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LEGO® KidsFest Review

November 8, 2014 by Mama Carmody 2 Comments

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LEGO® KidsFest Review

Disclaimer: I was given 4 tickets to attend LEGO® KidsFest, however, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.

I have been so excited for the opportunity to review LEGO® KidsFest Indianapolis. I am always amazed at the things people create with LEGO® building blocks. Tonight was no exception!

LEGO® KidsFest: Lego Creations
LEGO® KidsFest: Lego Creations

I’m sure my adult niece and I were more excited about this event than Jeremiah was. Of course, Jeremiah was a virgin to Lego building blocks. He turned 3 in July and doesn’t have any at home, and he also said he doesn’t have any in his preschool classroom.

This is the view we encountered as we entered the exhibition hall.

LEGO® KidsFest
LEGO® KidsFest

My niece and I were in awe and couldn’t decide which way to go first. Directly in front of us were several statue size creations so we headed toward them. I find it absolutely incredible the things that people create with Lego building blocks. My favorite piece was Lightning McQueen. It was as big as a real car.

LEGO® KidsFest: Jeremiah and Lightning McQueen edited
LEGO® KidsFest: Jeremiah and Lightning McQueen edited

Jeremiah’s favorite piece was the Hulk.

LEGO® KidsFest: Jeremiah and the Hulk edited
LEGO® KidsFest: Jeremiah and the Hulk edited

There were several pieces that were created especially for great photo opportunities, like the man-eating-shark and King Tut.

LEGO® KidsFest: Photo Opportunities
LEGO® KidsFest: Photo Opportunities

We then headed to Creation Nation. Here you can use LEGO® building blocks to make a creation to be added to the basketball-court sized map of the United States. Remember I said earlier that Jeremiah had never played with LEGO® building blocks before. I was interested to see what he would do. We gave him a base and he started creating. It didn’t take him long but the fact that he figured out how to make anything, as quickly as he did, surprised me. Can you figure out what he made?

LEGO® KidsFest: Jeremiah's first ever Lego creation
LEGO® KidsFest: Jeremiah’s first ever Lego creation

It’s an airplane. He was very proud of it and actually, we were pretty proud of his first LEGO® creation. For participating, he was given a LEGO® sample set to take home.

There were many, many opportunities for playing and building with these popular little building blocks. A couple of fun, unique, play experiences were the brick piles. There was one huge pile that children were walking on, building with, and even getting buried under. There were also a couple of smaller piles in the DUPLO® area. Jeremiah was a little unsure about getting into the pile of building blocks but like his mom pointed out, that was probably because, at this age, he is cautioned quite often NOT to be stepping on his toys. He did finally get in there and started digging and playing.

LEGO® KidsFest: Brick Pile
LEGO® KidsFest: Brick Pile

We enjoyed playing, building and creating in several different areas. Jeremiah enjoyed playing with the little pieces and using his imagination in the LEGO® Friends area, as well as, the Disney Princess (yes, boys can love “Frozen”) and the Hero Factory areas. In the Hero Factory is where Nicole and I realized we have a LOT to learn about these building blocks, if we are going to attempt to stay ahead (or at least keep up with) this little guy and his budding interest.

LEGO® KidsFest: Imaginative Play
LEGO® KidsFest: Imaginative Play

The three of us joined, as a team, in the LEGO® Challenge. They would take up to 6 people at a table. They then gave us a challenge of something to build with the building blocks at our table. Our challenge was to build a magnifying glass. Jeremiah wanted wheels on it. We were all recognized as winners and everyone received a prize of a Lego sample set.

LEGO® KidsFest: Challenge Zone
LEGO® KidsFest: Challenge Zone

It was getting late so we hurried through the Star Wars and Super Heros exhibits. We skipped the Master Builders and Mindstorms® exhibits since Jeremiah is so young. I have a feeling we will be hitting those in the future.

