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New Firefly Landing Kid Space at Indiana State Museum

Downtown Indy just got one more indoor play area for young kids to explore! The new Firefly Landing kid space at Indiana State Museum opened to the public this week and we were invited to go check it out! The space is for children ages 6 and younger so it was the perfect spot for my girls! They both bounced around from activity to activity more delighted with each option. We already know they have great programs for kids and are very excited for this space to be available next time we visit the museum.

Firefly Landing is a classroom space for early childhood public and school programs, and a spot where families will find new, daily engagement to help the museum’s littlest visitors enjoy activities just for them, including interactive story time, sensory tables, hands-on activities and more.

Indiana State Museum

Firefly Landing

The space will be open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. unless a scheduled program or reserved event is taking place.

Firefly Landing will be the new home of the following awesome programs:

  • Toddler Time- Ages 18-36 mo
  • Small Wonders- Ages 3-5 years
  • Young Explorers- Ages 4-5 years
  • Messy Mondays- Ages 2-5 years
  • Preschool Fridays-Ages 5 and younger
  • Summer Camp- Ages 3-6

Check the Indiana State Museum website for more details on these offerings.

Between their awesome temporary exhibits, they cycle through, their amazing permanent exhibits, the IMAX and Firefly Landing, ISM is a full-day attraction. Be sure to take a lunch or eat in their restaurant Farmer’s Market Cafe. There is so much to do and see at this awesome Indiana museum!

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firefly landing kid space at indiana state museum

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Christmas Nights of Lights Holiday Family Event in Indianapolis

Indy’s holiday events game is so strong. You could easily do a different event or attraction every night in December. The best part, they’re all awesome! This past week we were invited to check out the Christmas Nights of Lights display at The Indiana State Fairgrounds. Not only has it been added as a definite must-see but we’ll be going back to see it again this year.

Our entire family was singing along and pointing out our favorite parts throughout the 30-minute drive-through experience. Thankfully Triton Light Shows has a multi-year commitment to return to the Indiana State Fairgrounds again and again!

Tips for Christmas Nights of LIghts

Before you go:

  1. Make sure you know how to turn off your headlights. There is plenty of light for you to see to drive through the paths marked with signs and orange lights. You don’t want to ruin the experience of the car in front of you by having your lights on.
  2. Know your radio. There is a specific radio station that plays the music that syncs with the lights. You’ll definitely want to be able to tune to their FM station.
  3. Go to the bathroom before you head out. The show is about 30 minutes and the only restrooms are the port-o-potties at the very start.
  4. Bring your own hot chocolate. We made the anticipation exciting by making puppy chow to take along with us. At the last second, I wanted hot chocolate so we took that instead and it was well worth it!
  5. Make it a tradition. You can get a carload of people in (up to 9 people) for $30! There were families with huge vans and their sliding doors open so everyone could see!
  6. Make sure to use Gate 12 off 42nd Street. 42nd Street is off of Evanston Avenue which is a light where you’ll turn right.

The Details

Dates

November 8, 2019 –
January 1, 2020
Dusk to 10:00 P.M.
Extended hours on weekends.

Location

Indiana State Fairgrounds 1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46205

Pricing

$7.00 per person Children Age 3 & Under: FREE!
OR a Carload Special $30 (up to 9 passengers)

Group Rates:
10 – 15 Passengers $50
16 – 35 Passengers $75
35+ Passengers $100

Plan Your Visit

During our busier hours, you may experience a bit of a wait. To avoid the crowds, we recommend guests plan their visit on a weekday or weekends after 9 P.M. Any cars still in line at the time of closing WILL be permitted to enter and enjoy the show.

Let me know what you think once you’ve gone! Personally, we think it’s well worth the money. There are so many different songs you could go a few times in the season and see different shows!

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How I Do a Girls Day Out in Indy | Mass Ave

There are so many awesome areas around Indy that I had to split these up. I’ve already written about the North Side of Indy and today I’m sharing another top choice for when I want a Girls Day Out in Indy | Mass Ave.

This itinerary can be tweaked if you just need a day out to yourself, you want to have a mommy/daughter date or if you want to have a day out with your girls!

Girls Day Out in Indy - Mass Ave

Girls Day Out in Indy- Mass Ave

Morning

Breakfast at Wild Eggs. Yes! I’ve already mentioned Wild Eggs in the North Side post but despite all the amazing brunch places I have to keep coming back to Wild Eggs. Their fresh squeezed OJ mimosas can’t be beat.

