There’s no need to feel trapped at home with a baby when plenty of fun options are available in Hamilton County for the two of you to enjoy together. Here are a few of our favorites!
The Urban Chalkboard Play Cafe
The Play Cafe at The Urban Chalkboard (452 East Carmel Drive) is a comfy cafe where little ones and grown-ups can snack, socialize and play. A day pass costs $8 per child (8 months to 8 years of age) or you can purchase a 5-punch pass for $40. Check their website, www.theurbanchalkboard.com, to explore classes for little ones including “Babies Play Music” plus special free activities offered regularly.
Swim Classes
You don’t have to wait for summertime to enjoy a dip in the pool with your baby! Introducing your child to swimming at an early age can help them become comfortable in the water. Infant swim classes are available all year round at many locations, including Goldfish Swim School, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s Monon Center, YMCA locations and Stony Creek Swim Center in Noblesville and Carmel. Many infant swim programs require parents to participate with their babies, so come prepared to suit up and jump in.
My Gym Children’s Fitness Center
Fitness isn’t just for adults! My Gym in Fishers (10290 E. 96th Street) offers a Tiny Tykes class for babies from 7-13 months of age. New activities are introduced as babies grown and gain mobility and hand, arm and trunk control. Parents participate with their babies in classes, which include stretches, exercises, infant songs and dances, baby-safe rides and adventures, balance and agility skills, and even introductory tumbling. Visit www.mygym.com/fishers for more info.
Baby Boot Camp
Grab that stroller and get moving! Baby Boot Camp is a stroller fitness program designed to let moms get in shape while spending time with their children. Programs are offered by nationally certified fitness professionals, and offer a variety of options for you and baby. The first class is free, find them on the web or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/babybootcampcarmel/
PlayFULL Hours
Fishers Parks & Recreation offers unstructured play time that follows a specific theme for little ones ages 1-5, for a cost of just $2/class for Fishers residents, $3 for non-residents. Many of the indoor classes take place in the Billericay Park building, with some outdoor offerings as well. Parents should come prepared to participate alongside their children. Topics this spring include Seasons and Holidays, and Music and Movement. Visit www.Fishers.in.us for details.
Conner Prairie
Step back in time with your baby and enjoy a dose of Indiana history at Conner Prairie (13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers). The newly renovated indoor exhibits are open year-round. This space is the perfect place for tiny guests to create, climb, play and pretend. Be sure to look for the special area for infants within the forest-themed play area. For more details, check out www.connerprairie.org.
Potter’s Bridge Park
As you soak in the sight of Hamilton County’s only remaining covered bridge at Potter’s Bridge Park (19401 North Allisonville Rd., Noblesville) you and your baby can stroll through 66 acres of nature. The paved, stroller friendly path along the scenic river bridge might be just as appealing to parents of babies as the iconic Potter’s Bridge itself, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Strawtown Koteewi Park
Strap on a baby carrier and hike in the footsteps of Indiana’s first inhabitants at Strawtown Koteewi Park. (12308 E. Strawtown Ave., Noblesville) This 750-acre park also includes a canoe launch on the White River for boating and fishing, nature trails and wetlands and prairies that you and your little one can explore as you take in the park’s natural beauty.
West Park
Appreciate Mother Nature as you traverse through the five acres of wetland space in West Park (2700 W. 116th Street, Carmel). The stroller-friendly boardwalks will keep you and baby high and dry while you take in the scenery. West Park also includes sixteen acres of wide open green spaces for visitors to run around in, a picnic area, a prairie garden and a playground.
There’s no shortage of both indoor and outdoor fun in Hamilton County! Pack up your tot and take advantage of all our area has to offer you and your little one.
