This article appears in our June issue of Indy’s Child Magazine. Pick one up at a grocer, library or community center near you!
Sweet summertime. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and your kids won’t stop asking “What are we doing today?” Don’t sweat it, we’ve collected a list of some of the best can’t miss summer activities designed to keep the whole family happy!
1. Free Kids Koncerts
Jam along to some free musical entertainment this summer at Carmel Clay Park. Their Kids Koncerts offer a morning full of music, dancing and sing-a-longs beginning on June 2 with the Jump and Hop Band. After moving those happy feet, cool off with some shaved Kona Ice. Visit www.carmelclayparks.org for a listing of all the kool koncerts playing this summer.
2. Movies on the Lawn at Garfield Park
Watch a movie under the stars at Garfield Park Arts Center. Join friends at this outdoor movie theatre and catch Jurassic Park on June 27. Movies begin at dusk or 9 pm. BYOP (bring your own popcorn!)
3. Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo is a fantastic place to visit during the summer months. With so many exhibits to explore, the Zoo is an adventure for the whole family. Be sure to check out the koalas this summer – they’ll be here for just a short time. Purchase Zoo tickets online in order to score deals and savings at www.indianapoliszoo.com.
4. Original Farmers Market at City Market
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the City Market’s Original Farmers Market between Alabama and Delaware Streets.
Delicious produce and local fruit, fresh meats, eggs and cheese make this a one-stop shop for some of summer’s greatest goods. This urban market runs every Wednesday from 9 am to 1:30 pm through October. Don’t forget a tote!
5. Strawberry Festival
The Strawberry Festival in downtown Indianapolis celebrates summer’s sweetest fruit: the strawberry! This popular event takes place on Thursday, June 11 from 9 am to 5 pm on Monument Circle. Don’t leave without sampling “The Works” – a shortcake with strawberries, ice cream and whipped topping. Festival-goers are asked to bring canned goods or a monetary donation for the Food Bank of Central Indiana. (This is a cash only event.)
6. Marott Park
If you’ve never been to Marott Park, come see what you’ve been missing! Located at 75th and College, this park offers plenty of green space to appreciate the great outdoors. Marott Park is a hidden gem for families looking to spend the day hiking or poking around the local creek.
7. Forest Park Aquatic Center
Splash into summer at Forest Park Aquatic Center in Noblesville. From the Olympic-sized swimming pool to the sand-play area, Forest Park offers multiple water slides, a smaller activity pool for youngsters and ample shade for mom and dad. As a public facility, this pool requires a daily admission fee or a family membership pass.
8. BRICS Ice Cream
What better way to welcome summer than with an ice cream cone at BRICS, Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station. Enjoy hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes or even an ice cream cupcake. With flavors like Yellow Cake Batter and Chocolate Malt Supreme, we give BRICS Ice Cream two scoops up!
9. Food Truck Fridays
For foodies on the go, Food Truck Fridays in downtown Indy are the perfect way to enjoy lunch outdoors. Located on Georgia Street’s west block, between Capital Avenue and Illinois Street, food trucks park from 11am until 2 pm. Circle City Spuds, Byrne’s Grilled Pizza and Gigi’s Cupcakes are just some of the many trucks selling delicious lunch time treats. Grab something for a picnic with the kids or just eat among the city streets. Visit www.georgiastreetindy.com
for a full lineup of restaurants participating in Food Truck Fridays in June.
10. Indians Game
Batter up! This all-American pastime is the perfect way to spend a summer day outdoors with family and friends. Be sure to look into the Knot Hold Kids Club for special activities just for kids. Tickets can be purchased at www.milb.com.
Worth the drive
Feel like a little road trip? The Newport Aquarium just outside Cincinnati is a great place to spend a summer afternoon.
Located in Newport, Kentucky this aquarium offers over 70 exhibits and thousands of animals from around the world to see. Guests can meet a penguin or even walk across Shark Bridge, suspended inches above two dozen sharks, during their visit.
With only 95 days of summer, make the most of it with all the fun you can squeeze in!