After breakfast I love strolling down to the end of the street furthest away from the city. The new Bottleworks district is being re-done but for now I’m excited about several locations down there. I first stop in The Best Chocolate in Town to stock up on my chocolate treats for the day. Everything in the shop is amazing but my favorite is their Peanut Butter Crunch- the perfect mix of white chocolate, peanut butter and rice crisp.

Indy Reads Books

After a chocolate treat to-go Indy Reads Books is my next favorite spot. Great prices on books in this adorable shop that has a huge impact on our community. Indy Reads builds literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and families to reach their full potential. I’m always happy to support this book shop.

While we’re on this end of Mass Ave I have to stop in to see what fabrics Crimson Tate: Modern Quilter is carrying. She has the absolute best fabric prints in all of Indy. I end up being super inspired to sew all the things after going into her shop.

Noon

Around this time I’m ready for lunch so we head down to Garden Table. Such a cute IG worthy eatery that is so lovely with the windows open during nice weather. It’s a really fun place to try something new like a juice or stick to something comforting like a quiche.

After lunch I love heading to my very favorite shop in all of Indy- Silver in the City. My sister introduced me to this amazing shop when I was in college and it’s always been my go-to when visitors come into town or when I have a day to myself. There is one in Carmel and on Mass Ave and the best part about both stores is the people. They’re all so kind and passionate and Silver in the City does great things to support the LBGQT+ community. Confession: I have a really hard time leaving this store without jewelry.

In the same vein of super cool unique items- I love stopping in Homespun: Modern Handmade. It’s a boutique shop that sells contemporary handmade and locally crafted goods. It’s a fantastic place to go for unique art, cards and specialty gifts. They’ve also got some really awesome jewelry.

Penn & Beech
Penn & Beech

Now that our feet are tired from shopping I love going into Penn & Beech Candle Co. to make a unique candle. You can make your own scent and pour your own candle to take home. They have all kinds of different containers and you can even bring your own. It’s a really fun experience. They accept walk-ins but it’s not a huge place so if they’re hosting a bachelorette party or other large group you will have to wait. I suggest making a reservation.

I’m a sucker for beautiful desserts and Macaron Bar has my heart. I took a class on how to make macarons and although I’ll never make them myself I really enjoyed learning how and am very happy to support Macaron Bar by buying theirs! They’ve got tons of flavors including seasonal favors that change throughout the year. These also make a really great gift for someone who has it all!

Macaron Bar
Bakersfield

Evening

There are SO many great dinner and drink restaurants on Mass Ave but my favorite is Bakersfield. It’s always busy so you either need to make a reservation or be patient. My favorite thing to do is to put our name down, head out to the back outdoor area, put in an order of The Trio (chips, guac and rojo and green salsa) and grab a pineapple margarita and just enjoy the beautiful weather while chatting the night away. Everything on the menu is awesome so you can’t go wrong there.

That is how I would spend my Girls Day Out in Indy- Mass Ave style! If I did honorable mentions for Mass Ave it would literally be every other shop and restaurant on the strip so I’ll just stick with my favorites.

I’d love to know your favorite Mass Ave stops!

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How I Do a Girls Day Out in Indy | North Side

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How I Do a Girls Day Out in Indy | North Side

Indianapolis is improving by leaps and bounds each year. I’m starting a new series on the blog with my favorite locations to visit around the city. This first series is Girls Day Out in Indy- North Side which encompasses anywhere north of the 456 loop.

This itinerary can be tweaked if you just need a day out to yourself, you want to have a mommy/daughter date or if you want to have a day out with your girls!

DryBar
DeBrands Chocolate Indianapolis

Girls Day Out in Indy – North Side

Morning:

Breakfast at Wild Eggs. Wild Eggs has a few locations but we particularly like the Fishers location and are very happy when they have $2 Fresh Squeezed OJ Mimosas. Rosie’s Place in Noblesville and Cafe Patachou (right next to where we’re headed next) are also great choices.

Pampering at DryBar is up next. DryBar is a blow-out salon that washes your hair and styles it for $45. My hair always lasts 4 days after getting a blow out with DryBar which is well worth the money! They also serve wine and always have great romcoms playing on the TVs.

Treat yo self at DeBrand Fine Chocolate. I have a thing for chocolate and DeBrand chocolates are my favorite ANYWHERE (and I’ve had fine chocolates in Vegas and Disney). My very favorite truffle is the Macadamia Hazelnut Truffle. You really can’t go wrong with any of the chocolates though. They also have chocolate dipped ice cream cones and the chocolate is heavenly. TIP: If it’s not hot in your car, get some to go for later or to share with your family.

