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by Shelly on March 17, 2019 Leave a Comment

xZooberance Festival Debuting at the Indianapolis Zoo

We’re so excited about Spring just around the corner and one of our favorite spring adventures is to head to the Indianapolis Zoo. The weather is perfect for playful animals and low crowds. This year they’ve got a fun festival in store called xZooberance that we’ll be checking out this weekend! Here are the details:

xZooberance

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.

Music headliner Hiss Golden Messenger will bring their unique blend of folk, country and rock music to the main stage at 6pm March 30, with the Jai Baker 3 opening at 5pm. The Zoo will stay open late for this special concert so that guests can dance into the evening hours.

Additionally, the festival main stage will host local acts like Dance Kaleidoscope, Dumpster Drummers, Cathy Morris and more. At The Perch, guests can interact with storytellers, meet chickens, learn about nature and create their own musical sounds.

Food & Beverage

Nearby in the Cheer Garden, guests can unwind and sample specialty food items, like Bavarian pretzels, kettle chips and picnic snacks, plus craft beer, wine and kid-friendly refreshments. Extra activities like animal-inspired yoga and a sculpture scavenger hunt will have guests moving all over the Zoo. Children will enjoy making a beautiful pinwheel craft, and guests can even create spring-themed enrichment for the Zoo’s animals.

Adding xZOOberance in with moderate seasonal temperatures, active animals and the return of the Zoo’s seasonal exhibit, Butterfly Kaleidoscope presented by Citizens Energy Group, makes spring an ideal time of year to visit the Zoo. Plus, xZOOberance attendees will be among the first to experience the new dolphin presentation, which introduces audiences to the Zoo’s pod as well as Central Indiana families who are taking simple steps to help dolphins in the wild.

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

About the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com

by Shelly on September 28, 2018 Leave a Comment

What’s New at Indianapolis ZooBoo?

Beloved fall traditions and newer family favorites come together for a Halloween celebration like no other as ZooBoo presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers returns to the Indianapolis Zoo. My tiny fairy and I checked it out for Indy’s Child the first year we moved here and have been in love ever since!

Now in its 37^th year, ZooBoo will run every Thursday through Sunday in October, providing 16 days of active animals and spooktacular fun. The Zoo will open daily at 9am, and guests are encouraged to come early then stay to enjoy activities from 2-7pm.

Things To Do

Back again this year, the wildly popular Pumpkin Town presented by Macy’s provided an array of whimsical new experiences when it opened in 2017. Visitors will find their favorite activities along with a few extra surprises under the canopy of pumpkins in the Bicentennial Pavilion.

Little ghouls and goblins can create popcorn “potions” alongside the witch of Pumpkin Town, who loves to foster black cats. Other not-so-scary critters, including toads, turtles and rats, can be found inside Jack’s Barn presented by State Farm. A mirror maze will hide thrills around every twist and turn while Pumpkin School presented by Whole Foods Market will provide crafty lessons in laughs. Pumpkin Bowling is a returning favorite, and new this year, guests can try to guess the weight of the giant pumpkin for a chance to win an Animal Art Adventure.

Farther into the Zoo, Broomstick Alley will offer a familiar challenge in a new location. Near the Plains entrance, guests can use a broom to maneuver a jack o’ lantern ball through the extended obstacle course. The Zoo’s rides also feature a Halloween twist, like the Spooktacular Train Ride and the Round-Go-Merry — the carousel that runs in reverse.

What to Wear

Youngsters are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a reusable bag to gather goodies along the Trick-or-Treat Trail presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent. Five stations scattered through Plains will provide conservation-conscious snacks that contain only certified sustainable palm oil. Allergy-friendly options are also available upon request.

Speckled with colorful fall foliage, the Zoo’s exhibits provide the perfect backdrop for all the festivities, and many of the animals will take part in some Halloween fun, as well. The squash-splattering fun of the Elephant Pumpkin Smash presented by Sam’s Club is always a crowd favorite. Plus, visitors can enjoy extra chats and create Halloween-themed animal enrichment.

ZooBoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular admission. Discount tickets are available at area Donatos and Indiana Members Credit Union locations.

