Love to Laugh and Learn

Fun and interesting learning activities to do with the children in your life

May Family Friendly Events for the Killeen, TX Area, 2016

by Leave a Comment

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

May Family Friendly Events for the Killeen, TX Area, 2016





It’s time for the May family friendly events, for the Killeen, Texas area. I’ve found a few more activities for this month. If you know of anything that I haven’t posted please leave a message so I can add it.

May 19
Thursday

Rabbit Fest – A Copperas Cove Tradition!
This will be our first year to experience this special event. It sounds like it will be a lot of fun. There is a carnival, a car show, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, carnival food (yum!), a parade and an actual Rabbit show! I can’t wait to join in the fun. Have you ever attended Rabbit Fest? What is your favorite part?
Click here to see the activities schedule: Activities Schedule
Copperas Cove City Park
1204 W Avenue B
Copperas Cove, TX 76522

May 20
Friday

Rabbit Fest – A Copperas Cove Tradition!
This will be our first year to experience this special event. It sounds like it will be a lot of fun. There is a carnival, a car show, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, carnival food (yum!), a parade and an actual Rabbit show! I can’t wait to join in the fun. Have you ever attended Rabbit Fest? What is your favorite part?
Click here to see the activities schedule: Activities Schedule
Copperas Cove City Park
1204 W Avenue B
Copperas Cove, TX 76522

May 21
Saturday

Rabbit Fest – A Copperas Cove Tradition!
It’s parade day! Don’t miss out, it starts early. There will be lots of other fun things happening today, including the rabbit show.
Click here to see the activities schedule: Activities Schedule
The rabbit show isn’t on the above schedule. Click here for that info: Rabbit Show
Copperas Cove City Park
1204 W Avenue B
Copperas Cove, TX 76522

Family Friendly Events: Craft Time
Family Friendly Events: Craft Time

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store, in Austin. This Saturday your child will be able to make a fun Twist and Twirl Spinner. Lakeshore is an Educational Store that has wonderful toys and craft supplies for use at home or in the classroom.
9828 Great Hills Trail
Austin, TX 78759
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free

May 22
Sunday

Rabbit Fest – A Copperas Cove Tradition!
It’s the last day of Rabbit Fest but there is still a lot going on. There will be great entertainment and don’t forget the carnival rides and food.
Click here to see the activities schedule: Activities Schedule
Copperas Cove City Park
1204 W Avenue B
Copperas Cove, TX 76522

May 28
Saturday

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store, in Austin. This Saturday your child will be able to make a festive Memorial Day hat. Lakeshore is an Educational Store that has wonderful toys and craft supplies for use at home or in the classroom.
9828 Great Hills Trail
Austin, TX 78759
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free

 

May Family Friendly Events for the Indy Area, 2016

by Leave a Comment

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

May Family Friendly Events for the Indy Area, 2016



It’s time for the May Family Friendly Events. Do you know what May means to Indianapolis? It’s time for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” – The Indianapolis 500 Race! You will find several family friendly events, this month, related to the race but there are also many other activities as well. Remember to check back often because I will add things as I find them. I also love comments and conversations on here and on the Love to Laugh and Learn Facebook page.

 

May 14
Saturday

Shake, Rattle & Roll – for ages from the Womb to 36 Months
Shake, Rattle & Roll is for the little ones in your family. You are never too young (or too old) to get your groove on. All materials, instruments & drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
$5.00 per child, $10 max per family (Parents are free)

Family Friendly Events: Peanut Butter & Jam Concert Series
Family Friendly Events: Peanut Butter & Jam Concert Series

Peanut Butter and Jam Saturday morning music series at the Palladium.
You and your child will be able to explore a multitude of musical genres. You will get to experience 30 minutes of music and then get 15 minutes to explore and play with the musical instruments. These performances are specially geared for children ages 1 to 7 years old. Today your child will enjoy Dragon and Dances of China. Music, colorful costumes, dances, and even a dragon will enchant the youngsters. Two adults get in free with the purchase of a child’s ticket. There is limited seating for these events. To purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 317-843-3800.
Palladium (in the Robert Adam’s room)
355 City Center Drive
Carmel, IN 46032
10:30 a.m.
$10 for child (2 adults get in free with each child’s ticket)

