Top Saturday Activities for Kids in Bloomington, Indiana

Jonna Norris
If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend, look no further than Bloomington, Indiana. With a downtown area that is bustling with activity and a beautiful landscape, you're sure to find exciting and educational activities for the whole family. Here are some of my family's favorite things to do on any given Saturday.

Cascades Park and Playground: Head outside for some playtime in the fresh air at this updated playground area. The city's largest playground, the equipment and restrooms are fully accessible. There is a shaded picnic area and baby swings for the younger crowd. If you have older kids, spend some time at the Cascades Skate Park at Upper Cascades on north Kinser Pike. Concrete ramps, rails and a variety of terrain make for a great time for skateboarders and inline skaters. It's open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.

Clear Creek Trail: My five children range in age from 10 months to 14 years old, so it's sometimes difficult to find an activity that will accommodate all of them. However, Clear Creek Trail does just that. Running from Tapp Road to Church Lane, this 2.3 mile, asphalt trail makes it ideal for bicycles, skates, or a stroller. If horseback riding or just a stroll is what you're looking for, head down the Bloomington Rail-Trail, beginning at Country Club Drive and ending at Dillman Road.

Wonderlab Museum of Science and Technology: When the weather calls for an indoor activity, WonderLab is a great place for kids to burn off energy while increasing their science knowledge. A museum that focuses on hands-on science exploration and learning, WonderLab has everything from a bubble exhibit to a real bee hive, and there always seems to be something new to see. The kids will love climbing the ropes through the tunnels, and there is a designated play area for babies and toddlers.

Frank Southern Ice Arena: Throughout the winter months, the Frank Southern Ice Arena on the south side of Bloomington is the place to be. They aren't open long during the week for public skating, but the hours on Saturday are reasonable, being open to the public from 12:30-2 p.m., 7-9 p.m. for Lunar Skating, and 9:15-11 p.m. for Night Owl Skating. It's only $5.00 to get in, and you can bring your own skates or rent them there for an additional $2.50.

These are just a few of the many things to do with your kids on the weekend in Bloomington, Indiana. With cultural, sports, and outdoor activities always on the schedule, there is never a boring Saturday in this town!

 

Published by Jonna Norris

Jonna Norris has a degree in Education and has written educational curriculum for print as well as for an online school. She has worked with at-risk families and children with special needs. The mother of fi...  View profile

1 Comments

Post a Comment
  • James Norris11/23/2010

    Sounds great maybe we will try them soon. Great article

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.