Love to Laugh and Learn

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

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Attractions
  • Recipes
  • Privacy Policy

Shake Rattle and Roll at Bongo Boy Music School

July 22, 2015 by Mama Carmody 8 Comments

Shake Rattle and Roll at Bongo Boy Music School


Shake Rattle and Roll is not simply the title of a song from the early ‘50’s; it’s also a fun musical experience at Bongo Boy Music School. This particular class is geared for the little ones; birth to 36 months. There is another class for 3 to 8 year olds, called Jam as a Fam.

Today, I’m going to share with you about the fun we had at the Shake Rattle and Roll class. This will be our third trip to Bongo Boy Music School. Our first trip was in March of 2014, when we took our 32 month old, great-nephew. We were able to make a second trip when our grandson came to visit from Texas. He was 8 months old at the time. Both of them really enjoyed their time at Bongo Boy.

Shake Rattle and Roll at Bongo Boy Music School

Just recently, we were able to take our grandson back for a visit. He is almost 2 years old now. He had every bit as much fun as he did on his first trip.

Our grandson is still enjoying Shake Rattle and Roll at Bongo Boy Music School.

The class is set up to allow the children to experience music and rhythm through several different mediums. During the time we were there, we used the drums, some shakers, scarves, “quackers” (a percussion instrument that sounds like a duck’s quack) and our bodies. I say “we” because everyone is encouraged to join in. It’s very important for the adults to set the example. The little ones are always watching you.

Several energetic songs were used to encourage participation. One of my favorites is “The Freeze” by Greg and Steve. I used that song in my preschool classes when I was teaching.

Besides the fun with rhythm and music, there are some important secondary lessons that happen during Shake, Rattle and Roll. One of them is sharing. There is plenty of equipment for everyone but sometimes a little one likes to wander and play on another drum that someone is already at. The other lesson is cleaning up. At the end of the session all of the instruments need to be put up. Miss Colleen (our instructor) tells us what needs to be brought to her and the children take the items up and put them in the bin. On all of the occasions we have been there, the children have been very excited to help with the clean up. Miss Colleen makes everything fun!

The very last thing we did on this trip, to Bongo Boy Music School, was get up and move our bodies. As you can see in the following video, our grandson really enjoys moving his body.

As you can see, we really enjoyed Shake Rattle and Roll at Bongo Boy Music School. We will definitely be heading there again before my grandson and daughter head back to Texas.

Bongo Boy Music School offers several family friendly events:

  • On Mondays – Free Community Drum Circle for Special Needs at Bongo Boy Music School
  • On Thursdays – Free Community Drum Circle for the Whole Family
  • On Saturdays – Shake Rattle & Roll – for ages from the Womb to 36 Months  & “Jam as a Fam” for Ages 3 – 8 yrs old

Do you have a music school or drum circle that your family enjoys? We would love to hear about your experiences with music!

Filed Under: Attractions and Events, Reviews Tagged With: Bongo Boy, Bongo Boy Music School, children and music, dance, dancing, drum circle, drumming, drums, family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, music, Shake Rattle and Roll

Zoolapalooza Review

July 13, 2015 by Mama Carmody 22 Comments

Zoolapalooza Review

 

Zoolapalooza is a concert series at the Indianapolis Zoo. It takes place on four consecutive Fridays. On these evenings the zoo stays open a little later.

Last Friday night we decided to take our daughter and grandson and check it out. The concerts are free with admission and since we have a zoo pass, we didn’t have to pay a thing to get in. The concerts take place under a big tent so they happen rain or shine. Which was a good thing on this night because it looked like the sky would open and dump on us at any time. It never did but we were safe it it had.

We arrived early enough to check out a couple of the animals before we headed to the concert. We always have to stop and say hi to the seals. They were barking their greetings this particular evening.

Seal at Zoolapalooza

We also stopped by to see the orangutans. Several of them were awake and moving around. One in particular seems to be smitten with my husband. It makes eyes at him every time we go….must be a female.