Family Drum Circle – Ages 3 to 8 years old
Children will explore rhythm making and rhythm making games. Older kids and parents play supportive rhythms while younger kids explore rhythm on various instruments. Parents must stay with their children and are encouraged to participate. All materials, instruments & drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
$5.00 per child, $10 max per family (Parents are free)

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store. This Saturday your child will be able to make a fun pony craft. Lakeshore is an Educational Store that has wonderful toys and craft supplies for use at home or in the classroom.
1300 E. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free

Family Friendly Events: Ferris Wheel at Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day
Family Friendly Events: Ferris Wheel at Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

Chase 500 Festival Kids Day
In celebration and anticipation of the Indianapolis 500 race, head downtown to enjoy Indiana’s largest free outdoor festival for kids. There will be so many great things to enjoy with your family. Have your child try their hand at racing remote-control cars or doing a race-themed craft. There will be games, face painting, rides and entertainment by Fifth Harmony. You won’t want to miss this fun filled day. If you have never attended be sure to check out my review of 2013’s event: Review: Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day.
Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Free

May 16
Monday

Free Community Drum Circle for Special Needs at Bongo Boy Music School
This event is open to families, music and recreational therapists & their clients, and organizations working with children and adults with special needs. It is a requirement that caregivers/therapists stay with their family members/clients and that the ratio stay at one caregiver to two family members/clients. This is so the instructors can more easily lead the group and keep things fun and moving. Drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO. So beat a path to Bongo Boys Music School, on Monday, for a drumming good time.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
6:45 – 7:30 p.m.
Free

May 19
Thursday

Free Community Drum Circle for the Whole Family
Sharing musical experiences, with the family, can be so much fun. Bongo Boys Music School (not just for boys) gives your family an opportunity to find the rhythm of the beat together, every Thursday evening. It’s a free community drum circle and all ages are welcome. No experience necessary. Drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Free

May 21
Saturday
Family Friendly Events: Drumming at Bongo Boy Music School
Family Friendly Events: Drumming at Bongo Boy Music School

Shake, Rattle & Roll – for ages from the Womb to 36 Months
Shake, Rattle & Roll is for the little ones in your family. You are never too young (or too old) to get your groove on. All materials, instruments & drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
$5.00 per child, $10 max per family (Parents are free)

Move and Groove for Ages 3 – 5 yrs old
Move & Groove is a fun rhythm and movement program for kiddos ages 3-5. Children will get to discover their own rhythm while experimenting with different drums and other percussion instruments. Parents must stay with their children and are encouraged to participate. All materials, instruments & drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
$5.00 per child, $10 max per family (Parents are free)

Family Drum Circle – Ages 3 to 8 years old
Children will explore rhythm making and rhythm making games. Older kids and parents play supportive rhythms while younger kids explore rhythm on various instruments. Parents must stay with their children and are encouraged to participate. All materials, instruments & drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
$5.00 per child, $10 max per family (Parents are free)

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store. This Saturday your child will be able to make a fun Twist and Twirl Spinner. Lakeshore is an Educational Store that has wonderful toys and craft supplies for use at home or in the classroom.
1300 E. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free

May 23
Monday

Free Community Drum Circle for Special Needs at Bongo Boy Music School
This event is open to families, music and recreational therapists & their clients, and organizations working with children and adults with special needs. It is a requirement that caregivers/therapists stay with their family members/clients and that the ratio stay at one caregiver to two family members/clients. This is so the instructors can more easily lead the group and keep things fun and moving. Drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO. So beat a path to Bongo Boys Music School, on Monday, for a drumming good time.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
6:45 – 7:30 p.m.
Free

May 26
Thursday

Free Community Drum Circle for the Whole Family
Sharing musical experiences, with the family, can be so much fun. Bongo Boys Music School (not just for boys) gives your family an opportunity to find the rhythm of the beat together, every Thursday evening. It’s a free community drum circle and all ages are welcome. No experience necessary. Drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Free

May 28
Saturday

Shake, Rattle & Roll – for ages from the Womb to 36 Months
Shake, Rattle & Roll is for the little ones in your family. You are never too young (or too old) to get your groove on. All materials, instruments & drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
$5.00 per child, $10 max per family (Parents are free)