(Photos courtesy of Indianapolis Zoo)

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About the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com

by Shelly on June 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

Summer Concerts at the Indianapolis Zoo

Summer Concerts at the Indianapolis Zoo- Featuring everything from modern hits to classic favorites, the music of Zoolapalooza will have guests young and old dancing their way into the weekend.

Now in its eighth year, the Indianapolis Zoo has extended this family-friendly concert series to six weeks, offering performances every Friday night from June 15 through July 20. Live music by some of the area’s top bands will play from 5:30 to 8:30pm in the Bicentennial Pavilion. Located near the front of the Zoo, this stunning space offers both an open-air atmosphere as well as protection from the weather — a perfect place for concert goers to relax for an evening of fun and music, rain or shine.

Plus, with plenty of animal exhibits nearby and rides available until 7pm, guests can enjoy the full Zoo experience without missing a beat.

In addition to regular Zoo fare, each concert will feature different specialty food stations. Adults can also enjoy a cash bar as well as samples of craft beers from a rotating list of local breweries. Tables and seating inside the Bicentennial Pavilion are available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

Summer Concerts at the Indianapolis Zoo

This year’s Zoolapalooza series features:

June 15: Jennie DeVoe
A talented artist who’s a favorite among Zoo audiences, DeVoe is an original singer and song-writer whose music is inspired by blues, soul, hippie, funk, roots and acoustic genres.
• Menu: Southern-fried catfish, farm-to-table salad bar and lemon berry cream cake
• Beer sampling: Sun King Brewery and Rhinegeist Brewery

June 22: 3 to 1
This multi-talented group will have guests of all ages up on their feet and grooving to the beat of familiar tunes played in an innovative way.
• Menu: Build-your-own mac and cheese bowl, farm-to-table salad bar and ice cream sundae
• Beer sampling: Upland Brewing Co. and Deer Creek Brewery

June 29: Groove Essential
This six-person group brings high levels of energy into their performances, putting a unique vocal spin on everything from the greatest to the latest hits.
• Menu: Indiana pork tenderloin, farm-to-table salad bar and sugar cream pie
• Beer sampling: Uinta Brewing

July 6: MIXTAPE
This party band brings the best of the 1990s to the stage with a fun, energetic vibe that will have guests smiling and dancing all night long.
• Menu: Create-your-own Pan-Asian take-out box, farm-to-table salad bar and cheesecake
• Beer Sampling: TwoDEEP Brewing Co.

July 13: Living Proof
With a hit list that spans more than five decades, this familiar band will keep concert goers on their feet with a blend of pop, dance and R&B tunes.
• Menu: Customizable tacos, farm-to-table salad bar and tres leches cake
• Beer Sampling: TwoDEEP Brewing Co.

July 20: Protocol
Their combination of six seasoned musicians features strong vocals and great harmonies for a diverse blend of pop, R&B, smooth jazz, top 40 hits and more.
• Menu: Fried chicken, farm-to-table salad bar and ice cream cookie sandwich
• Beer Sampling: Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co.

Zoolapalooza events are free for Zoo members and included with regular admission, so visitors can stay late for the concerts after enjoying a full day at the Zoo. Guests can purchase discount tickets at Indiana Members Credit Union locations. Advance tickets are also available at IndianapolisZoo.com

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About the Indianapolis Zoo

Photo Credit: Indianapolis Zoo

Related posts to Summer Concerts at the Indianapolis Zoo:

Fairy Gardens at the Indianapolis Zoo

Events Happening at the Indiana State Museum This Summer

Summer Events at Conner Prairie

by Shelly on March 1, 2018 18 Comments

10 Free Family Attractions Around Indianapolis

Indianapolis is an up and coming destination for family travel. Since they hosted Super Bowl XLVI in 2012 there have been dramatic changes all around the city. The city is safer, cleaner and has a ton of new restaurants and attractions. As a Hoosier who has left the city, I am happy to once again call Indy my forever home. The combination of it being walkable, full of family owned restaurants and a great mix of music, sports, history and culture. I’m sharing 10 free family attractions around Indianapolis that I suggest to friends visiting the city.

I am not receiving compensation for any of the attractions on this list. I highly recommend any of them and would encourage you to contact me for any personal insights on these locations.

