by Shelly on April 27, 2019 1 Comment

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.

Related Posts to Summer Events at the Indiana State Museum

Color of Style at the Indiana State Museum

by Shelly on March 5, 2019 2 Comments

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

by Shelly on January 28, 2019 Leave a Comment

Color of Style at the Indiana State Museum

This March, visitors will explore style through the lens of color in a new experience at the Indiana State Museum: Color of Style.

color of style at indiana state museum- DIY MAMA

Whether people think about it or not, who we are shapes how we dress – and the colors that we choose to wear. This new experience will showcase more than 50 outfits from the museum’s historic clothing and costume collection, including everyday wear from the 1800s, a party dress from the 1920s, an outfit from the Jackson 5, and incredible pieces from iconic Hoosier designers Stephen Sprouse and Bill Blass.

“Color of Style is an opportunity for visitors to see how amazing our collection of historic clothing is,” said Meghan Smith, curator of the exhibit. “Featuring everything from high fashion gowns to homemade baby clothes, this experience gives our visitors a chance to engage with the collection and remember their own fashion histories.”

From the start, the experience will immerse visitors in color. They will wind their way through a color tunnel on their way into the exhibit, then take a quiz to discover which color best represents them. Inside the experience, nine fashion pods will feature outfits from different decades and even centuries, divided by their colors: red, yellow, blue, green, orange, purple, pink, white and black.

Visitors of all ages can get creative in the Style Studio, where they’ll sketch their own unique fashions, soak in ideas from inspiration boards and create their own patterns to show off. Elsewhere in the exhibit, visitors can cast votes to determine “Who wore it better?” for various iconic fashions, try on colorful accessories and pose on the cover of a magazine, and more.

While the experience looks at the evolution of color choices and style over time, modern-day Hoosier designers will also be featured in special videos, including textile artist Kate Ellis, artist and indigo dyer Rowland Rickets, and up-and-coming fashion designer Yemisi Sanni. Plus, fashions and personal stories from real, everyday people will be shared within the experience itself, alongside the museum collection’s pieces.

“This new experience allows visitors to explore their own sense of style and think about how they associate different colors with themselves or others,” said Cathy Ferree, president and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. “Visitors have a chance to explore the stories of Hoosiers throughout time and engage in self-exploration and creativity throughout the experience.”

Color of Style will be at the Indiana State Museum from March 16 through July 28, and entry is included with purchase of general museum admission. This experience is supported in part by the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis.

by Shelly on January 22, 2019 1 Comment

Staying Active Around Hamilton County

The last thing you may want to do right now is to go play outside. It’s 12°F right now. It’s cold. The kind of cold that catches your breath when you step outside.

But Spring Break will be here very soon and if you’ve not already planned a tropical vacation you’ll likely be wanting to do some fun things around here for your staycation.

I got together with local influencer Abby at Hello Miss Martha to bring you a list of what you can do right here and stay active over spring break! Head over to her site to see more suggestions for more of our favorite places.

Swimming

If you’re not heading to the beach, the next best thing is a warm indoor pool. Goldfish Swim School has family swim nights that are such a great way to brush up on skills between lessons and have fun with the whole family! Over Spring Break they’ll have free swim Mon-Fri 12 – 1 pm and Friday nights 6:30 – 8 pm.

Phone (317) 743-2121
1581 Geist Pavilion Dr #114
Fishers, IN 46037
Hours M-F: 9AM – 8PM
Saturday: 9AM – 6:30PM
Sunday: 12PM – 5PM

Go Carting

I recently checked out K1 Speed with my husband for our montly date nights. It’s a really cool place with lots of IMS memorabilia and lost of space to have a big group hang out. They also have rooms for parties, food, a pool table and a few arcade games! The go-carts are pretty fast but they’re top priority is safety and there are many rules in place to make sure drivers are safe. Check out Groupon for some great discounts.

Phone (317) 348-1176
9998 E 121st St
Fishers, IN 46037
Hours M-Th: 11AM – 10PM
Friday: 11AM – 11PM
Saturday: 10AM – 12AM
Sunday: 10AM – 9PM

Bowling

I think bowling is one of those activities that is great for any age. It’s low key enough to bring your baby and little kids can start early with the bowling ramp. Plus, Pinheads has awesome food, arcade games and an outdoor area to eat or play volleyball!

