16 Got a wee little one? There’s still lots of fun to be had around town! WORDS BY LAUREL PRICE
The early years of parenthood are daunting. It can feel confining — like you’re restricted to your home, stroller walks, or your precious 10 minutes walking the aisles of Target with a latte while your little one snoozes in the cart. Where are all the good spots for parents of very young children? Where can you and your baby go to relax, play and socialize? We have you covered with our favorite parent-approved indoor and outdoor babyfriendly locales across the Circle City for kiddos ages 0 to 2!
padded play area for less mobile babies. It also boasts private rooms for nursing and diaper changes.
Conner Prairie Discovery Station 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers
connerprairie.org
For toddlers: There are many things to do here, but the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience is the absolute best. Take your toddler around to try out each of the different sports. It’s a great early way to gauge their interest level (if any!) in various sports, with 12 outdoor experiences and three inside exhibits.
This indoor play area is open yearround, and although it caters to kids through the age of 9, there is a special section just for you and your infant. There is also a Mom’s Room nearby, providing a convenient space for feedings and diaper changes.
play spaces that allow children to “plant” and “harvest” a garden, and serve food out of a kitchen, are perfect for little learners. You can also cuddle up and read in the library before riding off into the sunset on one of the horse statues.
Gymboree 12524 N. Gray Road, Carmel
Gymboree offers classes for infants (0-8 months) Crawlers (6-14 months), Walkers (10-18 months) as well as family and music classes. Gymboree classes are a multisensory play and learning experiences that stimulates reflexes and builds brain power.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Holliday Park Nature Center
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis
childrensmuseum.org
hollidaypark.org
Imagine 29 acres of land offering countless areas of fun for your tots. The world’s largest children’s museum has so many places for little ones to visit. Here kids can learn about history, discover new things, and even have a blast running around the spiral stairs positioned at the center of the museum. The museum is a fantastic historical center, although you’re likely to see your children go straight for the Playscape. The Playscape (open to children 5 and younger) has a
Hiking may be the shining star of Holliday Park, but don’t overlook the year-round fun to be had in the nature center. The space boasts many live animals to enjoy (and a working beehive), but also baby friendly toys, books, a fun loft to explore and even a stream to splash in!
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INDYSCHILD.COM I July 2022
Eiteljorg R. B. Annis Western Family Experience 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
eiteljorg.org The newly renovated R.B. Annis Western Family Experience is not to be missed! Fan favorites, like the stagecoach are ever-present, but the addition of imaginative