After you’re buzzing from chocolate head over to Mi Nail Salon for a mani and pedi. You’ll need reservations for DryBar and breakfast but Mi Nails is very flexible with pushing back appointments if you’re running late. Make sure to request side by side seating so you can sit with your girls. They also have soda, water and wine to enjoy while being pampered.

Fashion Mall at Keystone
Ironworks Hotel
Massage Heights
Girls Day Out in Indy- North Side
Rize

Noon

Lunch at Flamme Burger will hit the spot. If you’re not super hungry, split a Chicken Sandwich or Bacon Cheese Burger. Their meals are large. They don’t own a freezer so all of the food is super fresh and so tasty.

Walk off some of those calories from lunch at the Fashion Mall at Keystone. As Indiana’s premier luxury destination with 120+ stores you’re sure to find a few you love. Some of my favorites are Crate and Barrel, Anthropology, Free People, M.A.C., Kate Spade and West Elm.

After a day of shopping I would want to take my bags back to the hotel and rest a little before getting ready to go out for the night. There are a lot of really nice hotels near the mall but my favorite is Ironworks Hotel. As an industrial modern boutique hotel, they’re such a fun place to stay. Some of my favorite amenities are that they’re pet friendly, there is a Massage Heights next door and they have two amazing fine dining restaurants (Rize for breakfast/lunch and Provision for dinner).

girls day out in indy
Ocean Prime
Point Judith Calamari

Evening

Dinner is the hardest part of this entire day because there are so many award winning restaurants on the north side of Indy. I have yet to try all of them so I will only suggest places that I’ve been knowing that there are many more worth your time. If you’re looking to go all out, we loved our experience at Ocean Prime. From the service to the food, everything was outstanding. My recommendations are the Bubbles and Berries cocktail, Smoked Gouda Tater Tots, Point Judith Calamari, the Peanut Butter Pie and the Warm Butter Cake. The entrees were amazing too but what I just mentioned were beyond delicious.

If you’ve already spent most of your budget for the day Late Harvest Kitchen, The Melting Pot (fondue) and Provisions (really great cocktails and outside patio area) are all high on my list of favorite restaurants.

Have you been to the north side of Indianapolis? If so, what are your favorite spots?

Honorable mentions: Main St Poke, Bubs Burgers (the best shakes), riding bikes on The Monon, Conner Prairie for family fun.

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Indianapolis Zoo: Team Sloth or Team Snake

Indianapolis Zoo: Team Sloth or Team Snake opened this weekend. We had a chance to go check them out during their member preview before it opened to the public and it was so fun! Whether you’re fond of cute and cuddly or sleek and slithery you’ll find new facts and interesting animals to swoon over.

These exhibits opened just in time to start your summer off with some fun at the zoo. PRO TIP: Bring your patience. These two exhibits are going to be very popular which means long wait times. I suggest bringing two adults and having one stand in line while the other gets ice cream or heads to the playground with the kids. There were a lot of hot tired kids in line while we were there. Once you get to MISTery Park there are misters that help keep you cool and you’ll fell like you’ve stepped into a rain forest in south America! It it such an amazing experience. You’ll never have known you’re standing where the splash pad was with all the plants, mist and forest sounds from Costa Rica.

Indianapolis Zoo: Team Sloth or Team Snake
Indianapolis Zoo: Team Sloth or Team Snake

Team Sloth

You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the sloths while you’re there. Although you can not handle these cuddly cuties you can get some great selfies! There are 5 sloths total at the Indianapolis Zoo and they will have two out at a time to allow them time without being with people. These two toed sloths keep a gentle pace to help them go unseen by predators, such as harpy eagles and jaguars, who watch for moving prey when they hunt. But these adorable animals take leisure to the next level, moving slow enough for algae and fungi to grow on their fur, creating micro-biomes of life.

Team Snake

The snake exhibit is just as popular as the sloth exhibit! They’ve completely renovated the back area of Desserts and added new habitats for all their new friends. Desserts has remained the same but in the back area they’ve added the most deadly snakes in the world. Size, Speed & Venom: Extreme Snakes will feature more than 20 incredible species, including some of the largest and most dangerous snakes on the planet. The reticulated python is one of the world’s largest snakes, growing to nearly 30 feet in length with exquisite patterns.

For more information on these awesome exhibits go to the Indianapolis Zoo website or call (317) 630-2001 for more information.

Indianapolis Zoo: Team Sloth or Team Snake

Check out more fun Zoo trips like xZooberance and Fairy Gardens.

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