Enjoying the orangutans and Zoolapalooza.

The animals get to stay up a little later during Zoolapalooza. They don’t have to go to bed until 7:00. The rides also stay open until 7:00. As an extra bonus, members receive free access to a different ride each night. The night we were there the free ride was the carousel, which made me very happy. That’s my favorite ride. Someone else is beginning to enjoy the carousel as well.

Riding the carousel at Zoolapalooza.

We decided to enjoy dinner while we listened to the music. They offer a different specialty menu during each concert, as well as the regular zoo options. This night the theme was Americana. There was a full salad bar as well as Zoo-liders. My husband asked what Zoo-liders were. I told him they were sliders made from zebra…don’t panic! I made that up just to tease him. They were sliders but they were made of chicken, beef or BBQ pulled pork. You could choose two Zoo-liders. You also received freshly made potato chips and either potato salad and coleslaw for $8.99. You could include a soft drink for $9.99.

Dinner at Zoolapalooza.

My husband and I chose the Zoo-liders and my daughter chose the pizza, which is one of the regular food options at the zoo. My grandson chose to eat one of my Zoo-liders and some of his mom’s pizza. He really enjoyed dinner accompanied by music as you can see here:

Music was provided by Jayne Bond and the Pink Martinis. We had a lot of fun. There was quite a bit of dancing as well as singing along with the band. Besides the music, there were a couple of stations set up to help entertain the little ones. I was VERY thankful for that because my almost 2 year old grandson was constantly on the move. The two stations helped keep him in the vicinity of the music.

One of the stations was sponsored by Indiana Credit Union. They had a basket full of dress-up clothes. There were items suitable for boys and girls. There were some great props like guitars and microphones too, as well as a backdrop where you could take your own pictures.

Dress-up at Zoolapalooza.

The other station was sponsored by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. I loved their sign.

Instrument Petting Zoo.

My grandson really enjoyed “petting” the instruments.

Playing instruments at Zoolapalooza.

I was very thankful for the two stations because my grandson kept me running between the stations, the dance floor and the table we were at. We really enjoyed our evening and will definitely be returning.

I’m sorry to say that the Zoolapalooza concerts have concluded for this year but do not fret, more musical fun awaits. The Animals and All That Jazz concerts have started. They happen on Thursday evenings through August 6th. They run on the same concept as the Zoolapalooza concerts. There will be a different group performing each Thursday night, with specialty food offerings and a free ride for members.

Just like the Zoolapalooza concerts, Animals and All That Jazz concerts are free to Zoo members and included with regular admission. Visitors can save $2 at the gate by bringing an empty Dean’s milk carton to the Zoo to be recycled. Advance tickets are also available at IndianapolisZoo.com or concert goers can find a coupon on the Zoo’s Facebook page that’s good for $4 off admission at the gate after 4pm on the night of the event.

Here is a list of the remaining concerts for this year. Pick a date (or two), pack up the family and plan for an evening of fun, food and music. I just might see you there.

July 16: West Central Quartet

From classic to contemporary, this high-energy foursome showcases an eclectic mix of music that reaches across multiple jazz genres. Their unique approach to entertaining is sure to get crowds up on their feet.
• Menu: “Taste of Summer” with beer can chicken, salad bar and apple dumpling a la mode.
• Featured ride: Carousel

July 23: Mina and the Wondrous Flying Machine

Featuring an adventurous mélange of styles, this group offers a fresh approach to jazz music. A multi-talented singer-songwriter leads their piano-driven sound, which is highlighted on their new album — with the Zoo-appropriate name — Tigers.
• Menu: “Pan Asian” with pan fried noodle bar, salad bar and root beer float.
• Free member ride: Kōmbo Roller Coaster presented by Outback Steakhouse

