LOCAL EVENTS

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

Note: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. You qualify if you receive:

• Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health care program for low-income families, pregnant women and children)

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

• Apply here: https/www. childrensmuseum.org/visit/ hours/access-pass.

MUSEUMS

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

The Children’s Museum Guild’s 59th Annual Haunted House—BOOville

Oct. 10- 31

Welcome to BOOville, we’re glad you’ve arrived! A town full of Halloween classics is what you’ll find inside.

Our resident Witch Guilda is ready to guide you through each villainous lair. This once-in-a-nightmare tour awaits you. Are you ready for a scare?

Tickets: https/www.childrensmuseum. org/exhibits/haunted-house

First Thursday Nights

The first Thursday of every month, 4:00 PM-8:00 PM.

Go back in time to the Age of the Dinosaurs and explore the basics

of science through fun, hands-on activities in Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibition

Travel to Greece without leaving Indiana in Take Me There®: Greece

Uncover ancient artifacts in National Geographic Treasures of the Earth https/www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/ calendar/event/273/2023-04-06

Various Events

Oct. 1- Oct. 31, Opens at 10 AM 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000 https/www.childrensmuseum.org

Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum

Headless Horseman Festival

Oct 5- 29, Every Thursday through Sunday 6:00 pm- 10:00 pm

The Headless Horseman rides again at Conner Prairie’s annual Halloween festival. Join us for an evening of ghoulish delights that the whole family can enjoy. Activities include the Headless Horseman marionette show, the Trail of Terror, spooky storytelling, Halloween games, the haunted hayride, and more!

For tickets: https/www.connerprairie.org/ explore/things-to-do/headless-horseman/

Sensory-Friendly Hours

The second Sunday of every month, from 10 AM to noon, are sensory friendly hours at Conner Prairie! Enjoy a calm environment.

Check-in with Guest Relations, stating that you are here for sensory friendly hours. You will get free admission and may stay as long as you wish.

Various events

Oct.1- Oct. 31

13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038

Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836

https/www.connerprairie.org/events/list

SPORTS

Indy Fuel

Oct. 20, 28

Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205

https/www.indyfuelhockey.com/

Indianapolis Colts

Oct. 1 Rams, Oct. 8, Titans, Oct. 22 Browns, Oct. 29 Saints

Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225 https/www.colts.com/schedule/

FAMILY FUN

Indianapolis Zoo ZooBoo

Sept. 27- Oct. 31, 2:00 pm- 7:00 pm open until 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays

Is regular October too humdrum, but haunted houses too creepy-crawly?

Come to the Zoo for Halloween activities, amazing animals and pumpkins galore! ZooBoo is a fun family experience for itty-bitty ghouls and goblins as well as the bigger kids. October weather means active animals, colorful foliage and a new season to explore. Combine that with engaging, hands-free activities, spooktacular costumes and trick-ortreating, and you’ve got an unforgettable family tradition. Woo-hoo!

Best of all, ZooBoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular admission.

Pumpkin Town

The Bicentennial Pavilion is home to a whimsical village where the ghoulish DJ keeps guests on their toes with thriller dance parties! Jack’s Barn houses cats and Agape therapeutic miniature horses for a not-so-scary interaction. The Mirror Maze makes a haunting return with thrills and smiles hidden behind every corner.

More ZooBoo Fun

• Meet the Leeward Sisters – Terra, Wisp and Bubbles conjure up some Halloween magic in their cauldron

• Scarecrow Photo Safari – Bring your cameras for a spooky guided adventure through the Forests

• Trick-or-Treat Trail including 8 treat stations in the Plains

• Adult Trick-or-Treat Trail presented by Zink Distributing Friday and Saturday from 5-8pm (while supplies last)

• Roller Ghoster Indianapolis’ only roller coaster with a fun, Halloween twist!

• Round-Go-Merry the carousel that moves in reverse. Open until 7pm

• Spooktacular Train Ride Enjoy a ride for a special view of the Zoo behind the scenes. Open until 7pm

• Gator Pirate Bayou – Arrr! The shipwrecked Boney Scute Pirate crew are looking for new recruits. Try your luck in their pirate themed games to test your skills as a pirate. Will you join the crew or walk the plank?

• Aunty Guzzle’s Potions – Help Aunty Guzzle create tasty and bizarre Halloween concoctions with potions, witchcraft and “magical ingredients.” Located at Cafe on the Commons

https/www.indianapoliszoo.com/ events/zooboo/

Various events are scheduled daily

Check the calendar for events. https/www.indianapoliszoo.com/visit/ daily-schedule/ 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 317-630-2001

9 AM - 5 PM, Mon. - Thur., and 9 AM - 7 PM, Fri.-Sun. and holidays

The Studio Movie Grill

3535 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-315-8113

Sensory-friendly screenings of movies! Check the website for movies and times.

https/www.studiomoviegrill.com/movie/ special-needs-screenings

ACC Trunk or Treat (Greenwood)

Oct. 21, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm New Hope Church parking lot5307 W. Fairview Rd, Greenwood, IN 46142

ACC Trunk or Treat is for individuals and families affected by autism to have a good time while getting treats and learning about local autism resources. ACC Trunk or Treat will have resource vendors sharing their information and resources about the autism services they provide in the community.

https/autismcc-in.org/event/acc-trunkor-treat-greenwood/

Special Needs Living Carni-Fall Festival

Oct. 28, 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm Independence Park 2100 South Morgantown Road Greenwood, IN 46143

We welcome all from the special needs community to come to the Special Needs Living fall festival at independence park in Greenwood- with the Johnson County Public Library

Enjoy playing at the adaptive playground, enjoy a Story Walk, free books, Candy stations, carnival games, face painting, a sensory station, Bounce House and more.

