Urban Chalkboard debuts new offerings for 2016

Something magical and sad and wonderful and sweet and strange happened last year: I became the parent of two school-aged kids. It’s a transition for sure, especially since the bittersweet memories and loves we have from our younger kid days are now starting to wane.
With that said though, there’s one place that’s grown with us. Their transformative and ever-evolving programs appeal to moms with kids of infants, tots and kindergarteners like us, and it’s thrilling to see them coming into their own.
The Urban Chalkboard play cafe located in Carmel is a go-to for fun {and for mom to get a little work done!}.
UrbanChalkboard_Indy'sChildMagazineWhere to start? The moment you walk in to The Urban Chalkboard, you’re greeted with warm smiles by the staff. There’s free wifi {Spoiler alert: Lots of parents have already claimed this as their new favorite place to get work done!}.There’s coffee. A snack bar with healthy snacks for everyone. Staff-led activities every morning and afternoon from sensory play to storytime to music classes. A large reading area teeming with books. And of course, plenty of centers for kids to explore.

 RELATED POST: What Is The Purpose Of Kindergarten?

All of the concept, space and programming was designed by founders and owners Jessica Beer and Tonya Bergeson-Dana, who both hold PhDs in child development. Staff members have or are pursuing a degree in child development, psychology or the like.
Urban Chalkboard Founders - Tonya and Jessica - Indy's ChildAnd since I didn’t mention earlier, Indy’s Child Magazine is blessed to have Dr. Jessica and Dr. Tonya as regular contributors with their special “Research To Real World” column which examines a number of child development-rich topics each month.

RELATED POST: Research To Real World: Preschool Prep For Parents

Also a favorite: The fact that Urban Chalkboard closely monitors their space and capacity goals so on busy days you aren’t competing with all of Indianapolis for a seat. A big deal considering the winter weather drives a lot of families out to the same hotspots.
The space is a decor-lovin’ fan’s dream too, outfitted in Orla Kiely wallpaper, modern white seating and Ikea play things that light my interior design-crushing heart.
UrbanChalkboard_Indy'sChildMagazineSo enough of the resume, let’s talk what The Urban Chalkboard is up to in 2016 and why this is destined to be your new spot {and not just because it was awarded “Best New Hangout For Kids” by the Indianapolis Monthly Best Of Indy 2015!}:
  • Sense It: On Mondays and Wednesdays, the onsite Paul Dana Studio will transform into a sensory playground for kids of all ages. Babies will have sensory tubes and Noggin Sticks to trial, toddlers and preschoolers will appreciate parachute games and tunnel crawls. Light tables dot the fun as well. M/W 11:30am
  • New music offerings: Both free and for-a-fee options are sprinkled on the weekly UC calendar. There are Babies/Toddlers Play Music + lessons with the acclaimed Mr. Daniel {additional fees apply} OR live music with Mr. Daniel Fridays at 10am plus instrument petting zoos {free with admission}.
  • Baby Rave: The Studio will come alive for this one: Glow bracelets, disco lights, bubbles and Rody horses make an appearance and the tunes get the weekend kicked off with high-energy fun. Limited to 40 participants. Final Fridays 4pm 
And this is only the start – there are plenty of other free options on the daily calendar. Of course, that’s if you’re able to pull the kids away from playing dress-up in the costume corner.

UrbanChalkboard_Indy'sChildMagazine

 

MORE INFO: The Urban Chalkboard is located at 452 E. Carmel Drive, in Carmel. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays-Fridays from 9am-5pm, Tuesdays from 9am-6pm and Saturdays from 9am-2pm. They are closed on Sundays. Admission is $10/child for a day pass; other packages are also available. Call {317} 815-5711 or visit their website for additional details. Disclaimer: Indy’s Child received some giveaway swag for our readers in exchange for this post.


Jeanine Bobenmoyer - Indy's ChildJeanine Bobenmoyer is an explorer by heart. Her enthusiasm for trying new things drives her family out into the Indianapolis community as often as possible. Her son Hunter may become the next Bo Jackson and daughter Emerson is headed for Broadway or Harvard. Or both.

When Jeanine is not checking out the latest hotspot, she puts on her hat as the Chief Mom Officer for theCityMoms, the largest support and social network for moms in Indianapolis. She guest writes for Hamilton County Tourism, Inc., loves yoga, University of Michigan football, and trail running. She’d also drop everything if Eddie Vedder asked her to join Pearl Jam on tour. Find Jeanine on Twitter and Instagram.

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