Phone (317) 773-9988
13825 Britton Park Rd
Fishers, IN 46038
Hours M-Th: 11AM – 11PM
F-S: 11AM – 1AM
Sunday: 11AM – 10PM

Archery, Ropes Course, Horse Riding & Hiking

If you’re looking to do a few days of adventuring in nature Strawtown Koteewi is the place to go! They’ve got archery, a ropes course, zip lining, horseback riding and hiking. Last year we camped at White River Campgrounds and brought our bikes. It was an easy bike ride over to check out the ropes course and we met a few horses giving rides on our way! The campsite also has a creek that is part of White River and it’s perfect for creek stomping (I suggest wearing water shoes as the rocks are slippery).

Phone (317) 774-2574
12308 Strawtown Ave
Noblesville, IN 46060
Hours vary depending on which activities you choose.

by Shelly on November 19, 2018 Leave a Comment

Candlelight at Conner Prairie and Other Holiday Events

2018 Candlelight at Conner Prairie Brings New Spin on an Indianapolis Tradition

Explore Six Unique Events from November to January with Holidays on the Prairie

Conner Prairie by Candlelight

Conner Prairie by Candlelight is back this year, new and improved
for six nights in December. New this year visitors can tour 1836 Prairietown where
it’s the night before Christmas at their own pace. Also new this year, visitors can
warm up with hot chocolate, and adults can try a variety of adult beverages.
“We invite your family to start a new tradition or build on an existing one with
Candlelight,” said Norman Burns, president and CEO at Conner Prairie. “By changing
the format of Candlelight to allow visitors to tour at their own pace instead of on a
guided tour, more people will be able to enjoy this holiday experience.”
During this family-friendly event, visitors will meet a variety of characters in their
homes without feeling the pinch of time and learn how new settlers to Indiana’s
frontier carried on their holiday traditions. At the end of the night, visitors will either
join Dr. Campbell at his home for dancing and singing as his family rings in the
holidays, or join the ‘rowdies’ and carolers to sing around the bonfire.
Conner Prairie by Candlelight will take place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. starting December
7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.

In addition to Candlelight, Holidays on the Prairie features five other special events.

Breakfast and Dinner with Santa: Eat a meal with the best Santa in town
and tell him your Christmas wishes, take pictures and decorate cookies.

Gingerbread Village: See a variety of gingerbread masterpieces created by
both amateurs and professionals.

Holiday Cheers: Enjoy an adults-only evening of hors d’oeuvres, wine, craft
beer and spirits as you take a candlelit stroll through 1836 Prairietown.

Tales at the Holidays: Letters from the Civil War: This two-person play
uses song, dancing and puppetry to tell the intriguing story of brave mail
couriers during the Civil War. Also discover a carefully curated exhibit that
leads to our version of today’s Santa Claus.
Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy short craft activities at holiday-themed
Make and Take stations.

Conner Prairie Store

The Conner Prairie Store is also open throughout the holiday season featuring
Conner Prairie-made pottery and textiles, and Indiana-made food and gift items.
Located inside the Welcome Center, the store is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday to Sunday, and during special events including Candlelight.
“Whether you’re shopping for your child, friend or family member, we have locally-
made gifts for everyone on your list,” said Elaine Molin, retail manager at Conner
Prairie. “The pottery made on site is always a best seller, and you truly won’t find it
anywhere else. We also make one of a kind corporate gift baskets.”
Visit connerprairie.org/holidays for more information and tickets to upcoming
holiday events.

ABOUT CONNER PRAIRIE

Spanning more than 1,000 wooded acres in Central Indiana, Conner Prairie
welcomes more than 400,000 visitors of all ages annually. As Indiana’s first
Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie offers various outdoor, historically-
themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces that combine history
and art with science, technology, engineering and math to offer an authentic look
into history that shapes society today. Conner Prairie is a 501(c)3, nonprofit
organization – accredited by the American Alliance of Museums – that relies on
grants and philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations and foundations
for sustainability and growth. Visit connerprairie.org or call (800) 966-1836 for
admission dates, hours, ticket prices and opportunities to donate and volunteer.