Indy Archives • Page 4 of 16 • diy mama

by Shelly on May 22, 2019 Leave a Comment

Date Night: Ocean Prime Indianapolis

My husband and I do date night once per month and this month’s date night at Ocean Prime Indianapolis was one that will be hard to beat. The food, atmosphere and service were all exceptional. When Ocean Prime invited us to their nearby location at Keystone we couldn’t have been more excited to dress up and have some adult conversation (which of course consisted of talking about our kids).

Date Night: Ocean Prime Indianapolis

We’d just gotten back from a trip to Cedar Point where we had our first crab legs in years. Cue the Ocean Prime menu being set in front of me and my mouth started drooling at the prospect of more crab legs.

Beverages

First things first though, we had a hard time deciding on drinks because of the extensive award winning wine list. We both chose cocktails because of the fresh squeezed fruit and top shelf liquors. I highly recommend getting the Berries & Bubbles (recipe linked), a blackberry and blueberry cocktail that bubbles while you drink it!

Berries and Bubbles-
Photo Credit: Ocean Prime

Starters

For appetizers we started off with the Lobster Sushi and Calamari. The Judith Calamari with Sweet Chili Sauce is now my favorite appetizer of all time. I was so impressed with how fresh the calamari was.
Executive Chef Branden Pegg said few others have suppliers with such fresh seafood and I could tell. The fruit in the Lobster Roll had me intrigued with poached lobster tail, kiwi, pickled serrano, masago and spicy mango purée. It wasn’t my favorite sushi ever but it was still delicious.

Chillean Sea Bass-
Photo Credit: Ocean Prime

Warm Butter Cake- Photo Credit: Ocean Prime

Entres

Between our cocktails and appetizers we were having a wonderful evening. Out comes our entrees and somehow we made more room because it smelled heavenly. As I said, I got the King Crab Legs with asparagus and drawn butter and a side of Gouda Tots. I melted like the drawn butter with each bite. The Gouda Tots were a bar-only option until it gained so much popularity it made it to the menu (and rightfully so). My husband got the 7-year award winning Chillean Sea Bass on Whipped Potatoes and a Champagne Truffle Sauce with a side of Lobster Mashed Potatoes. We were on a seafood kick but their steaks are award winning as well. Next time we’re definitely trying their Bone-in Fillet.

Sweets

Finally, although we had to pack up half our dinner to go, we couldn’t leave without trying dessert. Our waiter could not have suggested better desserts for us because we both closed our eyes with the first bite! We ordered Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie which was Peanut Butter Mousse with a Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache.

Needless to say, both of us were extremely satisfied with the entire date night at Ocean Prime Indianapolis. We’re thinking of going back for their Father’s Day special or possible their Summer Fridays!

Dishes served during Happy Hour can be found here. For couples looking for a quick, weeknight date, it is always a great option as all small plates in the Lounge are offered for half off, Monday – Friday from 4 – 7 p.m.

Steak and Eggs Father’s Day Brunch: Brunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as its regular dinner menu throughout Father’s Day (June 16). Reservations can be secured at www.ocean-prime.com/reservations or by calling 317.569.0975.

A BIG thank you to Ocean Prime and their fabulous staff for having us in. We hope to see you soon!

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What to Do at West Park • Carmel Indiana

West Park in Carmel is such a special park. The park plays host to active people of all ages. When I asked my daughter what her favorite part was she said ‘there were so many different people playing all types of things!’ She observed people of all ages and colors coming together to spend the beautiful day outside and it was heartwarming.

What To Do

Splash Pad
Open Greenspace
Playground
Fishing
Native Prairies
2+ Miles of Soft Surface & Paved Trails
Amphitheater
Grills
Picnic Shelters (with electricity)
Drinking Fountain
Restrooms
Bike Rack

Like I said, something for everyone! Personally, we loved the paved walking trails (including boardwalk over a lake) to practice bike riding and pushing Lilly in the stroller.

TIP: If your child only ever wants to play on the playground, make a trail mix or snack necklace to bring along. Make a pit stop along the walking path for the snack and they’ll be refueled to continue on for the rest of the walk.

Amazing Stone Hill

Another huge highlight for us was the stone hill. Every time we go we head straight for the stone hill to race up it. Now that I have Lilly in the stroller I am able to stroll her up the paved paths up to the top and still get the beautiful view of the entire park. The hill is a great spot for family photos or a scenic view for meditation.

Spend All Day at West Park Carmel

You could easily spend an entire day at West Park in Carmel. If we were to go for a full day we would bring our bikes, swimsuits and lunch with us. We could play on the playground, ride bikes, go fishing, play in the splash pad, fly our kites, have a picnic and even do an archery class. They have classes for archery through the Monon Center there!