July 30: Appalatin

Bridging the music traditions of Latin and American folk, this band’s foot-stomping, hip-swinging sounds have been in the spotlight on festival stages around the Midwest.
• Menu: “Night of Havana” with Cubano sandwich, salad bar and build-your-own ice cream sundae.
• Free member ride: White River Junction Train

Aug. 6: Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra

What better way to close out the series than with a rare performance by this incredible 17-piece orchestra. This veteran ensemble bring decades of experience to the stage along with a song list of familiar tunes from many big-name jazz musicians.
• Menu: “Mediterranean Night” with kabobs, salad bar and ice cream sandwich.
• Free member ride: Carousel

Have you been to Zoolapalooza or Animals and All That Jazz? Please share your experience with us? If you haven’t been in the Indianapolis area for one of these events, do you have something like this where you live?

Watching orangutans climb during Zoolapalooza.

Related Posts

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day
Fun with Music
Review: Rhythm Discovery Center
Bongo Boy Music School Review

Filed Under: Music, Reviews Tagged With: children and music, family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, Indianapolis Zoo, jazz, music, review, Zoo, zoolapalooza

PBS Kids in the Park Review, 2015

June 21, 2015 by Mama Carmody 15 Comments

PBS Kids in the Park Review, 2015


 

PBS Kids in the Park
PBS Kids in the Park

Saturday, June 13th was, once again, PBS Kids in the Park. The event was at Military Park in downtown Indianapolis. I had attended two years ago but this year was extra special. My grandson and daughter were able to attend with me.

Keagan won’t be two years old until the end of July so I wasn’t sure how much he would enjoy this. My daughter said that he watches most of the characters so we thought there would be some interest. I believe my daughter was more excited than anyone. Well, that is until the characters started to appear. Once he starting seeing the characters, this was the expression we received:

He can hardly contain his excitement once he sees the characters.
He can hardly contain his excitement once he sees the characters.

Needless to say, he was ecstatic. He must have yelled, “Super Why!” 50 times over the course of the day.

My favorite part of the day is the character parade. It is the first thing to kick off the event. My suggestion is to get there early and find a place to the left of the stage. (That is left as you are facing the stage.) This is the best advantage for the children to see the characters. The characters march up from the left side of the stage and across it, then down the other side. One of the reasons I like to get to the left of the stage rather than right in front of it is because the kids can stand or sit in their strollers and easily see the characters. We weren’t having to lift him up so he could see up on stage.

Here were some of the pictures of the parade. I believe I have the names of all the characters this time; thanks to my daughter and a couple of Facebook friends. Check out my post from two years ago: PBS Kids in the Park Review. It was pathetic. I only knew a couple of the characters and I didn’t get much help from anyone so they went nameless.

PBS Kids in the Park: Daniel Tiger
PBS Kids in the Park: Daniel Tiger

 

This is Daniel Tiger. His show is a spin-off of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.

PBS Kids in the Park: Character Parade
PBS Kids in the Park: Character Parade

Starting at the front of the parade (the right side of the picture), that is Buddy from Dinosaur Train, next is Word Girl. Most of you are probably familiar with the next character, Curious George and the last character is Chirp, from Peep and the Big Wide World.

PBS Kids Day in the Park: Character Parade
PBS Kids Day in the Park: Character Parade

Again, starting from the front of the parade (the right side of the picture), the first two are Migel and Mia. They are brother and sister. I’ve loved the next character since I was a little girl. That’s Clifford the Big Red Dog. He doesn’t seem to be quite as big as he was in the storybooks. Behind Clifford is Wonder Red.

PBS Kids in the Park: Sid the Science Kid
PBS Kids in the Park: Sid the Science Kid

 

 

This is Sid the Science Kid. I’m not familiar with him but I loved science so maybe I should check him out.

PBS Kids in the Park: Super Why and Princess Pea
PBS Kids in the Park: Super Why and Princess Pea

These two characters are on the same show. It’s one that my grandson simply loves. This is Super Why and Princess Pea. The dog in the picture below is Woofster. He is also from the same show.

