family fun Archives - Love to Laugh and Learn

“Learn with Play” is Here!

July 7, 2015 by Mama Carmody 24 Comments

“Learn with Play” is Here!

Learn with play is my mantra for teaching children and now “Learn with Play” is the title of a wonderful book and I’m excited to say, I’m one of the many authors.*

Learn with Play: 150+ Activities for Year-round Fun and Learning

There are 150+ activities in this collection. You will find ways to help your child attain everyday life skills as well as arts & crafts, learning activities and general fun. There is also a section on holiday activities. The majority of the activities are for birth through kindergarten age, although you will find some activities that a child even older will enjoy.
Take a look at this video to get a better idea of what this book is all about.

There are 94 talented, creative bloggers that have contributed to this book. In the Kindle and eBook versions you will find links to printables. In all three versions you will find the urls to each of the bloggers. That will give you an infinite resource of fun activities to do with your children, as we all post regularly.

Here is a picture that shows a few of the differences between the paperback book and the Kindle/ebook versions.

“Learn with Play” – Differences between the bound copy and the Kindle/ebook versions.

The paperback version is ~~$29.95~~ $26.96 (recently lowered) and the Kindle/eBook versions are $14.95. Although I love a bound book, I can see the attraction of being able to access the activities on your Kindle, iPad or other device.

There is so much fun packed on these pages, you won’t want to miss a single second of it. Click on a link below to get your copy now.

“Learn with Play: 150+ Activities for Year-round Fun and Learning”

Paperback Copy ~~$29.95~~ $26.96
Kindle Version $14.95
eBook Version $ 14.95

*Affiliate links can be found throughout this post.

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Big Splash Adventure Review

November 30, 2014 by Mama Carmody 4 Comments

Big Splash Adventure Review

Disclaimer: I was given 4 day passes to Big Splash Adventure in order to conduct my review. However, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.

I have been trying to get to Big Splash Adventure, in French Lick, Indiana, for over a year now. This past weekend we loaded up our 3 year old great-nephew and headed out on our adventure.

It was rainy and dreary outside, so I didn’t get any outdoor pictures, but it was warm and inviting inside. The lobby is decorated with children in mind.

There are a couple of activities for the children to participate in while registering.

It’s was the weekend before Thanksgiving so they had all ready started decorating for Christmas. Children could even get their pictures taken with Santa Claus during special hours. We got a little busy with our activities and forgot to stop by and get Jeremiah’s picture taken.

Big Splash Adventure: Christmas at the water park

While you are registering, make sure everybody stays close because each person will need to come to the counter and have their special bracelet put on them. This was my first experience with this type of system and I loved it. The bracelet not only got us into the water park but it was also our room key and our ticket to the free breakfast buffet.

Our hotel room was clean and spacious. This was Jeremiah’s first stay in a hotel and he wasn’t really on board with the idea at first. He was worried about our home without us there. The things he comes up with just makes me smile.

Jeremiah was aware that we were there to go to the water park so he was ready to get his trunks on and head to the Adventure. We had taken him to a water park just a few weeks prior to this trip but it was nothing like Big Splash Adventure. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so let me just show you some of the awesome water activities you can enjoy.

Buccaneer Bay

This is a three story structure with ten platforms and nearly 50 interactive play features.

Buccaneer Bay has two slides. There are no height restrictions for this area so everyone can enjoy it. This was Jeremiah’s favorite section.

Big Splash Adventure: Jeremiah's favorite slide — Big Splash Adventure: Jeremiah’s favorite slide

Splish Splash Pool

This area is for the little swimmers. Children must be less than 40″ tall to play in here. There is a slide and some really fun tree bouncers for the little ones to relax in.

Lost River

One of my favorite spots was the Lost River. I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time in there. Jeremiah wasn’t too crazy about it. He was small enough that he had to wear a life jacket. For smaller children on the Lost River, there are special tubes that have bottoms in them so they can basically sit on top of them as they ride around.

Pirates Plunder, Scallywag Scuttle & Silver Beard’s Revenge

These 3 slides were too big for Jeremiah and my husband and I are not that adventurous anymore so we didn’t go down them. Although, they look like they they would be a lot of fun. You can learn more about each of them by clicking on their names above.

