The awesome folks over at Yelp Indy are invading IndysChild.com again! And we couldn’t be more grateful. Remember when they scooped the Top 5 Kid-Friendly Ways To Get Active In The Circle City? Or the Top Local Gifts For Kids? We do. They’ve become some of our go-to lists. This month they dish on their top picks for indoor winter fun – i.e. important notes for every parent. So take it away Yelp!
Have the winter blues gotten to you? With the temperatures dropping, it seems there are fewer options to entertain the kiddos for the afternoon or a weekend. Just because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean your afternoon can’t be delightful! Yelp rounded up locals’ top picks for family adventures during the snowbird season.
Mr. Muffin’s Trains (Carmel)
“Mr. Muffin has a passion for making people smile and a way to transport them to another world full of imagination.” Take it from Yelper Chris F. – this place is a hidden gem in Carmel. Mr. Muffin {real name: Steve} is a jolly ol’ soul with such a passion for trains that he turned his hobby into an interactive museum. If your kid is loco for locomotives, this place is sure to entertain him or her for hours. Stop by on Saturdays to watch the trains run through the miniature villages! MORE INFO: Read about Mr. Muffin’s Trains from a recent visit by Indy’s Child Insider Luis.
Cost: Free
The Urban Chalkboard (Carmel)
Described as a “learning studio + play cafe,” The Urban Chalkboard is a place where adults can socialize and kids can play. Child development psychologists and founders Dr. Tonya and Dr. Jessica have created a stimulating environment where creativity can flourish and meaningful connections are formed. In Yelper Nicole L. words, “If you’re looking for a place for a play date where you can enjoy some adult time, I definitely recommend giving this place a try.” MORE INFO: The Urban Chalkboard recently unveiled their 2016 programming lineup. Learn more.
Cost: $10 for a day pass; Adults, children under 8 months and children over 9 years are free.
RELATED POST: 99 Things To Do This Winter
Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens (Garfield Park neighborhood, near Fountain Square)
On a cold, dreary winter day, how would you like to step foot into a warm, tropical environment? *Hands raised* The Garfield Park Conservatory features fountains, koi fish, and flora and fauna galore to help you beat the winter blues. Not to mention the programs just for kids, like a Valentine creation workshop, “Jungle Tales,” and “Crunch and Munch.” Just take it from Yelper Cassandra W., who says “Why I’m not here every day of my life, well…. I don’t know why. I should be.” MORE INFO: Indy’s Child visited for their annual holiday “Conservatory Crossing” but stayed for the fun of the Conservatory.
Cost: $2/person, children under 2 are free; $5/child for program
Action Duckpin Bowl (Fountain Square)
You’ve probably been bowling, but have you tried duckpin bowling? Think of it as regular bowling, but on a smaller scale – meaning it’s easier for kids to handle the bowling balls on their own. In the Fountain Square Theatre Building, you’ll find eight lanes for this 1930s era game, along with a billiard table, pool table, jukebox and cafe. Yelper Tiffany H. wrote, “Recently, we took my three younger sisters. They are all under the age of 15 and they LOVED it…it just goes to show that this is a great place for any age.”
Cost: $30 per hour per lane
RELATED POST: Best Indoor Playgrounds In Indianapolis
Half Baked Pottery and Gifts (Broad Ripple)
For the budding Picasso in your family, a trip to Half Baked in Broad Ripple will get their artistic juices flowing. Simply walk in, pick your piece you’d like to paint, and Half Baked will fire your masterpiece. Staff is on hand to help brainstorm and assist with the process. Hint hint: your kid’s creation would make a great Valentine’s Day gift! Yelper Donna P. thinks it’s a great activity for all ages, writing “Would be a fun girls night out, birthday party, or tiny human creative outing.”
Cost: Varies
Rhythm! Discovery Center (Downtown)
Making lots of noise isn’t just allowed here, it’s encouraged. Rhythm! is a percussion museum with interactive and educational programs and artist performances. It’s so cool, USA Today named it one of the “Top 10 Great Places for Hands-On Music Making”. “This is a cool little interactive museum of percussion instruments, great for kids but also fun and interesting for adults” says Yelper Sunah K. Just don’t blame us if your kid asks for their own drumset after an afternoon at Rhythm!
Cost: $10/adult, $6/child
For more great indoor adventures, visit yelp.com!
Yelp is a website and mobile application that connects people with great local businesses – anything from restaurants, bars and spas to dog groomers, mechanics, even dentists!
Indy’s Child is thrilled to host content from our partner Yelp Indy. These monthly posts aim to connect the parents and families of the city to the local businesses around them. Stay tuned for lots of great input from Yelp Community Leaders Brittany Smith + Katie Utken. Then, start exploring your neck of the woods!