PBS Kids Day: Woofster
PBS Kids Day: Woofster

Digit, resized 640x1040

This purple bird is Digit. He is one of the characters on Cyberchase. It is a fun children’s show that incorporates math in their adventures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBS Kids Day: Peg & Cat
PBS Kids Day: Peg & Cat

The above characters are Peg and Cat, which come from the show by the same name. Cat stopped to show us a few of his dance moves. He is definitely a groovin’ cat.

PBS Kids Day: Alpha Pig
PBS Kids Day: Alpha Pig

 

 

And last, but definitely not least, is Alpha Pig. He is also a character on Super Why!

 

Meeting the Characters

If you miss the parade you do have opportunities to meet the characters throughout the day. They each have their own tent and schedule. The only problem with this is that the wait can be very long. We were lucky enough to get in the beginning of the line for Super Why and only had a 20 minute wait. Daniel the Tiger was in the other half of the same tent but it was going to be an hour and a half wait from the time we finished with Super Why. We were going to come back and get in line later until we realized that people were already lining up. We made the decision to go ahead and get in line. My daughter and I took turns taking Keagan to enjoy other activities while one of us stayed in line. As I talked with other people I found out that most of them came with a strategy. One of the people I talked to had several adults in their group. They would split up and sit in the different lines while someone else shuffled the children from spot to spot. Since it was just my daughter and me, we only waited in the two lines. Here are the pictures of Keagan meeting Super Why and Daniel Tiger.

PBS Kids Day: Meeting Super Why and Daniel Tiger
PBS Kids Day: Meeting Super Why and Daniel Tiger

Please don’t misinterpret the pictures. Keagan was thrilled to meet the characters. He ran up to them, gave them high fives and hugs but he was NOT thrilled with us for making him turn around to get his picture taken.

Other Activities

There were several other activities besides meeting the characters. Keagan made a colorful butterfly and was able to climb and jump at the Gymboree tent.

Fun at the Gymboree Tent
Fun at the Gymboree Tent

He raced Hot Wheels and played in a sand table at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis tent.

Children's Museum Booth
Children’s Museum Booth

There were bubbles to blow at the Child Care Answers booth.

Blowing Bubbles at Child Care Answers Booth
Blowing Bubbles at Child Care Answers Booth

We stopped by the main stage a couple of times to enjoy the shows that were taking place there. Keagan loves music so this was especially fun.

PBS Kids Day, Main Stage
PBS Kids Day, Main Stage

There was so much more to enjoy but it was getting really hot and Brittany and I were worn out. Some of the other activities we saw were a bounce house, a fire engine that the kids could go through and so much more.

My suggestions for a great day:

*** Get there early and station yourself to the left of the stage.
*** Take extra adults with you to hold places in the lines of the characters you really want to see.
*** Bring extra snacks and small toys to entertain your child if you do have to sit in a long line with them.
*** Most of all have a magically fun day.

Related Posts

PBS Kids in the Park Review, 2011

Filed Under: Attractions and Events, Reviews Tagged With: family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, PBS, PBS characters, PBS Kids, PBS Kids in the Park, review

February Family Friendly Events, Killeen, Texas Area 2016

January 30, 2015 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

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





The month of February is here. It’s time for more family friendly events. I love sharing things with you but since I’m new to the area, I sure could use your help. There may be some special Valentine activities happening but I haven’t found them yet. If you know of any, please let me know and I will add them to the calendar. I’m so glad you have come to join me and hope you find some fun things to do with your family.