You can bring your own towels, if you would like, but Big Splash Adventure has towels right there for you to use. That was a great amenity because now all I had to worry about was getting wet suits home not wet bulky towels too.

Right outside, and connected to the water park, is a snack bar and arcade. As a matter of fact, you have to pass through the snack bar to enter the water park. You could order burgers, hotdogs, pizza and other items. It was convenient because you could order and eat in your swimming suits. You could take the food back into the water park and eat poolside or sit in the snack bar. It’s a bit noisy in the water park, with all the running water, so we chose to stay in the snack area. You can only carry food and drinks you bought at the snack bar into the water park but if you have one of their hotel rooms you could keep your own food in there. The hotel, water park and a couple of dining areas are all connected so you never have to leave the building once you enter.

We decided to go for a bit more substantial meal on Sunday so we visited the Boatyard Restaurant. It sits on the main floor just off the lobby. Pat and I shared a ribeye steak, baked potato and tossed salad. Jeremiah chose a grilled cheese sandwich and applesauce. We were all very pleased with our meals. The waitress was very sweet and the atmosphere was quite relaxing.

Big Splash Adventure: The Boatyard Restaurant

Between the lobby and the Boatyard Restaurant is a little gift shop called the Seaside Market. It has a lot of cute little water and beach themed trinkets, as well as souvenir t-shirts. If you forgot and left the kids swimsuits at home, you can pick up some of those too.

As soon as Jeremiah’s feet hit the floor, Monday morning, he was ready to head to the water park. We insisted on breakfast first, both for nutrition and energy. Although, Jeremiah does not lack energy! The breakfast buffet is included in the price of the hotel stay. In case you have any preconceived ideas, this is NOT one of those “continental” breakfasts you find at other hotels. This is an honest to goodness breakfast buffet. Items on the buffet included biscuits and sausage gravy, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, crispy fried potatoes, pancakes, french toast sticks, oatmeal and toast. There was also a line with dry cereals and fruit. We had orange juice, white milk and chocolate milk to drink, which was served by our waitress. The total of our breakfast bill came to $0 but we were sure to leave our waitress a tip for taking care of our drinks and checking on us.

I thought that the prices seemed kind of high for staying in the hotel, but when I was breaking down all you get, it’s actually an awesome deal. There are several packages that include 2 days at the waterpark and the free breakfast buffet for 4 people. If you figure what it would cost to go to the park for 2 days ($21.95 per adult per day) and I estimated what a breakfast buffet would cost elsewhere (approx. $8 a person), you would be spending next to nothing for the actual room.

Big Splash Adventure has many special activities and pricing throughout the year so keep an eye on their website. We happened to catch special pricing on a Sunday/Monday stay which included the ability to purchase tickets for the Polar Express Train Ride. By the way, I had all ready checked the Polar Express website and found out that they were sold out for this year. The only tickets available were through some of the local hotels, which included Big Splash Adventure. You will hear more about that part of our weekend in a future post.

In summary, our weekend was a blast. Everywhere we went things were clean and tidy. The staff was polite and friendly. If you are planning a vacation, to Indiana, or a staycation, I would recommend checking out Big Splash Adventure and all the great things the French Lick area has to offer.

Indy Island Aquatic Center Review

January Family Friendly Events, Indy Area, 2016

December 2, 2015 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

January Family Friendly Events for the Indianapolis Area, 2016

It’s time to check out the January family friendly events for Indianapolis. It will be getting colder so I’ve included both indoor and outdoor activities. I’ve also listed some sledding hills for one of those great winter activities. Be sure to check back often because I will continue to add things as I find them.

