It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is quickly approaching.  We are fortunate enough to have several family friendly activities that you can easily include your children and out of town guests in for those holiday gatherings.  Be sure to check out these fun and local activities around Indianapolis and the surrounding area.

• Become a Wild Turkey Wrangler at Sodalis Nature Park on November 18th from 11:00-12:00.  You will have the chance to walk around the park while learning about and looking for wild turkeys!
• Include everyone in the family for a run that directly benefits our local community.  The Wheeler Mission’s 15th Annual Drumstick Dash will take place on Thursday, November 23rd at 9:00AM.  The event has two options, a 2.75 mile course and a 4.6 mile course.  The run will donate 100% of its proceeds to provide meals and care for homeless men, women, and children in the community.  
• Head on down to the Circle of Lights at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis.  This tradition takes place the day after Thanksgiving on the monument circle where over 5,000 colorful lights are lit up to kick of the holiday season.
• Indianapolis has several impressive light displays that allows your family to view the wonderful displays right from the convenience of your car.  Lights at the Brickyard takes place from November 17th through December 30th.  Your family will be able to enjoy over 2.5 million bright lights last 2 miles long.  You will also want to be sure to check out the free light display at Reynold’s Farm Equipment John Deere beginning Friday, December 1st.  
• The Eiteljorg Museum offers Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, which is an amazing holiday display of model trains November 28th through January 15th. This event will be sure to please all ages of your family – from littles ones all the way to Mom and Dad!  Be sure you don’t miss this impressive display located in the heart of Indianapolis!  
• The Indianapolis Children’s Museum will be offering a whole family friendly Jolly Days Winter Wonderland running November 24th through January 7th.  The event includes an indoor “ice skating rink” for children to skate in their socks, an ice fishing area, and a holiday train.  
• Be sure to check out Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum from November 24th until January 7th.  This event includes bands and choirs, as well as a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.  Take advantage of the crafts and playscape for preschool and primary aged children at Santa’s Playground.  
• A wonderful holiday activity sponsored by The Salvation Army is the annual Festival of Trees.  This year families will be able to see 80 themed trees!  You can also attend the special programs throughout the November 17th until January 6th which include the Sugarplum Breakfast where your child can meet the characters from The Nutcracker.  Be sure to check out The Festival of Trees’ website to see all they have to offer this holiday season.  
• Conner Prairie offers lots of fun opportunities to have breakfast or dinner with Santa! You will be able to hear Santa read “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” sing with santa, and eat wonderful food.  You will get to tell Santa what you would like for Christmas and decorate a cookie! There are several dates in late November and early December available.  Be sure to check out these great family activities at Conner Prairie’s website!
• Conner Prairie also provides two other great family friendly holiday activities.  Conner Prairie by Candlelight will allow guests to travel back in time to see what Christmas in 1836 was like.  You can also check out Gingerbread Houses made by amateurs and professionals alike.  
• For those snow lovers, here’s to hoping that we see a few flakes this year!  In the event that we finally get more than a dusting this year, be sure to check out these great sledding hills around Indianapolis!

Walk around the Indianapolis Zoo to check out all the exciting changes they have made for Christmas at the Zoo.  You can see Santa’s Village and all the lights that have been placed around the zoo.