• Costumes are allowed

• Come out and enjoy a fun time at the park with others in the special needs community.

• No age restrictions, no cost to come and participate.

https/www.eventbrite.com/e/specialneeds-living-carni-fall-festival-tickets687424584437?aff=oddtdtcreator

Joseph Maley Foundation

Fall Family Fun Day

Nov. 5, 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm

Joseph Maley Enrichment Center, 7176 Lakeview Pkwy W Dr, Indianapolis

This event provides adaptive games and recreational activities that are fun

for all ages and abilities! Please visit josephmaley.org to register and learn more.

THE ARTS

Beef and Boards

Grumpy Old Men

August 24- October 31

9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-872-9664

https/www.beefandboards.com/ Online/default.asp

Jubilate Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133 Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 PM

The Jubilate Choir is for singers with special needs in grades 3-9. Singers with varying abilities meet each week to grow musically. This tuition-free choir focuses on proper singing techniques, music theory and sight-reading, partsinging, and social skills involved in being a member of a musical ensemble.

Though Jubilate has, at its core, the same goals as other choirs in the Indianapolis Children’s Choir (ICC), singers in Jubilate engage in additional activities like visual and tactile experiences that are catered specifically to the current members of the choir.

Director: Lauren Southard

For more information, contact Lauren Southard at 317-940-8065 or lsouthar@icchoir.org. https/icchoir.org/ special-needs/

Gigi’s Playhouse

Various classes during the week. 5909 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-288-8235

indy@gigisplayhouse.org https/ gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis/ sfcalendar/

EVENTS

Buddy Walk Indianapolis 2023

Oct. 7, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm

White River State Park 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Buddy Walk ® is the largest fundraising and advocacy event for Down Syndrome Indiana where individuals come together

to celebrate Down syndrome! Families, friends, schoolmates, co-workers, and community partners are encouraged and welcome to participate!

The Buddy Walk® has three primary goals:

• To promote acceptance & inclusion of people with Down syndrome

• To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs

• To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice

Event Day Schedule: 9:00 am

Registration*, Info/Exhibitor Tent, Kids Tent opens 10:00 am

Opening Ceremony begins 10:21 am – Walk begins 12:00 pm

Event Concludes https/www.indianadisabilityresource finder.org/view/event/4311/buddy-walkindianapolis-2023/1120

Northwest Disability Resource Fair Merrillville

Oct. 7, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm

Tradewinds Services, Inc., 3198 E 83rd Pl, Merrillville, IN 46410

The 1st Annual Northwest Indiana Disability Resource Fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, food and more!

We welcome waiver agencies, community organizations, employers, educational partners, and businesses to share information and ideas. Including entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals to market wares and exposure for individuals to display their talents, artwork, and skills.

If interested in being a vendor, please reach out to info@connections-in.com

*If you know an individual who sells their own goods and would like to be a vendor, please reach out to us!!!*

Register: https/connectionsin.com/events

Ask the Advocate Free Live Zoom Events Sponsored by IEP Services, LLC.

Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, and Jan. 8 from 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm

The second evening of each month

Do you need help getting your child with special needs the services they need and deserve at school? Each session will begin with a short informative presentation followed by an open Q & A session where parents can get answers about their child’s circumstance and their right to a Free Appropriate Public Education.

Please email sheilawolf@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Zoom link: https/us06web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZwvceCsrTIiGdzw NGqnTmJ_q7Yf6af985qV#/registration

Northside Disability Resource Fair Noblesville

Oct. 14, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm

White River Christian Church, 1685 N 10th St, Noblesville, IN 46060

White River Christian Church, Achieve Community Services, Connections Case Management, Self Advocates of Indiana, and The Columbus Organization present their 2nd Disability Resource Fair. Northside Disability Resource Fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, food and more!

Register: https/connectionsin.com/events

Special Needs Living Empowerment Day - Transitions

Nov. 11, 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm

White River Christian Church, 1685 North 10th St., Noblesville, IN 46060

Special Needs Living invites you to join parents and caregivers of Special Needs individuals for a day of encouragement and connections

Special Needs Living is putting on an event for Parents and Caregivers of Special Needs individuals.

This is put on by parents and caregivers for parents and caregivers. The goal of this day is to restore hope through transitions. There will be personal stories shared, detailed information about the different supports shared from panels that will cover the lifespan of a child, teen, young adult or adult, round table discussions and many connection opportunities available throughout the day. No matter where you are in your journey, we know you will leave with some great resources, takeaways and connections. This event will be in person. We will have virtual options available. Thanks to White River Christian Church for hosting, Special Needs Living & the supporters. Hope to see you there!

We will have in-person and virtual options available.

You can reserve your spot here or scan the QR code below.

https/www.eventbrite.com/e/specialneeds-living-empowerment-day-tickets376997629057?aff=oddtdtcreator

Is there a local event for the special needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at SpecialNeedsIndy@n2pub.com.