[InConJunctionNews] InConJunction as a family vacation

[Mike Cowper]

Thinking about coming to InConJunction, but worried about affording it
*and* a family vacation? Consider coming into town early or leaving late
and making the convention part of your family vacation.

Indianapolis offers some wonderful places for families, including:

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (http://www.childrensmuseum.org/),
open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm, features five floors of hands-on
experiences of interest to children and curious adults (even those without
children) including sections on dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, science and
biotechnology and exhibits such as "National Geographic Treasures of the
Earth", "Barbie: The Fashion Experience", and "Dora and Diego-- Let's
Explore!", as well as a free admissions night on Thursday, July 7th from 4
to 8 pm.

Indianapolis Zoo (http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/), open 9am to 4pm Monday
through Thursday and 9am to 5pm Friday through Sunday, it is accredited as
a zoo, an aquarium, and a botanic garden, the zoo's animals and exhibits
are separated by biome-- Forests, Oceans, Deserts, and Plains-- as well as
a special area in the Oceans biome for Marine Mammals. Special exhibits
include "Odd, Magical and Gorgeous Orchids", Warthogs and Crested
Porcupines, Bats, and Tiger Forests. June 17 & 24 and July 1, 8, & 15 is
Zoolapalooza with extended zoo hours and concerts at the Cafe on the
Commons Plaza as part of the regular zoo admission price.

Indianapolis Museum of Art (http://www.imamuseum.org/), open 11am to 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday; 11am to 9pm on Thursday and Friday; and
noon to 5pm on Sunday. The IMA has a collection of over 50,000 works of
art as well as hosting travelling exhibitions and sits adjacent to the
100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and the Oldsfields-Lilly
House and Gardens. All three facilities are free to the public, though
some special exhibitions require admissions. The IMA also hosts the "IMA
Summer Nights Film Series" which includes "The Wiz" on June 24,
"Zoolander" on July1, and "Poltergeist" on July 8.

Indiana State Museum (http://indianamuseum.org/), open 9am to 5pm Tuesday
through Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sunday. The museum explores Indiana's
place in art, science, and culture. Exhibits include "Art for the Nation",
"In Her Honor: Women Airforce Service Pilots", and "Odd Indiana".

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park (http://www.connerprairie.org/),
hours vary, so check the website. Conner Prairie is open on July 4th!
Conner Prairie is an historical village with the staff in costume and
character, interacting with the visitors. Additionally, the Indianapolis
Symphony plays a series of "Symphony on the Prairie" concerts
(http://www.indianapolissymphony.org/performances/symphony_on_the_prairie/information)
in the open air at Conner Prairie.

Don't forget to check out the fireworks on July 4th free downtown--
http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-freedom-blast -- or on July 1st, 2nd,
3rd, or 4th at Symphony on the Prairie --
http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-marsh-symphony-on-the-prairie-star-spangled-symphony

General Guides:
http://visitindy.com/ - Under 'Events' you can enter the dates you will be
in town and select type of event and see a list of events and their
descriptions that are going on in Indianapolis or select 'Attractions' to
read about the various venues. On
http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-insiders-guide-to-indy there are lists
of various top ten venues, including the Top Ten Places for Family Fun.

http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/PDF/11%20SFG_small.pdf - The guide to
events at Indianapolis' various parks and recreation centers.