For our family, $22 a person is a little steep but this event ends up being a better value than I anticipated. With all of interactive exhibits and the free sample sets, that they give away at every turn, it makes for a much great value. For a video-free, family interactive, fun time, head to the nearest LEGO® KidsFest!

Filed Under: Articles, Reviews Tagged With: family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, KidsFest, Lego, Lego KidsFest, Legos

Smithsonian Magazine’s, Museum Day Live!

September 24, 2014 by Mama Carmody 1 Comment

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Smithsonian Magazine’s, Museum Day Live!

In 2012, my niece made me aware of the Smithsonian Magazine’s, Museum Day Live. This is an awesome, nationwide event. It occurs annually and is hosted by the Smithsonian Magazine. In their tradition of offering free admission, other museums have joined them, for this special day. All you have to do is go to the Smithsonian Magazine’s website and print your pass. Each pass gets two people into a participating museum, for free. To see the list of museums included in this event, click here.

Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day Live: Conner Prairie
Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live: Conner Prairie

Two years ago, my niece and I took three very young children to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. I was actually amazed at how many things there were to entertain young children. You can read about our experience at Conner Prairie, in this post: “Review: Conner Prairie with Young Children”.

 

Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day Live: Rhythm! Discovery Center
Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live: Rhythm! Discovery Center

Last year, my husband and I took our great-nephew to Rhythm! Discovery Center. We really enjoyed playing with the different percussion instruments. Check out the size of the drum that greeted us at the entrance. You can read about the fun we had at Rhythm! Discovery Center, in this post: “Review: Rhythm! Discovery Center”

There are several museums in our area that participate in Museum Day Live. Be sure to find out which museums participate in your area. We haven’t made our decision, as to where we are going to go this year, but we are definitely going someplace.

Have you participated in the Smithsonian Magazine’s, Museum Day Live, in the past? We would love to hear about your past adventures and please let us know where you’re going this year.

Filed Under: Articles, Attractions and Events, Reviews Tagged With: Conner Priaire, discovery center, free admission, museum day, Museum Day Live, museums, percussion, percussion instruments, rhythm, Rhythm! Discovery Center, Smithsonian, Smithsonian museums

Bongo Boy Music School Review

March 14, 2014 by Mama Carmody 5 Comments

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Bongo Boy Music School Review

Bongo Boy Music School
Bongo Boy Music School

I have been including activities from Bongo Boy Music School, in my Family Friendly Events, since April of 2013; but I had never been able to attend an event. I love children and finding fun learning activities for them, but the children in my life are under the age of three and Bongo Boy Music School didn’t have any activities for them. Well, that has changed! Recently, they added a class for birth to 36 months old. Perfect! My great-nephew is 32 months old and my grandson is 7 months old! I have really wanted to visit and, this past Saturday, I finally got my chance.

We were the first ones to arrive. We received a warm welcome and they turned on some cartoons to entertain the little ones until we got ready to go back to the drum room. There was also a little table and a bookshelf filled with books. We didn’t wait long at all and it was time to go have some fun.

The instructor/facilitator mentioned that she also teaches preschool…no wonder she was so wonderful with the children. She explained to us that there was no right or wrong way to participate. This is mainly an opportunity for little ones to experience music through instruments and movement.

The children were led through a series of fun activities accompanied by lively music. They got to use balls, bells and maracas, scarves, and….oh, yes…drums!

Drumming at Bongo Boy Music School

Some of the music was simply fun and encouraged movement, like the song about the animals. One song encouraged listening and reacting. This song had the children freeze in place when the music stopped.

Never to young for Bongo Boy Music School

Everyone was having fun, whether they were very young; sitting in their mother’s laps or a little older; up moving and participating. The children also get the opportunity to experience following directions, sharing and putting things away.