Indy Sledding Hills:

Brookside Park
3500 Brookside Pkwy S. Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46201

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

Christian Park
4200 English Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46201

Ellenberger Park
5301 St. Clair
Indianapolis, IN 46219

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

Garfield Park
2450 S. Shelby St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Glenns Valley
8015 Bluff Road
Indianapolis, IN 46217

Paul Ruster Park
11300 E. Prospect St.
Indianapolis, IN 46239

Rhodius Park
1001 S. Belmont St.
Indianapolis, IN 46221

Southeastway Park
5624 South Carroll Road
New Palestine, IN 46163

January 30
Saturday

January 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)

January Family Friendly Events: Craft Time

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store. This Saturday your child will be able to make a fun peek-a-boo groundhog puppet. 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

February Family Friendly Events, Indy Area, 2016

January 31, 2016 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

February Family Friendly Events for the Indianapolis Area, 2016

Hi Indiana Friends! Below are the February Family Friendly Events I have found so far. I will continue to add things as I find them. I am including the list of local sledding hills, just in case you get enough snow for some outdoor fun.

If you find a family friendly event that I have missed please leave a comment below or stop by my Facebook page, Love to Laugh and Learn, and let me know what you found. I will be glad to add it to my calendar for all to enjoy.

Family Friendly Events: Sledding at Butler Hill

Indy Sledding Hills:

Brookside Park
3500 Brookside Pkwy S. Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46201

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

Christian Park
4200 English Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46201

Ellenberger Park
5301 St. Clair
Indianapolis, IN 46219

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

Garfield Park
2450 S. Shelby St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Glenns Valley
8015 Bluff Road
Indianapolis, IN 46217

Paul Ruster Park
11300 E. Prospect St.
Indianapolis, IN 46239

Rhodius Park
1001 S. Belmont St.
Indianapolis, IN 46221

Southeastway Park
5624 South Carroll Road
New Palestine, IN 46163

February 20
Saturday

February Family Friendly Events: Fun at Bongo Boy Music

Take the family to enjoy Junie B. Jones, the Musical, at Beef and Boards. Are you ready to introduce your child to the wonderful world of live drama? Beef and Boards has an awesome children’s program. This show is based on the book series by Barbara Park. The musical is one hour long with no intermission. A drink and snack are included with your admission.
Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
9301 Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Showtimes: 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. (doors open 30 minutes prior to show)
$15.50 per person

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store. 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.
1300 E. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free

February 22
Monday

February Family Friendly Events: Bongo Boy Music School

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

February 25
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

February 26
Friday

Take the family to enjoy Junie B. Jones, the Musical, at Beef and Boards. Are you ready to introduce your child to the wonderful world of live drama? Beef and Boards has an awesome children’s program. This show is based on the book series by Barbara Park. The musical is one hour long with no intermission. A drink and snack are included with your admission.
Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
9301 Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Showtimes: 10:00 a.m. (doors open 30 minutes prior to show)
$15.50 per person

February 27
Saturday

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store. 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.
1300 E. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free

February 29
Monday

April Family Friendly Events for the Indy Area, 2016

April 2, 2016 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

April Family Friendly Events for the Indy Area, 2016

I am here with your April Family Friendly events. I’m sorry, Indy friends, for not getting your March family friendly events posted. I have been battling illnesses since mid-January. Between being ill and a trip to Disney, March just slipped by.

Spring is here so things should be warming up around Indianapolis. Please check out the activities I have found for you so far. If you find something I haven’t posted, please let me know and I will add it to the calendar.

Stop by and chat sometime on my blog’s Facebook page, Love To Laugh and Learn.

April 30
Saturday

Family Friendly Events: Shear Fun at Conner Prairie Interactive Museum.

Shear Fun! At Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Come out and see how to make a blanket from a sheep. You and your family can see a lamb being sheared. You can dye your own wool and take it home. Watch fibers being spun into useable threads. You will also get to learn how cotton and flax can be turned into threads. There is so much going on that you won’t want to miss a second of it.
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
13400 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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 Adam Riviere. He is a multi-instrumentalist who performs on a multitude of percussion and woodwind instruments from around the world. You and your child will enjoy the sounds of drums, flutes, the didgeridoo, and instruments of indigenous world cultures. 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)

Free crafts for kids every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Store. This Saturday your child will be able to create a Thanks a Bunch Bouquet. 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

“Learn with Play” is Here!

“Learn with Play: 150+ Activities for Year-round Fun and Learning”

Big Splash Adventure Review

Pirates Plunder, Scallywag Scuttle & Silver Beard’s Revenge

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