Staycationing in Carmel for Spring Break

Conner Prairie's President & CEO Ellen Rosenthal.

Blame it on the soft economy. Maybe I put off booking those airline tickets too long. For whatever reason, I find myself staying put this spring break while all our friends head to sunny Florida. To stave off mutiny with my kids who are coming down off their cabin fever, I came up with some local ideas to keep them busy and me sane during spring break.

If you are staying in town with small children, I would suggest you stock up on plenty of craft supplies, Disney movies, snacks and fill your play date schedule. Team up with other adults to share the parenting responsibilities just in case Suzie forgets and pours herself a caffeinated Mountain Dew. Besides, its easier if you have an adult back-up system if someone needs to pee.

Going out of the house? My first recommendation is Conner Prairie in Fishers. It has a great indoor play area, craft tables and is very educational for younger and older children. They are open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. They have several workshops throughout March and April so check their website at www.connerprarie.org for dates and times.

The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis

Another favorite is the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Most of you know it was voted one of the best Children’s Museums in the country, and rightfully so. It is wonderful! They have areas and activities for all ages. Family Free Night is the first Thursday of the month from 4-8 p.m. Visit www.childrensmuseum.org to see what is going on during your trip.

If your kids think you are old, take them to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Arts. It is the only museum in the Midwest of its kind. There is an interactive stagecoach exhibit, as well as a dress-up area and a photo opportunity on a real horse saddle! Kids of all ages will enjoy this hidden treasure. Go to www.eiteljorg.org for more information. But let’s not forget about the other museums in and around Indianapolis and Carmel, such as the House of Miniatures in Carmel and the Indiana Museum of Art and Indiana State Museum just to name a few.

If the weather cooperates, the Indianapolis Zoo is a great place to explore with kids of all energy levels. If we’re lucky enough to have Florida-like weather in Indiana, take a bike ride along the Monon Trail. Make sure you stop at Bub’s Burgers for an ice cream or burger (Tip: Don’t dare Junior to get his picture on the wall, it will only embarrass him and inflate your bill). For a detailed map and information go to www.indianatrails.org.

The Monon Center in Carmel is another fabulous place to spend some time, and you don’t have to be a member. They have an indoor pool with a zero-entry area, a slide for the smaller kiddos and a bigger slide for those braver kiddos! But that is just the half of it; they have tons of classes and activities to attend such as toddler open gym, dance classes, karate, swim lessons, even egg hunts in April! Download their registration brochure for a complete list of offerings at www.carmelclayparks.com.

Scott Yoder, Monkey Joe, and Chuck Howard.

A few more fun places to go are Monkey Joe’s (off 86th near Outback Steakhouse) and Bouncertown at Clay Terrace in Carmel. What kid doesn’t like inflatable fun? Not only do both places offer areas for smaller children to play safely, but they also have food available!

Lazy River at the Caribbean Cove Indoor Water Park

And lastly, if you want to get out of the house for the night but don’t feel like driving too far, how about a night at the Caribbean Cove Indoor Water Park at I-465 and Michigan Road. This super-sized Holiday Inn houses the area’s largest indoor water park, Crazy CoCo’s Arcade, Calypso Cafe, and even a fitness center. You don’t have to spend the night to enjoy the fun, wristbands are available for $20 per person per day. I’d recommend you make an overnight trip out of your stay, but make reservations soon. Call 317-872-9790 or visit www.caribbeancovewaterpark.com for reservations.

I don’t have room to write about it all, so if you know some other good ideas, post them as a “comment” to this story below. Now it’s time to make your play dates and get something on the calendar!

Have a fun and safe break!