15 minute read
Little Foodies
What to Do With All That Halloween Candy
For most kids, there’s no such thing as too much candy or too many sweets. But adults will probably want to prevent their little goblins from ingesting that big bucket of sugar for months on end. Not to worry: There are organizations that will gladly accept your excess Halloween candy donations — for a good cause!
Operation Gratitude
This organization honors the service of military and first responders by creating opportunities to express gratitude. Halloween time is the only time that Operation Gratitude accepts candy donations. Find out more about their Halloween Candy Give-Back program at operationgratitude.com.
Operation Shoebox
Operation Shoebox sends a bag of candy inside every care package they send to service members deployed across the world. They accept any and all kinds of candy, and it can be sent at any time of the year. Visit operationshoe box.com to learn more.
Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops
This is a Halloween candy collection program that sends treats to deployed service members and veterans. Many businesses partner with Soldiers’ Angels to collect candy to ship in bulk, but if you’re interested in shipping your candy directly to the Soldiers’ Angels Headquarters, visit soldiersan-
gels.org/volunteer/special-cam-
paigns/treats-for-troops for the address where you can send it.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Ronald McDonald House helps keep severely ill kids and their parents together during treatment. Many locations accept donations of unopened candy for the families they're helping after Halloween. To find out how to donate candy, visit Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Indiana at rmhccin.org.
More Candy Options
Other options for all that excess candy include calling the local homeless shelter, food pantry, or nursing home to see if they accept Halloween candy. You could also save it to stuff a birthday pinata, or take it to the office and leave it in the office kitchen.
WHY WHY
PRESCHOOLERS NEED ENRICHMENT CLASSES
The benefits of preschool enrichment classes are almost endless.
WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON
Enrichment classes offer the opportunity to try new things, develop social skills and learn while in a fun environment. And because a preschooler’s mind is like a sponge, it is a great time for children of this age to be introduced to these types of programs.
You may have considered enrolling your preschooler in an enrichment program, but have hesitated because of obstacles such as cost, time commitment or the timing of the program. While these are all valid and understandable concerns, here are some things to consider when weighing the pros and cons of enrichment programs.
Gain Social Skills
Enrichment programs are one opportunity for preschoolers to learn valuable social skills that will help them throughout their lives. They will learn how to interact with peers in small group settings, and follow instructions from grown-ups other than their caregivers in a structured environment. They also will learn more about the importance of sharing, taking turns, being respectful and kind, and how to follow directions to complete the task at hand. While it may take some time to learn these valuable skills, this is a great age to begin.
Expose Them to Challenges Enrichment classes are not only enjoyable, they also offer your preschooler exposure to new challenges. Maybe it’s trying something new, or facing a fear, such as meeting new people. Maybe it’s learning how to behave in a structured environment, or how to participate in
group activities. Whatever it may be, challenging situations are not easy, but we know they build character and help us to learn grit - even at this young age.
Try Something New
There are a plethora of enrichment classes offered for preschoolers. And the incredible thing about these classes is that they are designed to be both playful and fun. If you look online for the types of classes offered to preschoolers, the names of the classes alone says it all. From Little Scientists to Alphabet Art to Bug Bonanza — there is something for everyone. Some of the opportunities include physical activities, science, math, art, nature, music, learning a new language, playing an instrument, reading, stretching and so much more. The time commitment for most classes offered to this age group is usually only a few weeks at a time, so it’s a great opportunity for your little one to learn more about what they like, and don’t like, without a lengthy commitment.
Find the Program That Fits Your Needs
Cost, driving distance, time commitment, class hours and class size are all things to consider before choosing a program. There are preschool enrichment programs offered at all times of day, so be sure to find the one that fits your entire family's needs. Classes usually have a maximum number of participants, which is great to look into for those kids who do well in smaller groups.
If cost is a concern, know that some programs offer financial assistance. If you want to have your child involved, but finances are tight, look around until you find the program that is best for your family. There is no need for the enrichment program to break the bank. If driving is a concern, consider signing your child up with a friend and carpooling. It will save both time, and money. Plus, how fun is it to ride to class with a buddy?!
Develop Lifelong Passions
It might sound silly to think of your 3, 4 or 5 year old developing lifelong passions, but it is definitely possible. Some kids are drawn to physical activity, others to learning. Some may discover they love to create things with their hands, while others find an instrument they pick up and can’t put down. Each of us is wired differently and are driven by different things — and preschoolers are no exception. How cool is it that they can find something that will continue to bring them joy throughout their lifetime at such a young age?
INDY'S CHILD 2022 FALL FUN GUIDE
Waterman’s Family Farm
Enjoy picking your own pumpkin from acres of pumpkins at both locations! Our Greenwood location has farm animals to visit & pet, straw climbing fun, human hamster wheel, mini train ride, inflatable big pumpkin and more familyfriendly activities, as well as beautiful fall décor like pumpkins, gourds, straw bales and corn stalks. Hayrides to our pumpkin patch are a tradition at our Raymond street location, where we also feature Tyranny our pumpkin chomping dinosaur, farm & exotic animals, pony rides, corn maze, straw mountain, a spinning pumpkin, train ride, human hamster wheel, mega mountain slide, live music on Saturday & Sunday, caramel apples, cider and fresh baked cookies.
