Search Results for: blog a weekend in indianapolis

Free Christmas Fun in Indianapolis

Who says you need to spend a bundle to have some holiday family fun? The economy is tanking and managers of Indianapolis-area attractions are responding by offering fabulous freebies during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. In what is being dubbed the “12 Free Days Of Indy Christmas” celebration, visitors will be gifted with free admission and other goodies at participating attractions. For example, on Saturday, December 13th, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum will be offering free admission to its collection of trophies and cars. On Sunday, December 14th, you can tour the President Benjamin Harrison … Continue reading →

Indianapolis Fever

In less than 20 hours a field of 30 men and three women will start their engines and gun it around the track for the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500. Coincidentally, my family will be attending a wedding in Indiana next month and I have recently written several blogs about the area’s accommodations, outdoor activities, and other points of interest. In honor of the Indianapolis 500 I figured it was appropriate to add a few more must-see attractions to the list—both are new and have opened in just the past few days. Indianapolis Zoo—Oceans Exhibit According to zoo officials, … Continue reading →

Indianapolis—Where To Stay

In a previous blog I gave you a rundown of our travel itinerary for our upcoming trip to Indianapolis. Since we are attending a wedding there we will be taking advantage of the special room rates offered to guests attending the nuptials. (See details below.) However, if you are visiting the city and are looking for unique accommodations you might want to consider the following inns and hotels. They may run you a bit more than the local Embassy Suites, but you may find the personalized touches are worth the extra cash. Villa Inn The downtown property is technically a … Continue reading →

A Weekend In Indianapolis

In a few weeks we will pack up the family car and head to Indianapolis for a friend’s wedding. I’ve been to the area several times, but never with a toddler, so this trip should be interesting. I’ve been doing research on the city’s family-friendly attractions, and if all goes according to plan we will roll into Indianapolis with enough time to visit a few of them before the wedding festivities get underway. Our plan is to spend four days in Indianapolis—though two of them will be spent participating in wedding-related events. The other two days we plan to visit … Continue reading →

Easy and Affordable Super Bowl Party

The Giants take on the Patriots a week from Sunday during Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. This weekend the Pro Bowl kicks off in Honolulu, but since that’s not a real game, you can focus your attention on getting ready for your annual NFL Championship pigskin party. Fortunately, you don’t have to put a major dent in your budget to host a Super Bowl shindig. Rather, with a little strategic planning you can have fun rooting for your favorite team and score points with your family members and friends, all while preserving your bottom line. Here’s how: Keep it Casual: … Continue reading →

Zoo-rific Summer Travel Ideas

What a zoo! Life can get pretty chaotic, especially if you are juggling kids, a house, pets and a paying job. But with summer just around the corner, why not consider taking a break from your personal zoo to visit some of the best animal facilities in the country. A number of top-rated zoos are featuring special exhibits this summer—-everything from Mammoths to Micronesian kingfishers. If you are looking for super summer fun without having to travel abroad, then check out what’s new at the following zoos: MINNESOTA The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is debuting a $1 million, nature-based … Continue reading →

More Fun Places to Ride with Santa

Railway companies across the country are inviting families to hop aboard and ride with Santa this season. Whether it’s the “North Pole Express,” “Christmas Tree Express,” or “Snowball Express,” the big red guy will be on hand to visit with your children. Take a look at where Santa will be riding the rails before he hits the skies on Christmas Eve: CALIFORNIA Fillmore and Western Railway Company offers not one, but three types of Christmas train rides. Kids can have dinner with Santa, pick the perfect Christmas tree, or visit the “North Pole.” The “Christmas Tree Train” takes families to … Continue reading →

How to Make Homemade Christmas Wrapping Paper and Ornaments

You’ve mastered homemade wreaths, candles, and other holiday decor, but how many of you have ever made your very own Christmas wrapping paper? It’s not rocket science nor is it as difficult as some of the crafts Martha Stewart cranks out. Rather, it is the ideal project for your kids to tackle on a cold winter’s day. If you have crafty kids, then you probably have all the materials you need right in your own home. The project requires a roll of easel or butcher paper. You can choose full-size or small rolls, which are available at toy and craft … Continue reading →

How to Make a Simple and Festive Christmas Wreath

Here’s a fun holiday project my teenage cousin is working on with his classmates to present to residents at area nursing homes. These evergreen and cranberry wreaths are easy, affordable and add a festive touch to any room. The kids are working assembly line style as it does take a while to pin individual cranberries on the Styrofoam ball that decorates the wreath. However, once the cranberry application is complete you should have no problem completing the project (alone) in less than 20 minutes. EVERGREEN AND CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS WREATH Materials: For Wreath: 1 12-inch pre-made evergreen wreath form 1 thin … Continue reading →

Places to Have a Holly Jolly Good Time with Your Family

Tis the season to be with family and friends. Whether you decide to bond on the slopes or huddle together in front of the fireplace for a fierce game of Pictionary, the holidays are a great time to spend with loved ones. However, if you don’t know how to ski or you shudder at the thought of having to stay cooped up indoors all day, you might consider the following festive family-friendly options: CONNECTICUT At Christmas Town in Bethlehem, Connecticut, kids can visit Santa on the Village Green and sing along with carolers strolling along Main Street. Don’t forget to … Continue reading →