What other parks do you love around you and what makes you keep going back? Despite the drive, this is now one of our favorites and I am excited for the splash pad to open up later this month!

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Summer Events at the Indiana State Museum

Summer Events at the Indiana State Museum- If you’ve ran out of time to book summer camps and are still looking for some fun activities this summer, here is a great list of activities going on at the Indiana State Museum. If you haven’t been to ISM in a couple years, it’s totally changed. There are enough family friendly exhibits to fill your entire day, not to mention all of the extra events going on throughout the year. Check out this list and see what inspires your family to get out and explore Indiana!

Summer Events at the Indiana State Museum

It’s About Time: The Art of Felrath Hines – open June 22 through Sept. 29

Discover the life and incredible art from Hoosier artist Felrath Hines, who graduated from Crispus Attucks High School and attended Saturday youth art classes at the John Herron School of Art. An abstract artist who used different shapes and colors to communicate, he also worked as an art conservator and restored noted artist Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings. Explore interactives, listen to the jazz that inspired Hines and try your hand at creating an artwork with colorful shapes.

Hoosier Salon – open Aug. 2 through Oct. 13

Enjoy artworks from Hoosier artists from around the state in what’s considered to be the preeminent juried exhibition of Indiana art at the 95th annual Hoosier Salon.

Little Learners at Indiana State Museum childrens program

May

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Little Learners: Artful Play (ages 3-5)

9:45 to 11:30 a.m., May 7
$8/members, $10/non-members; free for children younger than age 3
Bring your littlest ones to a class where they’ll be inspired by art and create their own masterpieces. Children must be accompanied by an adult, younger siblings welcome.

Small Wonders: Plants & Seeds (ages 3-5)

10 to 11 a.m., May 8 & May 11
$9/members, $12/non-members
Bring your little one to learn, play and discover in the museum. This month, your child will explore nature with the help of leaf prints, create seed balls and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Young Explorers: Transportation (ages 4-6)

1 to 2:30 p.m., May 11
$10/members, $13/non-members
Drop your child off at a class to encourage creativity, exploration independence in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination. This month, your child will explore different transportation, from Indy cars to airplanes. Children may attend on their own.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Homeschool Tuesdays: Abstract Art Extravaganza (ages 6-13)

9:30 to 11:30 a.m., May 7
$8/members, $10/non-members
Dive into a world of investigation and discovery during these two-hour classes designed to stimulate a child’s interest in science, art, history and culture. This month, students will explore abstract art and create their own masterpiece.

Batik Fabric DIY (ages 5-12)

10 to 11:30 a.m., May 11
$15/members, $20/non-members
Be inspired by the vibrant clothing in Color of Style, then decorate your own piece of fabric in the ancient batik style. Use beautiful symbols to create an intricate print to represent your own personality.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Family Discovery Day: Gardening

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 11
Included with purchase of general admission
Gardening season is right around the corner! Meet local experts and get some tips from the pros on how to get the most out of your own garden. Discover key ingredients to great soil, and make seed bombs and paper pots to take home.

Color, Style and Tea

2 to 4 p.m., May 11
$15/members, $20/non-members, plus purchase of any menu items
Hear from the museum’s textile conservator as she talks about the fashions in Color of Style, all while enjoying a delicious lunch in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room™. Then, take an exclusive tour of the experience and hear the personal stories behind the clothing.

Cardboard 500 Indy 500 event at the Indiana State Museum — Cardboard 500

New Event: Cardboard 500

9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 18
$50/team (2-5 youth members, plus 2 adults)
This race season, join the newest spectacle in racing. In Cardboard Alley, families will compete to design and build a cardboard body atop a pre-built push cart frame. Then, race to push your creation into the winner’s circle.

New Event: Great Chalk Out

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 26
$5/small sidewalk square, $10/large sidewalk square; $3/box of chalk
Get creative on the sidewalks around the museum! Create works of art and compete for prizes in the following categories: Best Family Art; Best Child Art (age 7 and younger), Best Youth Art (ages 8-15) and Best Adult Art (ages 16+). If it rains, the competition will move indoors. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or at the door.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Atomic Movie Nights: Back to the Future (PG) (ages 21+)

7 to 10 p.m., May 2
$10/members, $12/non-members
Be a part of the conversation led by local experts as you travel through space and time to explore the unique influences these movies have had in today’s culture. Seating is first come, first serve. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or at the door.

Eco Dyeing DIY (ages 18+)

7 to 10 p.m., May 3
$20/members, $25/non-members
Learn about eco-friendly dye techniques with items you can find in your home, supermarket or garden. Become inspired by the Color of Style, and make your own sustainably-dyed scarf to take with you.

