I thought it would be fun to share with you today three things that I LOVE to do in Indianapolis during the summer time that don’t cost a single dime. Maybe one of these places will land on your summer calendar.
1) Walk the Canal. If you’ve never been to Indianapolis’ Canal Walk, you truly are missing one of the most beautiful spots in the city. When I worked and went to school at IUPUI, I walked the canal during my lunch hour every time I was there, weather permitting. I would start near campus, walk past the State Museum and wind my way to the “end” of the canal and double back around. There are plenty of things to look at – beautiful landscaping, outdoor historical exhibits, war memorials, artwork, and more. Of course the waterway is the most beautiful part of the journey. There are places to stop and rest along the way and if you want to spend money there are restaurants, paddle boats, museums, and even a gondola!
2) Visit the Indiana Historical Society. Many of you may not know that I’m a thesis away from a Masters degree in history. I’m pretty sure that’s the same as being 10 cards short of a full deck but I digress. Anyway, while doing research for some academic work, I became pretty acquainted with IHS (which is on the Canal Walk, too) and the State Library located across the street. Parking is free at IHS (woohoo!) and the facility itself is enough to visit as it is BEAUTIFUL. Unfortunately, the top notch exhibits are closed this year in preparation for a special Indiana Experience exhibit in 2010 that you need to mark your calendar for NOW (you MUST watch this video all about it; the grocery store exhibit that is featured in the background was an AWESOME recreation of a 12 Points Grocery in Terre Haute, IN circa 1945). Looking for an historical adventure without leaving the comfort of your chair? Visit the Indiana Historical Society’s Online Digital Collection of Photos. There are some amazing pictures of Indiana and Indianapolis throughout the centuries. If you’d rather have an IRL experience, go across the street to the State Library and show your kids what a real old fashioned card catalog is like. Go into the older entrance of the Library and be wowed by its beauty and the hard work of archivers of the past.
3) PBS Kids in the Park. Hands down this is absolutely the best event of the year for the preschool crowd. We’ve attended PBS Kids Let’s Meet in the Park for the last 5 years. On June 27th from 10 AM to 4 PM, head to Veterans Memorial Plaza/American Legion Mall for the time of your little one’s life. From free bounce houses and face painting, to live music and entertainment there’s never a dull moment. And the best part of all is the parade and live meet and greets with your favorite PBS characters. On our must see list this summer: Cookie Monster, Curious George, Duck from Word World, and Sid the Science Kid. And did I mention it’s FREE?!?! Pack a lunch and some bottles of water so you’re not tempted to buy too much from the vendors. Even the street is renamed Sesame Street for the day! It is SO much fun. If you’ve never been this is the year to go!
Be aware that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a first rate time in Indianapolis.
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