Turn off the television, silence the cell phone and head to a park. It's playtime in Indianapolis! For the second year, Indianapolis is honored as a Playful City USA community by KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing play into the lives of children. What does that mean to you? Simple! Tell your Kids, neighbors, friends and family to play every day, especially on September 18, 2010, our Indy Play Celebration. Sounds easy and fun, but not all cities have the playspaces to promote Healthy bodies and minds—Indianapolis does! That's why Indianapolis was recognized as one of 118 communities across 35 states for our commitment, mission and willingness to make play important. Research shows a strong connection between play and the development of social, emotional, cognitive and intellectual skills.
Plan to play together at an Indy Park or Greenway Trail, a church or school playground, a museum, the zoo or cultural center, or even your own backyard. Move or groove; bike or hike, and create memories while you play. Don't stop after September 18 —plan a family play date every week to continue to nurture the health and well-being of yourself and your child!
Here are some helpful ways to get playing on September 18:
Making the Band: The Dorman Street Band sings gospel, urban and old school tunes. Stretch your vocal cords or bring your own instrument to start jammin'. 12-4 p.m. FREE
Krannert, Indy Island, Thatcher, La Shonna Bates and George Washington Community School
Fruit and Candy Tour: Find out where some of your favorite yummy treats come from with a family-friendly tour of the conservatory and the tasty food it produces. 11-12 p.m. $3 per person
Garfield Park
Arts for All: You've heard of petting zoos with animals? What about with instruments? The Arts for All theme in September gives kids hands-on fun with horns and strings at the Instrument Petting Zoo. 12 – 5 p.m. FREE
Eagle Creek Park
Nature Discovery Program: Learn about the wonders of nature with guided tours to discover native plants, weird bugs, live animals and how you can help the environment. 1:30 p.m., FREE with park admission
Eagle Creek Park's Ornithology Center
Avian Adventure: Meet a raptor, explore a backyard habitat and take a guided bird hike. Free with park admission. Call 327-BIRD for times.
Check out Indy Parks Fall Fun Guide to start playing the day away! Go to www.indyparks.org or call (317)327-PARK.
View images.