February 20
Saturday
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 create a Chore Chart Door Hanger. 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

February 27
Saturday

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store, in Austin. This Saturday your child will be able to create a Funny Fish. 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

 

 

Filed Under: Attractions and Events Tagged With: Austin, crafts, family crafts, family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, January, January family friendly activities, January family friendly events, Killeen, Texas, Waco

Making Memories with the Polar Express

December 13, 2014 by Mama Carmody 4 Comments

Making Memories with the Polar Express

As I mentioned in my review of Big Splash Adventure, we received a special deal on our room and the ability to purchase tickets for the Polar Express train ride. Our 3 year old, great-nephew had never seen Polar Express so we had a little pre-trip fun a few weeks earlier.

Before the Trip

I figured the train ride wasn’t going to be special if Jeremiah didn’t know anything about the Polar Express. We scheduled an overnight visit for a special movie viewing. For dinner I made hot dog stockings. I got the idea from Cute Food for Kids. I wanted more than just plain hot dogs. I thought it might work if I wrapped crescent rolls around them; like pigs-in-a-blanket. I was wrong. They weren’t horrible but I believe I will just use the hot dogs the next time.

Making Memories with the Polar Express: hot dog stockings
Making Memories with the Polar Express: hot dog stockings

I decorated Jeremiah’s chocolate milk container and cups for our popcorn to look like snowmen. I got both of those ideas from Creative Kid Snacks: Snowman Milk Chugs & Snowman Popcorn Cups.

Making Memories with the Polar Express: snowman milk and popcorn cups
Making Memories with the Polar Express: snowman milk and popcorn cups
Making Memories with the Polar Express: strawberry Santas
Making Memories with the Polar Express: strawberry Santas

Jeremiah helped me make fruit Santas. He loves to help me cook and create in the kitchen. We made these cute little Santa Strawberries I found them on Pinterest. They came from Leanne Bakes. I tried using tiny chocolate chips for eyes but I really think they are too big. Next time I may try chocolate sprinkles.

We also made Santa-kabobs. (I renamed them) They are actually called Grinch Kabobs by Nourishing Minimalism. I changed the name because we were watching a movie about Santa not the Grinch. I use plastic, coffee stir sticks for my skewers. They seem to be safer than a sharp stick for little hands and mouths.

Making Memories with the Polar Express: creating Santa kabobs
Making Memories with the Polar Express: creating Santa kabobs

We gathered the food, changed into our pajamas, turned off the lights and settled in to watch The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks. If you have never seen the movie, it’s about a little boy that can’t decide if he still believes Santa is real. A mysterious train shows up in the street right outside his front door, on Christmas Eve. It’s there to pick him up, along with other children, and take him to the North Pole. I’m not very fond of the animation. It’s a little strange, to me, but I really enjoy the storyline. There are plenty of laughs and plenty of action. And something I am quite fond of, lots of music.

Jeremiah enjoyed the movie and the special food; especially the Santa kabobs. He ate at least six of them. We didn’t tell him anything about our plans for the following weekend. Since he is only 3 years old, his concept of time is a bit askew. When he knows there are plans coming up with us, he drives his mom nuts, daily, asking if we are there to pick him up.

One of the other things I did, in preparation for the trip, was purchase a MP3 of the soundtrack from the Polar Express. We love to listen to music in the car so I thought this would be another good way to expose him to the music and story of the Polar Express.

The Announcement

We were able to have an extended weekend with Jeremiah, which worked out nicely. We picked him up Friday evening and didn’t get him back home until Monday evening. Our reservations at the Big Splash Adventure and for the Polar Express train ride were for Sunday night; which meant we had several opportunities to listen to our Polar Express soundtrack. Jeremiah likes to sing along, which is absolutely adorable. Of course, I sing along with him.

We waited until Saturday morning to tell Jeremiah about our trip and the ride on the Polar Express. I wish I had taken a video of his expression when we told him. As he began to understand what we had just revealed to him, his eyes grew wide and what started out as a sweet little grin soon grew into a huge smile that brightened his whole face.

Jeremiah is a thinker. That is why we told him a little early about the ride on the Polar Express. I knew his little mind would go to work and he would probably have some questions. Sure enough, within just a couple of minutes, he asked, “Will we go on the ice?”