Move and Groove for Ages 3 – 5 yrs old
Move & Groove is a fun rhythm and movement program for kiddos ages 3-5. Children will get to discover their own rhythm while experimenting with different drums and other percussion instruments. Parents must stay with their children and are encouraged to participate. All materials, instruments & drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
$5.00 per child, $10 max per family (Parents are free)

Family Drum Circle – Ages 3 to 8 years old
Children will explore rhythm making and rhythm making games. Older kids and parents play supportive rhythms while younger kids explore rhythm on various instruments. Parents must stay with their children and are encouraged to participate. All materials, instruments & drums will be provided by Bongo Boy Music School and REMO.
Bongo Boy Music School
8481 Bash St. Suite 1100
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(Located in the Castleton Area about .3 miles north of 82nd street on Bash St.)
11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
$5.00 per child, $10 max per family (Parents are free)

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store. This Saturday your child will be able to make a festive Memorial Day hat. Lakeshore is an Educational Store that has wonderful toys and craft supplies for use at home or in the classroom.
1300 E. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free

 

Sledding: A Family Friendly Event

by 4 Comments

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Sledding: A Family Friendly Event

Sledding is a great family friendly event. People of all ages can enjoy it. In Indiana, you never know the amount of snow you will get during a winter season. Last winter, we received enough snow to last for three winters (at least in my opinion). This winter we have had a lot of bitter cold temperatures but not much snow. This weekend, Indianapolis received approximately 6 inches of snow and, with the predicted temperatures, it should stay around most of the week.

The house I grew up in sat on three quarters of an acre. The front yard had a perfect slope for sledding so we never had to look for a sledding hill. I realize not everyone is that lucky, so today my husband and I headed to a couple of Indy’s local sledding hills to gather some information, just for you.

Butler Hill

I’ve spent the majority of my life in Indianapolis so I had heard about Butler Hill but had never been there. I grew up hearing how great the sledding hills were at Butler but it was not what I expected. There are two hills and they are actually behind the end zones of Butler’s football field. The hills aren’t real tall but they have enough slope and length for adults as well as kids, to get a good ride. Do watch out for the goal posts.

Family Friendly Events: Sledding at Butler Hill
Family Friendly Events: Sledding at Butler Hill

Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park Sledding Hill

Our second stop was at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park. We spend a lot of time at the foot of the sledding hill each summer. I am usually sitting in a lawn chair, listening to one of the bands my husband participates in. This was the first time we experienced the hill with snow on it. It is a fairly large hill. There was plenty of action happening here. There was all types of equipment; sleds, snowboards, inner tubes, etc.. As I was facing the hill, I noticed the right side was getting a lot more use than the left. I believe there was a bit of a dip in the middle of the hill which made the ride a little more exciting.

Family Friendly Events: Sledding at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park
Family Friendly Events: Sledding at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park

My Recommendations

Both places offer great sledding. At my current stage of life, I believe I prefer Butler Hill. The two little guys in my life are 1 and 3 years old. I think I would rather drag sleds and corral little ones on the smaller hills at Butler. But I know, in the not too distant future, those two little guys will have grown enough that they will want the adventure of the bigger hill at Fort Ben. At that point, I might just have to drag along my lawn chair so I can sit at the bottom of the hill and watch them zoom up and down the hill.

Where is your favorite place to go sledding?

Here are some other Indy Sledding Hills you might want to check out:

Brookside Park
3500 Brookside Pkwy S. Dr.

Butler Hill
On the football field (Butler Bowl) next to Hinkle Fieldhouse
510 W 49th St, Indianapolis, IN 46208

Christian Park
4200 English Ave.

Ellenberger Park
5301 St. Clair

Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park
6000 N. Post Road
Indianapolis, IN 46216

Garfield Park
2450 S. Shelby St.

Glenns Valley
8015 Bluff Road

Paul Ruster Park
11300 E. Prospect St.

Rhodius Park
1001 S. Belmont St.

Southeastway Park
5624 South Carroll Road

Review: Walt Disney’s Frozen 3D

by 1 Comment

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Review: Walt Disney’s Frozen 3D

Disney's Frozen 3D
Disney’s Frozen 3D

Disclaimer: I was given 2 tickets to attend the screening of Disney’s Frozen; however, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.