Dates: September 24 ̶ October 31
7010 E. Raymond St, Indianapolis, IN 46239 | (317) 356-6995 1100 IN-37, Greenwood, IN 46142 | (317) 357-2989 watermansfamilyfarm.com
Kelsay Farms
Experience the Farm! Corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, pumpkins, the Jump Pad, Straw Bale Mountain, Moo Choo Express rides, play in the corn crib, pumpkin painting, snacks, milkshakes and more!
Dates: September 30 - October 30, 2022
(317) 630-2001 | kelsayfarms.com
6848 N 250 E, Whiteland, IN 46184
Piney Acres
Pick a pumpkin, take a hayride, explore the corn maze, fire the air cannon, play in the kid’s zone, dig for fossils, mine for gems, jump and giggle on the bounce pad, take a spin on the cow train, visit our barnyard friends and enjoy yummy fall treats in our farm store. We can’t wait to see you for Piney Acres Farm’s 2022 Fall Pumpkin Roundup! Located just minutes from Indianapolis in Hancock County.
Dates: Open Daily September 24 ̶ October 31
(317) 326-1700 | pineyacresfarm.com
1115 E. 1000 N., Fortville, IN 46040
Hunters Honey Farm
Fall is a great time to visit the Honey Farm where we are busy harvesting, extracting and bottling this year's honey crop. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Honey House, bottle their own honey bear, roll their own Beeswax candle, or even visit a live beehive with a beekeeper. (Reservations required) Our gift shop has over 50 varieties of honey with free samples while you watch the bees make honey in our live observation hive. After Thanksgiving, we offer choose and cut Christmas trees.
Dates: Open all year around
(765) 537-9430 | HuntersHoneyFarm.com
6501 W Honey Lane, Martinsville, IN 46151
Daniel's Vineyard
Hall-o-wine Weekends: Guests are encouraged to join the familyfriendly, themed costume contest each weekend in October: 10/7-10/9 Funny Costumes, 10/14-10/16 Wine Witches & Warlocks, 10/21-10/23 Disney & Marvel, 10/28-10/30 Stranger Things. There is no entry fee, and the crowd favorite from every night wins a gift card. Anytime you visit Daniel's Vineyard in October, you can participate in a free Trickor-Treat Scavenger Hunt! Your family can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the winery while looking for lost cauldrons. After all cauldrons have been found, each child receives a ghoulish goodie bag. Additional Fall events can be found on Daniel's Vineyard's website.
Dates: October 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 & 28-30
(317) 248-5222 | danielsvineyard.com
9061 N. 700 W, McCordsville, IN 46055
Indianapolis Art Center
Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, October 15, from noon to 5 pm. ARTSPARK will come alive with art activities, art, food, and more! This event features artwork, wares, and artisanal goods from 25 local and regional artists with one-of-a-kind work. Guests will be to participate in art activities while enjoying a sampling of local artists and artisans, food trucks, local beer, and a variety of wine for purchase! This event is very family-friendly so bring the whole crew and enjoy a funfilled fall day! Admission is free and open to the public. Activities are available for free and for purchase for all ages. Plus, don’t forget to check out our fall classes starting soon! Registration is open now and new classes start the week of October 17.
Dates: Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest is October 15, 12-5pm. New fall classes start the week of October 17.
(317) 255-2464 | IndyArtCenter.org
820 E. 67th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
It’s almost time for all things spooky, haunted and Halloween! At the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, we have spooktacular events for every interest and scare level this October. In Indianapolis, enjoy a night of spooky and magical fun during Family Fright Night, or venture through the museum to visit some of the creepiest artifacts in our collection during Twilight Tales (for ages 15+). At our state historic sites located throughout Indiana, experience Ghost Stories Under the October Sky, Twilight Adventures, Owl-oween, plus a whole bunch of Halloween Hullaballoo! Learn more: indianamuseum.org/hauntedhappenings-and-fall-fun/.
Dates: Throughout October
(317) 232-1637 | indianamuseum.org
650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Indianapolis Public Library
The Indianapolis Public Library offers tons of fall fun including kids' woodworking workshops, Reading with Witches Storytime, An Afternoon of Spooktacular Table Top Games, and a Teen Mystery Program. See the entire schedule of festive fun at attend.indypl.org!
Dates: September 15 ̶ November 30
(317) 275-4100 | indypl.org
Various Locations
Nickel Plate Express
Experience fall on the historic Nickel Plate Express train located in Forest Park in Noblesville. Climb aboard for a magical journey into the wizarding world on October 1, 2, 8 & 9. Brush up on local wizarding news, learn some new spells and enjoy treats such as a butter beverage! This magical journey has both adult only and family tickets. October 29 & 30 all aboard for Trick-or-Treat on the Rails! Climb aboard a historic train car dressed in your favorite Halloween costume for a 65-minute adventure down the rails. Perfect for all ages!
