After the birth of our daughter on New Year's Day, along with my surgery in Februrary, we've pretty much been on a self-imposed quarantine for the last 3 months. With the risk of the flu (and now measles?! What the heck? Vaccinate your children, please.)...we didn't want to take any chances. It probably goes without saying that we've been getting a TAD restless.

 

Thanks to Spring's timely arrival, we are finally ready to bust out of this joint for a weekly outing or two. In addition to our usual spots (local libraries, parks, and the Hendricks County YMCA, I've been keeping a growing list of "to do" items, mainly places to visit with the kiddos. Some spots we love + a few new spots I want to try out this year are....

 

SkyZone - This place is just down the road from us. Hooray! I have high hopes that it'll turn out to be the perfect place for a toddler who can't. sit. still.

 

Children's Museum - Need I say more? Multiple floors of endless, interactive exhibits. I anticipate that naptime may arrive earlier than usual after a visit here.

 

Rhythm Discovery Center - There are musical instruments, and children are allowed to play them to their hearts content. Yeah, I think this will be a toddler favorite!

 

Indianapolis Zoo - We are only a short drive from downtown, so we always purchase an annual membership. After my son's first dolphin show, he wouldn't stop talking about it for days! The new orangutan exhibit is pretty neat (as long as the crowds aren't bad) and we love watching people feed the giraffes in the "Plains" area. Plus, there's a wonderful playground just outside the dolphin aquarium, as well as near the Birds observation area.

 

The Urban Chalkboard - This past Friday, we finally had the chance to visit this adorable play spot! I have nothing but good things to say about this place. There were lots of play areas & options, including an enclosed baby play area. They also have a classroom, where they host a variety of interactive activities throughout the day. (TIP: Watch their Facebook page for activity dates/times.)

 

Holliday Park - This is one of my favorites. It's a bit of a drive from the westside (about 25 minutes), but is SO worth the trip. I personally love making a stop in here after running errands on the northside of Indy - it's the perfect cure for Restless Toddler Syndrome, which my son seems to contract every time we visit a mall.

 

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Stay-at-home moms, what are your go-to activities? Do you have any recommendations of other places to take a restless toddler (that's also baby -OR- baby-wearing friendly)? I'd love to hear what keeps you and your tots sane during the Spring & Summer months. =)

 

Best,