Indiana: Fun Holiday Activities and Ways to Save
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Last year was a really fun Christmas for us because it was the first year my oldest son had an idea of what was going on. But this year is turning out to be even more enjoyable…and it’s not even December. He absolutely LOVES all things Christmas. He loves the music, the stories, the TV shows and movies and especially the decorations. He loves spotting lights when we’re in the car and sometimes we all head to Lowes or Home Depot just to browse their Christmas isles. As I mentioned in my earlier post, we try to focus a lot of our energy on enjoying the Christmas season with our kids and strive not to worry too much about over buying on presents. So, I have mapped out some activities to take advantage of. You might want to check them out as well.
Christmas at the Zoo – This was the first year we visited Christmas at the Zoo and we had so much fun. We arrived when they opened (around 5:00) so that we could spend some time visiting the animal exhibits. If you haven’t been to the zoo in the winter, you must try it. The crowd is low and this is a great time to see a lot of the animals that are typically elusive in the summer. We got a great view of the tiger, which circled in front of the glass several times and the brown bear was also quite active. Once it started getting dark, we were memorized by the lights. It was just so beautiful. They had camp fires strategically placed throughout the grounds and even had carolers there to fill the air with festive music. We stopped to visit Santa, but opted to wave from afar due to the long line we weren’t in the mood for. You can also purchase seasonal treats at the concession stands, but I suggest packing a travel mug of hot cocoa or picking up a peppermint mocha latte to really put yourself in the mood. Admission is $9.50 for adults and $7.50 for kids over one. Children under 1 are Free.
To Save – Receive $1.00 off with each donation of a new hat, scarf or gloves. You can save 20% off when you stop by any Indianapolis area Donatos, or call to order the tickets to be delivered with your pizza! Click here for a list of the Donatos locations where you can get your Christmas at the Zoo tickets! You can also head online to Visit Indy for a 10% off coupon. Finally, you can find $2 off coupons in the 2011 (and likely 2012) edition of the Entertainment Book.
The Children’s Museum – I’ve told you before how much I love The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis! Goodness, there’s just so much to enjoy at this place and I’m really looking forward to checking out their Jolly Days Winter Wonderland. Visitors to the annual exhibit will take part in a number of seasonal favorites including skating in their socks on an indoor “pond,” climbing and sliding on the Snow Castle, trying their luck at “ice” fishing, and pretend-baking holiday goodies in the Tradition Kitchen. For many visitors, a highlight of their trip to Jolly Days includes a visit and photo with Santa who will be waiting to hear the wishes of young museum visitors. Adult admission is $16.50 and children over 2 are $11.50.
To Save – Keep an eye on their website, facbook and twitter pages for periodic coupons. They also offer group rates, discounts for AAA members and periodically issue coupons in the Reach mailers.
Connor Prairie – This historic park is another one of my favorite local destinations. When we visited this summer, I was so impressed by how family friendly it is. Its gravel paths are very stroller friendly (something I worried about) and most of the bathrooms have accommodations for small children. I even saw a few nursing rooms throughout the park. I am especially excited because this is the first year Connor Prairie is opening during select daytime hours to present new and exciting holiday activities for families. They’ve provided me with an opportunity to visit on Dec. 3…and providing it’s not raining, I can’t wait to take my family. New this year is a winter romp outside during the 1836 Outdoor Adventure, where families can help the costumed residents of Prairietown prepare for the holidays, participate in parties straight from the past, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, sing songs and tell stories around the bonfire and delight their senses during a chocolate demonstration and tasting at the Conner House. Also new this year, families can have dinner with Santa and members can participate in a special breakfast with Santa. Along with new programming, Conner Prairie will also offer traditional holiday favorites such as Conner Prairie by Candlelight and the Gingerbread Village. Admission for these special dates starts at $12 for adults and $9 for kids over 2, depending on what time of day you visit. Kids under 2 are free. Admission is also free for active duty military members and 50% off for their immediate family.
To Save – You can find a BOGO coupon in the 2011 editions of the Entertainment Book and Discover Indy (and likely in the 2012 editions as well), or you can head online to Visit Indy for a $2 off coupon.
Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum – My son LOVES trains, so this one is a no brainer…if we can fit it in. On November 6, 2010, the museum’s Clowes Sculpture Court was transformed into a locomotive wonderland, a network of trestles, bridges and tunnels with chugging trains and detailed replicas of national treasures, all wrapped up in holiday trimming. You can watch eight trains wind past the local treasures of downtown Indianapolis, including the Eiteljorg Museum, Monument Circle and Union Station, through the national parks of the American West, passing legendary sites, including grand railway lodges, Northwest coast Native villages, and wonders such as Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite Falls, the Rocky Mountains and more. General admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids age 5-17. Kids under 5 are FREE!
To Save – You can find a BOGO coupon in the 2011 editions of the Entertainment Book and Discover Indy (and likely in the 2012 editions as well). The Reach mailer has coupons for memberships and the gift shop, or you can head online to Visit Indy for a $2 off coupon.
Santa’s Train Home – I’m on the fence about this one, but it might be a fun activity to fill the time over Christmas break. With this train ride, you get to ride Santa’s Train Home from the Fishers train station to the North Pole at ITM in Noblesville’s Forest Park. Kids get to say goodbye to Santa and then return on the scenic trip to Fishers. They’ll also you will get one last gift from Santa. This train will operate twice each day on Tuesday December 27 and Wednesday December 28. Departure times on both days are 10:30am and 1:30pm. Fairs are $10 a person. Children under 2 are Free.
Breakfast with Santa – There are so many to choose from, but the one at the Greenwood Park Mall and the Greenwood Community Center seem to be the most affordable and accessible for young families on Indy’s Southside. The Greenwood Community Center is hosting theirs on Saturday, December 10 at 9 a.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit, juice, milk and coffee. You can take your own photo with Santa, or Pro-Tek Photography will take a professional photo of your child for $5. Space is limited. Please purchase tickets in advance and cost $3 for city residents or $5 for non-residents. Call 881-4545 for more information. The Breakfast at the mall is free for Kidgits members and includes free holiday goodies, fun holiday crafts & activities, giveaways, prizes and more! It will be held Dec. 10 from 8-10 a.m. in the food court.
Reynolds Farm Equipment Light Display – Every year, this Fishers-based John Deere dealership puts together an amazing collection of lighted Christmas decorations. It’s such a site to see. Visiting the display is free, but volunteers are on hand to collect food and monetary donations for local charities. This year, they will be supporting the Come-To-Me Food Pantry, an outreach mission supported by Fishers United Methodist Church. Authorized volunteers will be clearly recognized and visible near conclusion of their drive thru the Christmas lights. Reynolds Farm Equipment‟s Free Christmas Lights Display can be seen dusk thru dawn beginning Tuesday, November 22nd thru Sunday, January 1st, 2012. The display is located at 12501 Reynolds Drive in Fishers, near the southeast corner of IN 37 N & 126th Street. Santa Claus will be on-hand to visit with children from 6:30p to 9:00p on both Friday, December 9th and Friday, December 16th. Guests may enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn on those evenings. More information about the display and special extended hours can be found online at www.ReynoldsFarmEquipment.com.
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