Indy with Kids: The family that slays together, stays together

Katy Mann is a wife, a mom, an explorer and a traveler. Through her website IndywithKids.com, she encourages families to get out and enjoy their community and the world around them.

Lightsaber Combat Classes

Lightsabers may be fictional weapons to the average person, but anyone who sets foot into one of the weekly classes at Indy Lightsaber Academy knows that they do exist.

Students will learn proper stance and technique for lightsaber swinging. An occasional "hum" noise uncontrollably escapes the mouths of almost every participant as the sabers clash in the theatrical combat. Six defensive moves are taught and then it's time for battle.

Lightsaber classes are recommended for age 10 and up but classes can be adapted for younger children. Attendees should bring their own lightsabers (plastic ones are great for the children) or make use of available practice weapons. Drop-in class fees are $15 or $12 if you pre-register. Your first class is only $5. Join in on Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Playground Production (5529 Bonna Ave. #10). Info: facebook.com/indylightsaberacademy

Archery

Strawtown Koteewi Park (22735 Essig Ave., Noblesville) is home to the beautiful Koteewi Archery facility, perfect for "Hunger Games" training or re-enacting moments from the movie "Brave." Whatever your skill level, children and parents will love letting their arrows fly towards targets that are just the right distance for their strength and ability. If you have your own equipment, bring it along or peruse the pro-shop for the perfect match. (Rental equipment is available for a small fee.)

Like bowling, sharing a lane is completely acceptable. You'll pay $15 per hour, which includes rental of one lane, one bow and five arrows. If you already own a bow and arrows, fees are $10 for the first hour and $2 each additional hour per lane. The range is open 7 days a week, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.. Try it all for free at the grand opening on June 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: koteewiarchery.com

Human Beatboxing

It's hard to know the line between art and life when speaking with Tony Styxx. He's a storyteller through spoken word, hip hop and human beatboxing, so it's no surprise that a conversation with him seems a lot like a private performance of his craft. He puts it best when he tells people, "I'm not an artist, I'm a piece of art." He's not shy either. My phone buzzes on the counter with sounds of "squishy" and bass drum sounds as he gives me a live performance during our conversation.

Beginning June 3 and continuing several times per week through July 27, children ages eight and up are invited to check out Tony's live beatbox performances and workshops at one of the 18 Indianapolis Public Library branches. These free, one-session workshops will celebrate being unique as each person's body has the ability to make different noises. More info: imcpl.org/events/detail/?event_id=4099&schedule_id=45445

Canoeing

The Hoosier Canoe Club hosts weekly kayak classes at the Thatcher Park indoor pool (4649 W. Vermont St.). On the first Wednesday of the month, children and adults are invited to join on a free class from 7:30-9:30 p.m. where paddling and safety techniques will be learned. Children 5 years and older are invited to participate July 1 and Aug. 5. Please register two weeks in advance. For more info: (317) 327-7390, sites.google.com/site/hcctrainingsite.

I'd love to see what new and fun finds your family is discovering in Indy. Connect with me on Instagram and Twitter @indywithkids