Oh warmer weather, we feel you peeking out from around the corner. So with Spring Break on deck, it’s time to start planning.
If your plans include a staycation in the Indianapolis area, frequent Indy’s Child contributor Amanda Dorman of Downtown Indy has the scoop.
Here are 5 ways to do Spring Break in downtown Indianapolis:
1. Go for a “Grand” exhibit
Be ready for a great adventure when you visit the Eiteljorg’s newest exhibit, The Grand Canyon.
Get ready for a great adventure with your kids when the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon come to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art on March 28. This much-anticipated exhibit will include on-going programming: create your own work of art inspired by the Grand Canyon; catch a film; quiz an Eiteljorg Park Ranger and share your Canyon memories.
2. Get active at Tourney Town
March Madness is in full swing in Downtown Indy! Fan Fest is a festival within a festival jam packed with games and activities for kids.
The 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to Downtown Indy April 3 & 5. Families can get in on the action during Tourney Town April 1-3 – a FREE fan festival at the Indiana Convention Center celebrating the best in women’s college basketball. Be at the epicenter of women’s basketball with activities for the entire family: fun exhibits and games, interactive displays, basketball clinics, entertainment, food, merchandise and more. Music fans won’t want to miss the Friday Night Tipoff Party during Tourney Town: hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa will take the stage on April 1 at 9pm for a free concert.
3. Check out movies at IMAX
Tickets are now on sale for Batman v. Superman at IMAX Theater. Don’t miss this film in the biggest film format available – IMAX 70mm film. Indianapolis’ IMAX is one of 10 theaters in the world have it.
Go on a virtual vacation and see National Parks Adventure 3D, now playing at IMAX Theatre. National Parks Adventure takes audiences on a thrilling off-trail adventure into the nation’s awe-inspiring great outdoors including Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite, the Everglades and Arches. Also coming soon (March 25) – Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. IMAX is just one of 10 theaters in the world to have a special film format – IMAX 70 mm film.
4. Visit the Indianapolis Zoo
Bring your wild things to see the wild at the Zoo! Expanded spring hours have begun and the Zoo is now open on Mondays and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.
A visit to the Indianapolis Zoo is always a hit with the kids. There are several zoo babies that will be introduced this spring. See the trio of lion cubs, baby meerkats or the newest arrival of a baby giraffe. Sign up the kids for a Family Overnight Adventure on Friday, March 25 and spend the night at the Zoo while participating in a variety of different activities specifically designed for families. Tickets are $40 for members; $50 for nonmembers. Or simply stretch your legs and enjoy 64 acres of pure fun. Purchase tickets in advance on the Zoo website to save money.
5. Take a walk, have a picnic and explore White River State Park
When working up your list of day-time things to do, White River State Park’s attractions are a must. Purchase a Park Pass which includes discounted admission vouchers into six attractions. Or just explore the park by boat, by bike or by foot.
White River State Park has enough attractions to keep you busy all day. Rent a pedal boat or kayak and take it out on the Canal. Enjoy the 250 acre-White River State Park and wander along the White River Promenade, a half-mile walkway lined with flowering trees and evergreens that offers unique views of the White River and the Downtown skyline. While you’re there, purchase a Park Pass which includes admission vouchers into six attractions with more than 25 percent off the regular adult prices. Passes are $54 for adults and $39 for children.
During the day, Amanda Dorman works as communication manager for Downtown Indy, promoting Downtown events and happenings on media outlets throughout the city. She serves on marketing teams and committees for Indiana Sports Corp, Dig IN and the Indianapolis Zoo Associate Council and is the PR lead behind one of Indy’s coolest yoga events: Monumental Yoga on Monument Circle. By night, Amanda enjoys practicing yoga, teaching spin classes, attending concerts and exploring Downtown Indy (especially through food and especially at Bluebeard!). Find Amanda on Twitter and by email at [email protected].
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