10 Free Family Activities Around Indianapolis

1. The Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world! The museum is free on Christmas Eve, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and El Dia de Los Ninos. They also host First Thursday nights which only cost $5 per person for four hours of fun! If you’re planning ahead, be sure to use their Buy Ahead and Save program online where you’ll be able to see which days are less expensive. This museum is easily a full day experience if not two! Pack a lunch or visit their cafeteria for a yummy lunch.

2. Free Summer Concerts

The Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis and Indy Parks present free Pops concerts every June. The concerts include a mix of patriotic songs, jazz, light classical, movie themes and operetta. All concerts begin at 7 pm and parking is free.

In addition, there are free concerts every Wednesday from June through mid-August at City Market. Listen to Bluegrass, Jazz, and Pop music while sampling the food – everything from BBQ to gyros.

Free concerts on the Canal are offered every Thursday, June through mid-August from 5:30-7:30 pm and free lunchtime concerts on the Canal are offered every Wednesday from 11:30 am -1 pm.

3. Farmer’s Market

Speaking of the City Market, the Original Farmers’ Market takes place May through October with fresh Indiana produce, meats, cheeses, flowers and honey. The market is held every Mon-Fri: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sat: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, and is closed Sundays.

4. Indianapolis Art Center

Home to many local artists, this space houses eight exhibition spaces, 13 state-of-the-art studios, a 224-seat auditorium, a library, a gift shop, a riverfront deck and stage, and sculpture gardens along the White River. Designed by world-renowned architect Michael Graves.

5. Arts Garden

This glass-enclosed structure attached to Circle Centre Mall hosts more than 300 free activities, including dance performances, storytelling, visual art exhibits, musical performances, films, lectures, readings, fairs, and festivals. The Arts Garden also houses the Cultural Concierge, a centralized source for free maps, ticket information, visitor guides, and directions for Indianapolis arts events. This seven-story-tall glass structure is suspended 17 feet above the intersection of Washington and Illinois Streets. Don’t miss a chance to stroll through. Even if there is no performance, it’s a peaceful spot to rest from a busy day exploring the city and have a picnic.

6. 100 Acres: Art and Nature Park

Pack a picnic and let the kids run while you enjoy the scenery and large-scale quirky art installments. Funky Bones is probably the most famous piece inside the Park. It was featured in the New York Times Bestseller, The Fault in Our Stars, which was later turned into a movie.

7. The Cultural Trail

Walk, bike or run the Cultural Trail downtown Indy. The 8-mile $63 million Cultural Trail in downtown Indy connects the city’s Cultural Districts. It’s a great way to explore the city. As a bonus, it’s flanked with $26 million in public art.

8. Soldiers and Sailors Monument

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is the literal and physical heart of the city. Once designated as the space for the Governor of Indianapolis is now a hub for all the locals and tourists to convene for ice cream, a picnic, a book or a great view. From the Observation Level, visitors have a 360 degree view of the city skyline from 275 feet up. The Observation Level can be reached by climbing 331 steps (or paying $1 to ride the elevator up). While you’re on ‘The Circle’ check out the Public Collection library/art instillation.

9. Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park

Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park was named for the United States 23rd president who was from Indiana. The trails and playgrounds are second to none. *If you’re interested in history, you should also check out the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site where he and his family lived. $10 for adults and $5 for children.

10. War Memorials

Indianapolis devotes more acreage than any other U.S. city to honoring our nation’s fallen, and is second only to Washington, DC, in the number of war memorials. The nice thing about Indy is that you’re able to walk to see all of the monuments in one day. Visit Indy has a nice post about several of the memorials. Last summer a friend and I did an Indianapolis scavenger hunt we bought through Groupon and it showcased many of the war memorials I hadn’t seen since I was a child. You can also take a walk around and see how many you can find for free!

11. Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory is an honorable mention for number 11 because there is a $2 fee. The conservatory is excellent for kids of all ages (we took ours when she was two and she loved it then and now as a four year old.) The exhibits change so you can have the chance to see different plants at different times. It’s a photographer’s paradise!

Have you had a chance to visit any of these family attractions? Let me know what you love visiting in Indy or if there were any I forgot!

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!

xZooberance Festival Debuting at the Indianapolis Zoo

xZooberance

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