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Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo Review

December 19, 2013 by Mama Carmody 8 Comments

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo Review

Disclaimer: I was given 4 tickets and a parking pass to attend Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo. However, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.

The temperature was approximately 34͒ F, which was double the temperature from the day before (thanks goodness). We bundled up our little Texan (my 4 ½ month old grandson) and headed out to enjoy Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo.

This was the welcoming view we received as we entered the zoo.

I couldn’t wait to get inside to see how the rest of the zoo was decorated. It was even more beautiful and magical than I remembered. My pictures hardly capture the beauty but you can at least get an idea.

One of the first animals to greet us were the seals. One of them was barking quite loudly. We walked over to take a look but he was hiding among the rocks so we didn’t get a good look at him from up top. We did get to see him swimming from underneath though.

We were waiting on some family members to show up so we decided to walk over to the gift shop to wait inside. We didn’t want the little one getting too cold. On our way, we ran into one of Santa’s reindeers.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Santa's Reindeer — Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Santa’s Reindeer

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: The Oceans Building at the Indianapolis Zoo

Our next stop was the Oceans’ building. It was a warm place with lots of interesting animals to interact with.

Petting sharks was a hit with the whole family (no matter what the age).

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo, Petting Sharks

We enjoyed spending time looking at the penguins; even though they seemed to be resting.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Checking out the Penguins

There were so many wonderful things to see in the Oceans exhibit.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Oceans Exhibit

It was too dark for me to get a good picture of the polar bear but he was sitting right next to the window. We were able to get a good look at him.

We then walked over to the Dolphin Pavilion. I found out, from my sister, that we were supposed to have been offered tickets for the dolphin show when we went through admissions but it wasn’t mentioned, so we didn’t have tickets. My sister and her family came in after us and they were offered tickets so they got them, but then didn’t go to the show since we couldn’t. I thought that was really sweet. We did go underneath and watch the show from below. It was interesting from below too. I think it would have been nice if they would have the audio for the show running through speakers down below so we knew exactly what was going on.

It was getting late for my grandson so he got fussy, because he was ready for bed, so we cut our trip short. We are hoping to get back there this week, if the weather permits. Regardless of whether we get back this year or not, we will be back. It was beautiful and the snow made it magical. I hope you and your family gets a chance to enjoy Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Snow and Lights during Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo

You might also be interested in:

Review – Christmas on Monument Circle Indianapolis

Review: Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

May 13, 2013 by Mama Carmody 6 Comments

Review of Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day 05-11-13 — Review of Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day 05-11-13

Monument Circle was shut down to traffic for the day so kids and their families could enjoy some time together in celebration of the 500 Festival. It was overcast and cool but that didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the children and families that I saw. I am pleased to say that everything at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day really was free (except for food and drinks).

There were several Bounce Houses to choose from.

Bounce Houses from Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Bounce Houses from Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

Race Car Bounce House at Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Race Car Bounce House at Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

There was even a special Bounce House for young ones.

Bounce House for Young Children at the Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Bounce House for Young Children at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

To encourage good health and physical activity Chase sponsored a Rookie Run. The kids looked like they had as much fun waiting on the starting line and dancing to the music, with the 500 Festival Princesses, as they did running the race.

The Ferris Wheel was free, just like everything else, and I’m sure that the view would have been fantastic from the top but the line was so long I decided to pass it up.

Ferris Wheel at Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Ferris Wheel at Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

There were several booths with crafts and activities. There was a 500 Festival Princess Craft Zone as well as a 500 Festival Racer’s Craft Zone.

Craft Tents at the Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Craft Tents at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

K-LOVE, which is my favorite Christian radio station, was doing face painting…

K-LOVE face painting at the Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — K-LOVE face painting at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

….and the Indianapolis Zoo had a giant game of Conservation Zynga going on.

Zoo Conservation Station at the Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Zoo Conservation Station at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

One of the activities I enjoyed watching was the kids’ race track. If you were big enough to pedal, then there was a vehicle for you. Everyone got a prize when they finished.

Pedal Raceway at the Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Pedal Raceway at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

The other activity I enjoyed watching was the rock wall climbing. It was an activity that both boys and girls were having a great time doing.

Boy climbing rock wall at the Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Boy climbing rock wall at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

Girl climbing rock wall at the Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Girl climbing rock wall at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

As I said before, you did have to pay for food and drinks. I love festival corn dogs but I never found the booth that was selling them. I also love shaved-ice, sno-cone type treats and saw several of them but this was my favorite for two reasons; one reason was that it was a cute kid-themed stand and the other was because you got to put your own flavorings on the ice.