Dates: October 1, 2, 8, 9, 29 & 30
(800) 491-5765 | nickelplateexpress.com
825 Forest Park Drive, Noblesville, IN 46060
Dull's Tree Farm
The Pumpkin Harvest at Dull’s Tree Farm provides fall fun for the whole family! Take a hike through the 8-acre corn maze, and then pick your very own pumpkin from our pumpkin patch. Re-energize with some food from the Feed Bunk and wash it down with a refreshing apple cider slushy. But make sure to leave room for a freshly made apple cider donut from the Sugar Shack! Then you will be ready to explore all of our other fun farm activities! With over 45 to choose from, slides, sling shots, trikes, mazes, mini zip line, barrel train and more, you will be sure to leave with some good old down-on-the-farm memories that will last for years to come.
(765) 325-2418 | dullstreefarm.com
1765 W. Blubaugh Avenue, Thorntown, IN 46071
Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch
Enjoy hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, 2 scavenger hunt corn mazes, Mt. Russell slides, a huge jumping pillow, miniature golf, pedal carts for all ages, pedal tractors, playground areas, concessions, a country store full of apple cider, fudge, fall decorations, and more on a safe farm with fresh country air and lots of pumpkins and gourds!! Open Saturdays and Sundays 10 am-6 pm, Wednesday-Friday 1 pm-4 pm. Admission $15 weekends, $12.50 weekdays, ages 2 and younger free, ages 65 + are $8, military member/veterans are $8. Field trips, birthday parties, and corporate events by reservation only.
Dates: September 24 ̶ October 31
Every Sat. and Sun. from September 24-October 31, and every Wed., Thurs., and Fri. afternoons starting September 28 -October 31. (317) 773-9078 | Russell-Farms.com
12290 E 191st St, Noblesville, IN 46060
Break out the game boards and deal out the deck because you’re invited to The Children’s Museum Guild’s 58th Annual Haunted House−Game Night Fright! A wacky and twisted world of games gone wild awaits— this may be the one time you want to be the first player out! Organized by The Children’s Museum Guild, the 58th Annual Haunted House, Game Night Fright, is presented by Old National Bank.
Dates: October 12-30
3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Tuttle Orchards
Tuttle Orchards offers lots of fall fun! In September enjoy picking your own apples and creating your own cut flower bouquet. In October, visit the pumpkin patch. All fall you can enjoy our Tractor Town Kids Area, Corn Maze, Narrated Wagon Rides (hours vary), apple cider slushies, caramel apples, donuts, and grab some pre-picked apples in the Farm Store. WE are CLOSED SUNDAY. Check out our website for all the most current information before visit!
Dates: Now through October 29
(317-326-2278) | indianapolisorchard.com/fall
5717 N 300 W, Greenfield, IN 46140
Visit the South Shore
The South Shore of Lake Michigan is only a short drive from Indy. Plan a day at the Indiana Dunes National Park where you can explore miles of hiking and biking trails, camp under the stars and climb massive sand dunes. Visit local orchards or u-pick farms to hunt for the perfect pumpkin, pick a bushel of apples, stroll through a corn maze, taste delicious apple cinnamon donuts and enjoy many other harvest time activities. You won’t believe you're still in Indiana! Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories. Start planning your fall getaway now at alongthesouthshore.com.
(219) 989-7979 | alongthesouthshore.com
ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo
It’s our grandest ZooBoo yet, with new friends to meet and oh so many sweets. ZooBoo always delivers for unforgettable family fun. Count on October weather for active animals, colorful foliage, and a whole new season to explore! Candy, Costumes, Animals and Potion – ZooBoo has it, no matter your notion. Presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers. Buy online and save up to 50% on tickets.
Dates: October 5-31, Wednesdays-Sundays Only
1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222
Ohio River Scenic Railway
Visit our pumpkin patch and have fun with your children, family, or friends - searching for the perfect Jack-o-Lantern. Then bring it aboard the train to decorate with stickers on your return trip to Tell City. **Pumpkins and stickers may be purchased at our pumpkin patch, starting at $5. Rides will depart most Saturdays and Sundays in October. The train will stop at the patch for approximately 30 minutes. Celebrate autumn with your children, friends, and family aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express!
Dates: October 1 - 30
(812) 548-6848 | ohiorivertrain.com 333 7th Street, Tell City, IN 47586
Wright's 360° Movement Academy
Join us for a howling good time at our Flips, Tricks, & Treats event! Be sure to wear your most stellar costume as we will weigh the best pick of the patch with our Costume Contest. There will be spooky games and ghoulish activities where the kids can collect candy, snacks, and toys for their swag bags! Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Cost: $10 per person, $25 per family
Dates: October 29
(317) 888-4805 | wrightsgymnastics.com 360 E 186th St, Westfield, IN 46074
Lark Ranch
Two locations? Double the fun! Admission to each of these includes access to the corn maze, pumpkin patch, treehouse village, jumping pillow, hayrides, pony rides, zip lines, petting zoo, food, and more. The full-size trains at both locations are a must-see!
Dates: September 24 ̶ October 30
(844) 516-6837 | larkranch.com 2 Locations: 1611 N. Meridian Rd, Greenfield, IN 46140 & 3145 Killion Mill Road, Loogootee, IN 47553