June

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Small Wonders: Toy Engineering (ages 3-5)

10 to 11 a.m., June 12 & June 15
$9/members, $12/non-members
Bring your little one to learn, play and discover in the museum. This month, your child will explore the creative process of toy design. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Young Explorers: Creating with Color (ages 4-6)

1 to 2:30 p.m., June 15
$10/members, $13/non-members
Drop your child off at a class to encourage creativity, exploration and independence in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination. This month, your child will explore colors and textiles, creating their own designs. Children may attend on their own.

Canal Nights at Indiana State Museum family event

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Signature Event: Canal Nights

6 to 8 p.m., June 5, 12, 19, 26
Free
Celebrate summer nights on the canal with free activities and family fun, Wednesday evenings in June and July. This month, explore color, nature, chemistry and more during different themed nights. For all themes and activities, visit indianamuseum.org/canal-nights.

New Event: Flair in the Air Kite Fest

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 15
Included with purchase of general admission
Is it a bird, or a plane? No, it’s Kite Fest! Visit with local kite groups, check out kite displays and borrow one of our small kites to set soaring for yourself. For a challenge, join a kite building workshop and create your own kite. Additional cost of $2-10 for kite workshops.

Courageous Conversations

6:30 to 8 p.m., June 27
$5/person, $2/student with student ID
Join your neighbors to talk about contemporary community topics in this moderated discussion. Explore the challenges that contemporary African American artists face. This program is for high school-aged students and adults. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or at the door.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Mats and Mastodons (ages 18+)

6:15 to 7:15 a.m. & 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., June 6 & 20; 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., June 15
$10/members, $12/non-members
Bring your own mat and relax with yoga at the museum. Each session, meet at the Indiana obelisk and move to different areas of the museum to take in the skyline, sunrise or view of the canal. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or at the door.
New Event: Techno-Color (ages 21+)

8 to 11 p.m., June 28
Presale tickets: $45/members, $50/non-members; At the door tickets: $55/members, $60/non-members
Get ready for a color explosion at this adults-only, after-hours event that’s all about style, bold colors and fashion. Come dressed in your most vibrant outfit and take selfies galore in front of photo ops outside of Color of Style. Add to a mural, sip a themed cocktail and dance the night away. Ticket purchase includes one free cocktail. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or at the door.

July

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Small Wonders: Space Exploration (ages 3-5)

10 to 11 a.m., July 10 & 13
$9/members, $12/non-members
Bring your little one to learn, play and discover in the museum. This month, your child will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Young Explorers: Astronauts in Training (ages 4-6)

1 to 2:30 p.m., July 13
$10/members, $13/non-members
Drop your child off at a class to encourage creativity, exploration and independence in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination. This month, your child will launch rockets and discover planets and stars in honor of Apollo 11’s 50th anniversary. Children may attend on their own.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Signature Event: Canal Nights

6 to 8 p.m., July 3, 10, 17, 31
Free
Celebrate summer nights on the canal with free activities and family fun, Wednesday evenings in June and July. This month, explore fireworks, gardens, Apollo 11 and more during different themed nights. For all themes and activities, visit indianamuseum.org/canal-nights.
Family Discovery Days: Apollo 11

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 20
Included with purchase of general admission
Celebrate the “giant leap for mankind” on this day honoring the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. Design and launch your own rocket, learn to land spacecraft and explore the geology of the moon. Plus, hear from local experts about our next steps into space.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Atomic Movie Nights: Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (PG) (ages 21+)

7 to 10 p.m., July 11
$10/members, $12/non-members
Be a part of the conversation led by local experts as you travel through space and time to explore the unique influences these movies have had in today’s culture. Seating is first come, first serve. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or at the door.

Mats and Mastodons (ages 18+)

6:15 to 7:15 a.m. & 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., July 11, July 25; 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., July 13
$10/members, $12/non-members
Bring your own mat and relax with yoga at the museum. Each session, meet at the Indiana obelisk and then move to different areas of the museum to take in the skyline, sunrise or views of the canal. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or at the door.

New Event: RESPONSE: A Celebration of Felrath Hines (ages 15+)

7 to 9:30 p.m., July 16
$5/visitors (ages 15-17); $10/members (ages 18+),$15/non-members (ages 18+)
Often, Hoosier artist Felrath Hines found inspiration from music or poetry. Honor his spirit by joining spoken word poet and multi-talented artist, Tony Styxx, along with other guest performers, as they respond to Hines’ art with their own. Then, respond yourself with painting, dance, poetry or other performances.

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.