Kid themed sno-cone stand at the Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Kid themed sno-cone stand at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

Several performances were happening on the steps of the monument but I didn’t get any pictures. I was too short to get a good shot. I enjoyed watching the dancers and there was a funny magician too. The big performance of the day was the Kidz Bop group but I missed them.

Although I didn’t have a child with me so I didn’t get to experience the day through them, from what I observed, everyone was having a great time. There were plenty of activities for all ages and it really was free. I would definitely recommend that you not miss this event next year.

As I was leaving the festival, I turned to get one more shot of the Monument since the sun had finally come out. Just as I got ready to take the shot a red balloon, that someone lost, floated past the Monument. It was my favorite picture of the day and a fitting way to say farewell.

Monument with red balloon floating by at Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day — Monument with red balloon floating by at Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

Review: Radio Disney Event, Indianapolis 2012

June 17, 2012 by Mama Carmody 5 Comments

The Radio Disney event was nothing like what I had conjured up in my mind. I thought this was going to take place in one of the many large buildings on the Indiana State Fairgrounds but I was wrong. I was also surprised to find out that, although the event was free, the fairgrounds charged $5 to get in and park. There was only one entrance open so there was no choice but to pay the $5 to get in.

Still holding on to the picture in my mind of entering a large building with rows of exhibition booths and a stage for the concert, I was shocked when this is what I saw:

It looked more like a kid-sized state fair. There were a few food booths scattered around. The ones serving cold items were the favorites since the temperature was hovering near 90 degrees. There were all kinds of booths with great activities and crafts for the children to participate in.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Turbana

The first exhibit I came to was the Turbana tent. Turbana manufactures many flavors of plantain chips. I’ve never tasted a plantain let alone a plantain chip but they were giving away small packages of chips so I won’t be able to say that for much longer. There were several other free items too.

There was also a foam banana, a real banana and a cute button and coloring page presented by The Produce Mom.

The Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

The Girl Scouts of Central Indiana had a booth where they used homemade solar ovens to cook s’mores.

Girl Scout's of Central Indiana - Solar Oven

Although they didn’t have instructions with them to show how to make the ovens, one of the ladies described it for me and I found these instructions on the internet: Making A Pizza Box Solar Oven. You were able to cook and eat the s’mores you made…yum!

Rhythm! Discovery Center

This is a place I want to visit but just haven’t made it yet. Rhythm! Discovery Center is an interactive percussion museum. They had several drums set up and some cute shakers for the kids to make their own music. It looked like it was a real popular place.

A Critter’s Chance

A Critter’s Chance is at the top of my favorites list. I love and respect the job they are doing for the rehabilitation and rescue of exotic animals. For a small $2 donation they would take your picture with one of their rescue animals. I donated $2 to help them out and was able to get a great picture for my blog.

Four Willows Farm

At the Four Willows Farm exhibit you were able to get a ride on a horse. I saw “kids” of all ages getting rides.

If you have been thinking about taking riding lessons, Four Willows Farms is a training facility that specializes in American Saddlebred training, showing and riding instruction.

Indiana Horse Rescue

I don’t believe I could word any better what Indiana Horse Rescue is all about than they do in their mission statement:
“To provide a caring, positive environment for those horses that have either been neglected, abused, abandoned, and/or are at risk of going to slaughter. We will place these horses in an environment that benefits both the horse and the adoptive family.”
They do not receive any state funding but wholly rely on the support of caring individuals that have a heart for neglected and abandoned horses.
This is the adorable little gal they had at their exhibit for the kids to enjoy. I loved what they did with her mane.

My Conclusions on the Day

This event may not have been what I pictured in my mind; it was actually so much more. You may have noticed that I didn’t mention the concert. I actually didn’t stay for the concert. I was more interested in finding out what type of activities there were to enjoy with your children.

As you can see from the few exhibits I posted, there was a lot to do even if you weren’t interested in attending the concert. The one thing that disappointed me is that I am an “old school” Disney fan and I didn’t see much that actually related to Disney at all. There were a couple of Disney backdrops for picture opportunities and there was a set of balloon Mickey and Minnie Mouse on the concert stage but other than that, not much to make you think of Disney.

Regardless of my disappointment in there not being much that reminded me of Disney, there were a lot of fun things to do with your children. I would definitely go again and for the mere price of $5 for parking it was a great deal.

If you took your family out to enjoy the day, please leave a comment here and on my facebook page of how much you enjoyed your day. If you took any pictures you would be willing to share I would love to see them. Just post them on the Love to Laugh and Learn facebook page.

