and music-making areas: 2,600 square feet combined
Height of centerpiece treehouse: 45 feet (four stories)
Cost of experience: $783,832
Contractor: Hagerman Construction
Capacity of entire experience: 175-200 guests, excluding the Nature Walk
Capacity of just treehouse alone: 81

I’ll let the photos do the talking until you’re able to come check it out yourself. *Do note, the photos do not do this awesome attraction justice!

The kids loved the speaking tubes though out the tree house but my favorite spot was the reading nook on the lower floor.

A 30 foot suspension bridge connects the ‘Music in Nature’ area to the Outpost.

We really enjoyed the simple hike (about 20 minutes) to check out the path that winds through the woods along the White River to a prairie lookout.

The photo above is a ‘sharing shelf’ where you can take a walk on the nature trail and leave special trinkets collected on your hike. So special! Every bit of the Treetop Outpost has been thoughtfully designed with kids of all ages in mind. Art and nature have always gone hand in hand but this attraction displays it so beautifully that I can’t wait to go back!

by Shelly on June 11, 2016 Leave a Comment

What to Pack: Family Camping Trip

I was lucky enough to start my camping career while I was in diapers. I then went on to be a girl scout until I was a junior in High School. Needless to say, I’ve been tent camping almost every year for the past 31 years. If you’ve ever been camping, you’ll agree with me, that the hardest part about going on a trip is packing and unpacking. It’s stressful to remember what to pack each time you go and unless you have a set camping tote, a list is the best way to make sure you don’t forget anything. I’ve just recently been on a camping trip with my toddler and thought it time to edit my list to include necessities as a family.

What Should I Pack: Family Camping List

I will add a caveat, this is list is what I think are the necessities for camping. Some people may believe an RV to be a necessity while others may think this list is extensive. I am somewhere right in the middle where I prefer there to be running water, electricity for my boom box and restrooms nearby. Also, this camping trip was at the beginning of May, yet it was freezing. Be sure to prepare according to the weather forecast during your trip.

Interested in renting? Rent an RV with RVshare.

Print out this free Family Camping Checklist for your summer trip!

I polled the other Indy’s Child digital writers and came up with this list of our top 5 Indiana camp sites:

‘My favorite so far is Timber Lake in Huntington. Great area not far from home. Beautiful lake and Zip Lines!’ – Luis
‘McCormick’s Creek SP. It’s the oldest state park in the system, gorgeous landscape for hiking, fishing and riding, and there are accommodations for anyone’s preference: An inn, cabins, electric campgrounds and rustic camping. It is probably the most understated camping spot in Indiana.’ –Jeanine
‘Turkey Run– I love that there is electricity, a pool, free concerts and the hiking trails are amazing. You’ve got to try the Ladder Trail!’ – Shelly {okay, so that’s me.}
‘So I’ve only been twice but Shades State Park for sure.’ – Pete
‘My family loves Brown County and Turkey Run! Brown County makes it easy to camp, or stay in the spacious family cabins. I love the trails, the horseback riding, evening hayrides, the cute campground store, the outdoor pool and the water park inside the Abe Martin Lodge, and we love to climb up the high lookout tower and take in the beautiful view. Turkey Run is awesome if you love outdoor hiking. The trails and rock formations are just beautiful!’ – Trisha

If you have little ones, don’t forget to bring along this Nature Scavenger Hunt! Let me know what you bring along on your camping trips and where you will be camping this summer!