If you are unfamiliar with the movie, there is a scene where the train tracks are frozen under several feet of ice. The train can’t stop before it hits the ice which results in it sliding and spinning across the frozen lake. We assured Jeremiah that it was too warm for ice and we would be just fine.

Preparing for the Ride

When you go to the Polar Express website, they encourage the children to wear pajamas (like the children in the video). Parents are welcome to join in the fun and wear their pajamas too. Well, I’m just a big kid so I bought us all pajamas that matched (as closely as I could get them).
We dressed in our pajamas and our slippers and got ready for our adventure.

There are a few mistakes that I made and I want to share those with you so you can be a bit more prepared than I was.

1.  This was my first visit to the French Lick Scenic Railway. I thought there would be a depot for us to wait in until it was time to board the train. That was mistake #1. There were a couple of tents set up with different activities but no actual building.

Making Memories with the Polar Express: Activity Tents
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Activity Tents
Making Memories with the Polar Express: It rained...a lot!
Making Memories with the Polar Express: It rained…a lot!

2.  Pay attention to the weather report then dress and prepare accordingly. Because of the incorrect assumption, under #1, we were not prepared for the rain…not just a little rain…a ton of rain. By the time we walked from the car to the tents, stood in water and puddles (as it ran through the tents), then walked (through the rain) to our passenger car (which of course was the last one), our slippers were soaked! To add insult to injury, we didn’t have any umbrellas. I hate umbrellas. I feel I get wetter from the water dripping off the edges than I do just walking through the rain. In this instance, I really wish I had an umbrella.

I hope I haven’t given you the idea that this ruined our experience because it didn’t! I just wanted to give you a heads up so you don’t make the same mistakes that I did.

The Train Ride

Now for the fun stuff; the ride itself. I don’t know if Jeremiah could have been anywhere nearly as excited as I was. I was excited to experience the Polar Express and I was excited to witness Jeremiah enjoying it.

As we reached our passenger car, the conductor was standing there in the rain to greet us. We boarded and found our seats. I kept hold of the tickets until the conductor came by to punch them. Then we each handed the conductor our individual ticket. He punched it until it “snowed” little dots all over us.

Making Memories with the Polar Express: Conductor & tickets
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Conductor & tickets

The music from the Polar Express soundtrack played over the speakers. As the train started to move out of the station, we were introduced to the elves that would be serving and entertaining us. They were so cute and bubbly.

Making Memories with the Polar Express: Our elves
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Our elves

During our ride to the North Pole, the Polar Express story was read. The conductor came by a couple of times to show us the pictures in the book. At the appropriate times in the story, the elves would come out and sing with us.

Making Memories with the Polar Express: Entertainment
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Entertainment

One of my favorite songs is Hot Chocolate. I bet you will never guess what happened when they sang that one. Yes, we each got a cup of hot chocolate and then they brought us a Christmas cookie! Yum!

Making Memories with the Polar Express: Hot chocolate and cookies
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Hot chocolate and cookies

Thank goodness the family sitting in front of us had been on this adventure before. If something was said to give us a hint of what was about to happen, I missed it. But the family in front of us, got up and started frantically cleaning the fog off their windows. They did tell all of us that we needed to start watching out the windows on the right side of the train. We cleaned off our windows and started watching. Before we knew it, Christmas lights appeared on several buildings and there in front of one of the building stood…..none other than Santa Claus and some elves. We had reached the North Pole! I have a confession to make here and now…I am a sentimental sap…I teared up at the sight of them (and I’m tearing up again, just writing about the experience).

As we pull into the North Pole, the train came to a stop. We didn’t get off but someone special boarded the train. Can you guess who it was!?!

Making Memories with the Polar Express: Santa
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Santa

Yes-siree! It was the jolly man, himself, Santa Claus. He entered from the back of our car so Jeremiah didn’t see him but when we said, “Jeremiah! Look who just got on the train. It’s Santa Claus!”