The cost of the event is just $5 per child and the parents attend (and participate) for free.
There is also an event for 3 to 12 year olds, on Saturdays. Bongo Boy also has activities for the family during the week. There is a free Community Drum Circle for special needs on Mondays and a free Community Drum Circle for the whole family on Thursdays. You can find their activities listed in my Family Friendly Event post, each month, or go straight to the Bongo Boy Music School calendar.

Related Posts:

Fun with Music: Percussion Instruments
Rhythm! Discovery Center: Review

Filed Under: Attractions and Events, Reviews Tagged With: Bongo Boy, Bongo Boy Music School, children and music, drumming, drums, family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, fun with music, learning fun, music, music fun, percussion, percussion instruments

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

September 23, 2014 by Mama Carmody 2 Comments

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Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day





Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

I was very excited for the opportunity to take my great-nephew, Jeremiah, to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s (ISO) free community day. We have been taking him to outdoor concerts since he was a few months old. My husband plays in a couple of concert bands and big bands so it’s been fun to have the little one with me to enjoy the music. Outdoor concerts are great for kids because they don’t have to sit perfectly still and quiet; they can get up and move to the music.

Last winter I was playing with the idea of taking Jeremiah to one of my husband’s indoor concerts but since he was only 2 years old I was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to sit still and stay quiet. When I heard about the ISO’s free community day, I thought this was just what I was looking for.

Interactive Opportunities

The ISO offered an afternoon of entertaining and interactive events. The activities started at 2:00 p.m.. As we walked towards Hilbert Circle Theatre we could hear the ISO percussionists demonstrating their drumming skills.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

There were drums, scattered around on the sidewalk, for all to join in. Jeremiah was not impressed with the drums but this little girl really seemed to have fun. She got a kick out of my husband squatting down and playing a drum next to her.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

As we entered the theatre, we received free tickets for an ISO concert that would start at 5:00 p.m.. They also gave us raffle tickets for several giveaways.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day: Playing the violin

There were so many activities going on that it was hard to choose where to start. We decided on heading to the Wood Room on the 2nd floor. There we were able to try different string instruments. My husband tried the cello while Jeremiah learned about the violin. Jeremiah so loved the violin that we went back to that room 2 more times. He even “played” with a group towards the end of the day.

 

 

 

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day: “You Conduct”

Next we went to “You Conduct” with Adam Bodony. Jeremiah was not interested in trying his hand at conducting, but we stood in the back and followed the directions we were given. Here is one brave young man that took the opportunity to conduct the string quartet.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day: Meet the Musicians

Listening Opportunities

There were several different ISO ensemble performances happening throughout the venue. We listened to one performing on the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage and then headed outside to listen to another. We were please to see our dear friend and principal trumpet for the ISO, Chappy Perry, playing with the brass group.

Since the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performance was at 5:00, and it was general seating, we headed into the main theatre at 4:00 p.m.. The brass group was now playing inside, on the stage, so we had the pleasure of listening to them again. Pat took Jeremiah up on the stage so he see what it was like to be up there. Jeremiah also needed the signature of a trombone player on his “Meet the Musician” activity sheet; now he was in reasonable proximity to get it.

The Concert

The concert was the one thing that I wasn’t sure we could get through, with a 3 year old, but I wanted to give it a try. We sat up towards the front because, from my experience, the best way to keep his attention was to have him where he could actually see what was happening on stage (with as few distractions between him and the musicians as possible). I let him stand up, squat down in the floor, climb up into the seat and then repeat the process several times, prior to the concert. I explained to him that once the concert started he would have to sit quietly and only whisper when he had something to say.

Once the Concertmaster entered the stage and starting tuning the orchestra, I told Jeremiah it was time to get up in his seat. He climbed right up and turned to listen. I was actually very proud of his behavior for the 45 minute concert. He wiggled in his seat a little but nothing too distracting and he remembered to whisper whenever he had something to say. He clapped each time it was appropriate and even stood with us during the standing ovation.