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Spring xZooberance at the Indianapolis Zoo

We were invited to the Indianapolis Zoo this past weekend to check out their inaugural spring festival xZooberance. My in-laws were in town so we were excited to show them our zoo for the first time. I was hesitant that there wouldn’t be beautiful flowers and many of the animals would be inside because it was cold and rainy. Despite the cold and rain, we ended up spending six hours at the zoo and still didn’t see everything there was to see!

xZooberance is Here!

Debuting just in time for spring break, the Indianapolis Zoo’s brand-new festival begins March 21 and continues every Thursday through Sunday until April 7. The Zoo will be open 9am-5pm with event activities running from 10am-4pm. The cheerful spirit of the season will shine throughout the Bicentennial Pavilion, where oversized pinwheels spin in the breeze and brightly colored kites float overhead. Amid a vibrant landscape filled with larger animal-shaped topiaries and a living wall of plant life, visitors can enjoy continuous live entertainment with a changing lineup for all 12 days.

What Can I Expect?

I talked about some of the activities, musical acts and food options within the press release I put out last week but I wanted to elaborate a little. Under the large covered area there is a roaring fire which is surrounded by all kinds of activities for kids and grown ups alike. One of my favorite activities was the flower arranging mini workshop. You’re able to learn several different flower arrangements so you can do them yourself at home! We were also huge fans of the dance group Kenyetta that blew us away with their modern dance. We also couldn’t head to the rest of the zoo without stopping to get some hot chocolate to warm ourselves up!

Is it Free?

xZooberance is included with your admission tickets for the zoo. Another amazing perk is you can also see the Butterfly Kaleidoscope presented by Citizens Energy Group as well as the new dolphin show for free! I was very impressed with the length and messaging of the dolphin show. It was perfect for my 5 year old and 8 month old!

Best of all, xZOOberance as well as the other exhibits and activities are all free for Zoo members and included with regular admission. Guests are encouraged to save time and money by planning their visit in advance at IndianapolisZoo.com

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Defy Indy for Active Kids

Defy Indy for Active Kids- Defy Indy is the ultimate extreme air experience! We were invited to check out the new Defy Indy in Castleton area today. As soon as we stepped through the doors we could feel the excitement with the music bumping and the kids jumping we knew we were going to have a great time.

Defy Indy is no average trampoline park. It’s got everything you could dream of at a aerial park and so much more. Like most, you’ve got to sign the waiver (which you can do before hand online) and then check in for your time slot. Depending on the age of the jumper and the time you want to jump you’ll spend anywhere from $12-32 for up to two hours of fun. They also have several ways to get discounted tickets through their
KidJump, Family Night, College Night or season passes. Their activities tab has a great list of fun ways to spend your time at Defy Indy. They also host summer camp and Birthday Parties!

We’re really an extreme aerosports facility. We like to refer to ourselves as Skyzone on steroids -GM Greg Schofield

Favorite Parts of Defy Indy

When I asked Sophia what her favorite part was, she sat thinking for a full minute and finally responded ‘everything!!’ There were familiar things to do like jumping on a trampoline but there were also brand new obstacles she’s never tried before. I was most impressed by her jumping off this HUGE platform that had three tiers. She started on the second one and was very nervous but after one big breath and a countdown she jumped! The very next time I suggested the highest platform and she did it! I wanted to show her how proud I was of her for trying something scary so when she suggested I jump I went right away to the second tier and was terrified! I couldn’t do the highest platform which makes me so much more proud that she was able to conquer that fear.

Best Time to Visit

During the morning was an awesome time to visit because it wasn’t over crowded with bigger kids at birthday parties. They have a under 6 jump from 9-10 that was perfect. Of course jumping with friends is so much better so she made several friends while we were there and wants to go back tomorrow.

Defy Indy also has discounted home school prices and options to have your school class or group come to jump. They even have a slumber party option where you can stay over night! How cool would that be for a girl scout group or Mom’s group!?

Defy Indy Venue

I was very impressed with how clean Defy Indy was. There was plenty of seating around the lower level as well as seating in the upper level for parents or kids to take a rest. As a mom with a little one it’s hard to always keep up with our 5 year old so I very much appreciated the open concept of the venue. I was able to look across the entire area and see clearly where my daughter was. Free lockers are available for your belongings. They have vending machines and a water fountain if you forget your water bottle. If you’re interested in hosting a party there are three room with tables and refrigeration. They provide staff to help with clean up for the parties as well! I’m thinking there may be an un-birthday in the works for Sophia this summer because she so badly wants to have all her friends there with her to jump.

For more information about Defy Indy, check out their website or call 317-520-5030. Feel free to ask me any questions as well!

jump@defyindianapolis.com 8356 Masters Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250