I absolutely love Disney films; always have, always will. My “baby” is 23 years old, so it has been a while since I have seen a Disney film at the theater. I still watch the older ones, if I see they are on TV or I find them on Netflix, but it has been several years since I’ve seen a new one. I believe the last Disney movie I saw at the theater was, “Lilo and Stitch”, in 2002. This information was leading up to me saying, “Disney still has it!” They know how to make a great family film.

I’m old school, so I believe all Disney movies should be rated G but that’s not the case. Disney’s Frozen is rated PG. (You can find more information about movie rating on the Motion Picture Association of America website.) As I watched the movie, I couldn’t figure out why it had a PG rating. Everything seemed quite mild; no intense fighting scenes, no profane language…then HE appeared!…

Disney's FROZEN (Pictured) MARSHMALLOW. ©2013 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Disney’s FROZEN (Pictured) MARSHMALLOW. ©2013 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

a GREAT BIG snow monster. He makes the Abominable Snowman from “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” look like a kitty cat. The good news?…he is only around for a couple of scenes.

Now on with the story. I’m not sure how Disney is going to promote this but, in my opinion, they have two new Princesses (although one does become Queen). They are sisters; Elsa and Anna. Elsa is the big sister and she has a secret she must keep from her little sister to keep her safe. This brings division between them that Anna never understands. In order to protect her sister, Elsa ends up fleeing to the mountains but Anna follows after her. Anna teams up with rugged (but tender-hearted) mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer, Sven, to go find her sister. Although Elsa was trying to save Anna, in the end, Anna saves her big sister. The sweet and accident-prone snowman, Olaf, adds much humor to the movie.

"FROZEN" (Pictured) OLAF. ©2013 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“FROZEN” (Pictured) OLAF. ©2013 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

I love a good musical and this film could almost be classified as a musical. There are so many great songs; some beautiful and serious and others are just down-right fun.

The animations are gorgeous, as usual. Several of the 3D effects with the snow and ice are breath-taking.

"FROZEN" (Pictured) ELSA. ©2013 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“FROZEN” (Pictured) ELSA. ©2013 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

I was definitely not disappointed, in my return to the theater, to see a Disney movie. This is a great story of love, family and courage. I encourage you to gather the family and head to the theater and enjoy, what will probably become, another Disney classic.

You might also enjoy:

Studio Movie Grill Review

Mama Carmody and “Love to Laugh and Learn” are Relocating

by 18 Comments

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Mama Carmody and “Love to Laugh and Learn” are Relocating

Mama Carmody and “Love to Laugh and Learn” are relocating, from Indiana, to Texas next week. I’m sorry that my posts have been erratic this year but I have had a lot going on.

Mama Carmody is Relocating: Texas Bound
Mama Carmody is Relocating: Texas Bound

My daughter and grandson came to Indiana for an extended period of time, starting this past May. My son-in-law serves in the army and has been deployed for several months. From the time my grandson was born I have tried to convince myself that I could be a long distance grandparent. I grew up in Indiana and my grandparents lived in Florida and West Virginia and I loved them dearly. I knew I could have a good relationship with my grandson, even with the distance…a lot of grandparents do. Then my daughter found out she was pregnant with my second grandchild. After spending several months with my grandson and daughter, then finding out I have a granddaughter on the way, I knew I didn’t want to be a long distant grandparent. So my husband and I have made the decision to head to Texas.

I will still be blogging, it just may take a little bit for us to get settled. As I stated in my very first post, “Learning Should Be Fun”, I have wanted to share fun learning activities and family friendly events to enjoy with your family. Now I will be able to continue with one of my original visions. I will be adding Family Friendly Events for the Killeen/Fort Hood/Austin area. I plan to continue to post the Indianapolis Family Friendly Events too, so don’t anyone give up on me.

I will also continue to add different learning activities for your family’s enjoyment. I look forward to this new adventure and am glad to have you along for the ride.

Related Posts

Learning Should Be Fun
When Do Children Start Learning
The Lessons – Overview
Colors – Overview
Shapes – Overview
Fun with Music – Overview