Secondary Lessons

Besides learning about the symphony orchestra, I had some secondary lessons I wanted Jeremiah to experience. We got dressed up to attend the event. It was not necessary, we could have worn blue jeans and tee shirts but I wanted Jeremiah to realize that there are some special occasions that we should dress up for. I believe some other parent’s had the same idea from the looks for these two well dressed youngsters.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

Jeremiah’s mom has taught him well, in using please and thank you, but an additional lesson we worked on was to look at the person he was thanking. We also taught Jeremiah how to shake hands and say, “Pleased to meet you.” He did a wonderful job and seemed very proud of his new skills.

All in all, I thought the day was a complete success. I was happy to see so many families with young children; although you wouldn’t have to have children to enjoy this day. I can’t wait until next year to do this again. I hope to see you there!

Families at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

Related Posts

Fun with Music
Meet the Musicians
Fun with Music: Percussion Instruments
Fun with Music: Brass Instruments
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments
Fun with Music: Voices
Fun with Music: String Instruments
Fun with Music: Keyboards
Music at an Early Age by Mamamusing
Generally Having Fun with Music
Review: Rhythm! Discovery Center
Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

Filed Under: Articles, Music, Reviews Tagged With: band, children, family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, Indianapolis, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indy, instruments, kid friendly, kids, learning about instruments, music, music fun, orchestra, symphony, symphony orchestra

Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts at the Center for the Performing Arts, in Carmel

December 22, 2013 by Mama Carmody 5 Comments

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Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

Disclosure: I decided to do this review, for the Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts, on my own. I was not asked to do it. I purchased the tickets for my great-nephew and myself.

Peanut Butter & Jam Concert Series
Peanut Butter & Jam Concert Series

I had first read about the Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts in the Indianapolis Star. They are geared for children ages 1 to 7 years old. The entire experience is just under an hour. There is 30 minutes of music followed by 15 minutes for the audience to touch and play the musical instruments. The purchase of a child’s ticket allows the admission of two adults for no additional charge.

Today’s performance was given by the Sounds of Brass, from the Hendrick’s Symphony Orchestra. I was especially interested in this performance because my husband was one of the musicians. We picked up our 2 year old great-nephew and took him to this concert.

Brass Group from the Hendrick's Symphony
Brass Group from the Hendrick’s Symphony

When you first arrive, each child receives a carpet square to sit on. (I taught preschool for several years and I used carpet squares in my classroom. They are wonderful for helping children to get a concept of their personal space.)

Carpet Squares to Sit on at Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts
Carpet Squares to Sit on at Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

There are chairs that the adults can sit in but many sat on the floor with their children. It is a wonderfully intimate setting for little ones to be introduced to different styles of music.

View from behind the band at the Peanut Butter & Jam Concert
View from behind the band at the Peanut Butter & Jam Concert

The interaction with the musicians at the end of the concert seemed to be a big hit with everybody. A few of the children were able to get musical sounds out of the instruments which is quite a feat on brass instruments. You don’t simply blow air through a brass instrument to get a sound, you have to buzz your lips just right as you are blowing the air.

Interacting with the musicians at the Peanut Butter and Jam Concert
Interacting with the musicians at the Peanut Butter and Jam Concert

This was an extremely entertaining and educational event. I highly recommend taking time to attend at least one (if not all) of the Peanut Butter and Jam concerts. They have one concert each month and they fill up fast so be sure to call and get your tickets early. Please look for me. It is very likely that you will see me at several of these events.

Related Posts

Fun with Music – Overview
Fun with Music: Percussion Instruments
Fun with Music: Brass Instruments
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments
Fun with Music: Voices
Fun with Music: String Instruments
Fun with Music: Keyboards

Filed Under: Attractions and Events, Music, Reviews Tagged With: Concerts, Concerts for kids, educational activities, family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, fun learning, fun with music, learning fun, learning opportunities, music, music fun, Peanut Butter and Jam Series, review, reviews

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