He scampered up onto the seat and peered to the back of the car. He was so excited. He asked, “Is Santa going to come see me?”

We told Jeremiah that he was, but Santa had to greet all the children on his way up to us. Now, I wasn’t really sure how Jeremiah was going to handle meeting Santa because he had been kind of bashful during the trip so far. We tried to get him to move to the aisle so he could see better, but we wanted to stay between window and me or between my husband and me.

He watched as Santa worked his way up the aisle. When it was Jeremiah’s turn there was no problem getting him into the aisle. He rushed out and hugged Santa’s legs. Santa picked him right up. They had their picture taken together (which I haven’t received yet but I will add it when it comes in) and Santa gave him something special.

If you haven’t seen Polar Express, you might not know what the gift was so I will tell you. One of the themes of the movie is that anyone that no longer believes in Santa can’t hear the Christmas bells. So Jeremiah’s gift from Santa was a beautiful silver bell. I will tell you right here and now that all of us could hear the bell, because we believe in Santa Claus.

Making Memories with the Polar Express: jingle bell and hot chocolate
Making Memories with the Polar Express: jingle bell and hot chocolate

The ride from the North Pole back to French Lick was filled with singing and dancing. Jeremiah finally got comfortable enough to go out into the aisle and dance with the elves.

Making Memories with the Polar Express: Dancing with elves
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Dancing with elves

It was a magical night where memories were made. Sweet Dreams!

Making Memories with the Polar Express: sweet dreams
Making Memories with the Polar Express: sweet dreams

Has your family ever been on a Polar Express train ride? If so, I would love to hear about your adventure.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for the post. I just wanted to share the fun we had and give you some ideas as to how you could recreate it. There are a few affiliate links throughout the post.

Click on an item below to learn more about how to make or purchase it (affiliate links included):

The Polar Express
Polar Express CD & mp3
The Polar Express storybook
Plastic, coffee stir sticks
Hot dog stockings
Snowman milk chugs
Snowman popcorn cups
Santa strawberries
Grinch kabobs (or Santa kabobs)

Related Posts

Big Splash Adventure Review
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland Review
Review: Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo
Review – Christmas on Monument Circle, Indianapolis

Filed Under: Attractions and Events, Christmas Tagged With: April family friendly events, christmas, December, family friendly, family friendly activities, holiday, Polar Express, santa, santa claus, train ride, winter

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • …
  • 10
  • Next Page »

Don’t Miss This Great Book

Categories

  • Articles
  • Attractions and Events
  • Autumn/Fall
  • Children's Books
  • Christmas
  • Coloring Pages
  • Colors
  • Community Helpers
  • Contest
  • Cooking with Kids
  • eBundles
  • Free Printables
  • Gardening
  • Halloween
  • Holidays
  • Learning Activities
  • Music
  • Reviews
  • Sensory Bins
  • Shapes
  • Thanksgiving
  • Uncategorized

Follow Me on Bloglovin

Follow on Bloglovin

Recent Posts

  • Yes, You Can Eat Raw Pumpkin! Try My Fall Harvest Fruit Salad
  • Zombie Zapper Brain Boost Smoothie
  • Learning Fun at Disney: The Importance of Imagination
  • Learning Fun at Disney: Manners
  • How to Eat A Pumpkin: A Lesson From a 3 Year Old
  • How to Eat a Pumpkin, Part 2
  • Pumpkins are Orange; and Other Learning Concepts
  • Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard

Check This Out

Holiday Toy List – STEM Toys

Books

US Family Guide

USFamilyGuide.com

Recent Comments

  • Mama Carmody on Your Favorite Childhood Book
  • Lisa Smiley on Your Favorite Childhood Book
  • Harlow's Harvest on Eggs in a Nest: Cooking with Kids

Copyright © 2026 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in