Attractions
Review: Conner Prairie on President’s Day (with a 2 yr old)

How To Train Your Dragon – Review

June 12, 2014 by Mama Carmody 1 Comment

How To Train Your Dragon

In anticipation of the release of How to Train Your Dragon 2, I thought maybe I should see the first How to Train Your Dragon. I headed to the Redbox website and reserved a copy to view. The movie was originally released in 2010 by DreamWorks Animation and can now be found on Blu-Ray and DVD.

The story is set in a Viking village called the Island of Berk. The island is regularly attacked by dragons, and all Vikings strive to be great dragon killers…well, all except one. Hiccup, who has more brain than brawn, is happiest using his mind and hands to invent contraptions to catch the dragons. He strives to be a great Viking like his father, the chief of the village.

During an attack, by the dragons, Hiccup uses one of his inventions and actually nets one. The dragon is an elusive and quite mysterious Night Fury. Once Hiccup tracks down the place where the dragon fell from the sky, he finally has his opportunity to kill a dragon and prove himself to his father and the village. But alas, once he looks into the eyes of the dragon he can’t bring himself to kill it so he releases it from the net.

How to Train Your Dragon - Review — How to Train Your Dragon – Review

Hiccup ends up building a trust and friendship with the Night Fury, which he calls Toothless. (By the way, Toothless is anything BUT toothless.) The more Hiccup interacts and observes Toothless the more he realizes that different dragons have different likes and dislikes, the same as humans. He learns that becoming friends with dragons is as easy as learning the things they enjoy. However, trying to convince the other Vikings that they could be friends with the dragons is a whole other challenge.

This story teaches the importance of taking the time to learn about others. They may
become your good friends if you just take the time to get to know them.

I would like to give a warning to parents. If you have a sensitive child or one that worries about monsters, I would wait until they get a little older to see this movie. I originally thought this movie would not be good for a child under 5 years old but I discussed it with a good friend and fellow blogger, Crystal Paschal, author of Mom for Less. She has two boys ages 5 and 3. She said that both her boys had seen it (although not in a theater) and didn’t have any issues. My concerns came from the beginning of the movie when the dragons were attacking the village and the Vikings are trying to kill the dragons. I thought that could be scary and cause nightmares to a young child. Crystal suggested that boys might be less frightened by all the action. Then I remembered that my youngest daughter was watching Jurassic Park (at home with the lights on) when she was 3 years old so maybe I was being overly cautious.

Have your children seen How to Train Your Dragon? How old were they and did it give them nightmares? I would love to hear about your family’s experience and I’m sure others would too.

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How to Train Your Dragon 2 – Review

How to Train Your Dragon 2 – Review

June 13, 2014 by Mama Carmody 1 Comment

How to Train Your Dragon 2 – Review

Disclaimer: I was given 4 tickets to attend the screening of “How to Train Your Dragon 2”; however, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.

I was excited for the opportunity to review How to Train Your Dragon 2 but I thought that I should probably see the first movie before I saw #2. There is a link to my review of the first movie at the bottom of this post.

When I was young I loved dinosaurs; and dragons are just fire-breathing, flying dinosaurs, aren’t they? So I was looking forward to this 2nd movie in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. I mentioned, in my review of the first movie, that I was concerned that young children might be scared by the fighting between the dragons and the Vikings, however, I didn’t have that concern with this movie. Yes, there is fighting and dragons but in my opinion it isn’t as scary because, at the beginning of this movie, the dragons and Vikings are friends.

The movie starts out with a humorous dragon race. There were lots of giggles from children and adults as Astrid, Fishlegs and the others compete in a pretty silly race that involves tossing sheep into baskets. The sheep didn’t look like they were having quite as much fun as everyone else.

This movie again takes place on the Island of Berk but the dragons and Vikings now live peacefully with each other. Hiccup is still the thinker and adventurer. He and Toothless are traveling near and far mapping out the new lands they find.

During their explorations they come across a band of marauders that catch and enslave dragons. The marauders try to capture Toothless but Hiccup and Toothless are able to break free. They are still faced with the problem of how to free the other dragons that have been enslaved. And what about the stories of a mysterious Dragon Rider that the marauders are worried about?

How to Train Your Dragon 2: The Dragon Rider

If you liked the first How to Train Your Dragon, then you will love How to Train Your Dragon 2.

I would again like to warn parents, if you have a sensitive child or one that worries about monsters, this movie might be a bit scary for them. There is a lot of fighting between people and dragons. There are also a couple of extra huge dragons in this movie. However, if your child isn’t bothered by this type of action then they will really enjoy How to Train Your Dragon 2.

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How to Train Your Dragon – Review