THINGS TO DO

Indy with Kids: 13 upcoming arts and cultural events

Katy Mann
Star correspondent

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.

Indianapolis really knows how to throw a great event during the month of May! If you have children, there's so much to do and see with your family no matter what your interests are. Here are 13 upcoming arts and cultural events you should add to your fun list.

Families can enjoy The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (3000 N. Meridian St.) free of charge during Target Free Family Night from 4 to 8 p.m. on May 7. Don't miss the bicycle helmet giveaway until 6 p.m. Info: childrensmuseum.org

Family Unity Night at Christamore House (502 N. Tremont St.) from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on May 7 is a cultural celebration featuring free salsa lessons, Afro-Cuban drum presentation, crafts, food and area resource information. Info: christamorehouse.org

The Young Actor's Theatre will perform five original adaptations at the Athenaeum (407 E. Michigan St.) during 15 separate shows from May 8-10 and 15-17. More than 200 Central Indiana children were cast in these performances. Take your family to see "A Little Princess," "The Phantom Tollbooth," "Oliver Twist," "Dorian Gray" or "The Time Machine." Tickets: $10/youth and $12/adult. Show times available online: yatkids.org

Fishers Parks and Recreation will show movies at the Nickel Plate Amphitheatre (6 Municipal Dr., Fishers) each Friday at sunset through May 29. Bring a blanket or chairs and watch "The Boxtrolls" (May 8), "Dolphin Tale 2" (May 15), "Earth to Echo" (May 22) and "Big Hero 6" (May 29) on the big screen. Concessions will be sold but guests are encouraged to bring their own dinner or snacks. Info: fishers.in.us

The Ballet Theatre of Carmel will bring a full-length performance of "Sleeping Beauty" to the auditorium at Park Tudor High School (7200 N. College Ave.) on May 9. Tickets are $20 adult, $15 students and $10 children. Showtimes are 2 and 7:30 p.m. Info: ballettheatreofcarmel.org

Clowes 4 Kids presents "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Performances of this 60-minute stage adaptation of the classic best-selling book are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on May 13 at Clowes Memorial Hall (4602 Sunset Ave.). General admission tickets are available online for $21.90 each (includes fees). Tickets: cloweshall.org

Each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., visit the Museum of Miniature Houses (111 E. Main St., Carmel) for free admission and a special "Celebrations of Creativity and Craftsmanship" program. Attendees will encounter musicians, storytellers, oral historians, singers, songwriters and other creators. The second Wednesday of each month has a program specifically geared towards children under the age of 12. On May 13, children will see a puppet show, learn about puppets and create their own puppets to take home. Info: museumofminiatures.org

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre (9301 Michigan Rd.) is home to talent-filled productions year-round. Beginning May 14, families with children ages three and up are invited to watch the story of "Peter Pan" unfold on stage nightly (except Mondays and May 24) through July 3. This is a full-length production not to be confused with the fantastic children's theater productions that take place occasionally throughout the year. It incorporates a cast of local children playing the Lost Boys. Tickets start at $40 each; children ages 3 to 15 will receive a $10 discount on their ticket. Info: beefandboards.com

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble presents "Cinderella" at the Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts (3 Center Green, Carmel). Performances take place at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on May 16. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for students 17 and under. Info: TheCenterPresents.org

Your family can get to know some new artists at the Broad Ripple Art Fair at the Indianapolis Art Center (820 E. 67th St.) on May 16-17. Children and adults will love the hands-on art activities and demonstrations inside the Art Center. The WFYI Kids' Stage promises energetic entertainment while the three Prizm creativity tents will have activities especially for the younger crowd. Info: indplsartcenter.org/events/braf

The popular monthly Kids' Day at Indy CD and Vinyl (806 Broad Ripple Ave.) includes a live children's music showcase featuring Mr. Daniel, arts and crafts and discounts on children's music. This free event is open to the public May 31 from 3 to 5 p.m. Info: indycdandvinyl.com

Indy Magic Monthly presents "Barely Legal," a show featuring young magicians at Theatre on the Square (627 Massachusetts Ave.), at 7:30 p.m. on June 2. This show is best suited for ages five and up and is completely family-friendly. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the venue. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for kids 12 and under or $50 for a family ticket for two adults and two children 15 and under. Info: tots.org/indy-magic-monthly

Girls Rock! Indy musicians hosts a monthly sing-along and jam session for toddlers on the first Saturday of each month. Tot Rock is a parent/child event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on June 6 at the Murphy Arts Center (1043 Virginia Ave., Ste. 214). A $5 suggested donation supports GRI programs. Info: girlsrockindy.org

I'd love to see where your family gets involved with local art and artists. Share with me on Twitter and Instagram @indywithkid