May: The month of the Mini, racing and the seriously-is-it-summer-yet vibes. Some of our favorite family spots debut new exhibits this month (Mini Golf at the IMA ? How about the Hot Wheels: Race To Win at the Children’s Museum? Or maybe Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks at the Indianapolis Zoo?). In addition to these – and with thanks to the IndysChild.com Calendar of Events – here’s what other family fun we have our eye on.
Chase 500 Festival Kids Day
Saturday, May 12; noon – 4 p.m.
The Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day offers fun, interactive, educational displays in a carnival-like atmosphere. Attendees can interact with local mascots, race mini cars, bounce in giant inflatables, get free kids haircuts by Great Clips, make sashes with the 500 Festival Princesses and so much more. Location: Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
Enjoy Indiana’s largest free outdoor festival for kids – Chase 500 Festival Kids Day – takes place Saturday, May 14.
National Public Gardens Day & Museum Day at Indianapolis Museum Of Art
Tuesday, May 17; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Spend the day celebrating Museum Day and National Public Gardens Day at the IMA. Admission is free with docent-led activities and public tours of the Museum and Garden scheduled all day. A great time to check out the new Mini Golf exhibit! Location: IMA
Garfield Park Arts Center Chalk Art Festival and Competition
Saturday, May 21; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Release your inner artist with chalk! All ages are invited to help decorate the sidewalks of Garfield Park with the powdery pigments. Teens and adults can enter judged competitions. Remember to BYOC (bring your own chalk) or money to purchase a kit. Location: Garfield Park Arts Center
Kids are invited to decorate the sidewalks at Garfield Park by creating works of art with colorful chalk.
Zoopolis 500, presented by the American Dairy Association
Wednesday, May 25; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Each year, guests cheer on their favorite tortoise at the Zoopolis 500. This unique event includes a morning of family-friendly pre-race festivities, such as the ADA Milk Chug and photo station, leading up to the radiated tortoise race to the finish. After the race, meet the winning tortoise and his “pit crew” after the Winner’s Circle. Location: Indianapolis Zoo
Held on the Wednesday before Memorial Day weekend, this year marks the 37th “running” of the Zoopolis 500.
IPL 500 Festival Parade
Saturday, May 28; noon
The IPL 500 Festival Parade allows all spectators to witness the pageantry and larger-than-life floats light up the streets of downtown Indianapolis. Well-known celebrities, costumed characters, marching bands, patriotic units, specialty units, spectacular floats and giant helium balloons will fill the streets to celebrate the Indianapolis 500. Location: Downtown Indianapolis
Thousands have made it a tradition to attend the 500 Festival Parade, taking place on May 28, the eve of the Indianapolis 500.
Jeanine Bobenmoyer is a mother, wife, trail runner, explorer and Michigan native. During the day she’s frequently found tied to her laptop serving as the Digital Editor for IndysChild.com – the #1 parenting resource in Indiana. She is also the Chief Mom Officer and co-Founder of theCityMoms. Her passions span writing, traveling, interior design, Thai food, Michigan Wolverine football and secretly judging people for not knowing Led Zeppelin’s entire repertoire. Find Jeanine at @themomista on Twitter and @themomista1 on Instagram.
