Compiled by Nicole Davis
The kids are out of school. The weather has gotten warm. Gas prices are soaring past $4.50 a gallon. So what’s there to do without traveling far? Plenty! It’s often so easy to overlook the great treasures we have in our own backyards. Here, we share some ideas of ways to spend your summer without even venturing out of Johnson County.
See a play: Creative Grounds Fine Arts Academy will host Disney’s High School Musical Jr. from June 9 to 12. Watch as talented youth put on quite the show! Learn more at onthestage.tickets/creative-grounds-fine-arts-academy-inc
Make a splash: There’s a great splash pad for the little ones at City Center Park. Freedom Springs Aquatics Park is officially open for the 2022 season! Enjoy a day at the park or watch out for one of the many special events, such as the Adult Night on June 17. See more at facebook.com/freedomsprings.greenwoodin
A day at the park: Center Grove is fortunate to have access to so many beautiful parks in such a short driving distance. Greenwood alone has 17 parks with everything from playgrounds to green space. Bargersville has four. Enjoy everything from walking paths to splash pads. Enjoy story walks and even keep an eye out for goats and chickens at a neighboring property to Independence Park!
Seek out some fresh, local produce: From in-season crops to the wavering smell of kettle corn or handmade soaps, our local farmers markets have plenty to offer. Bonus, if you have children, it’s often a great educational and fun experience for them as well. Support small, local vendors at the Greenwood and Bargersville farmers markets. Bargersville opened for the season on June 1 and continues through September, every Wednesday from 5 – 8 p.m. Greenwood Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8 to noon.
Head to the library: The Explore Summer program is a wonderful opportunity to inspire children to read more. The free resources the Johnson County Public Library has to offer are wonderful, and the library offers more than many people realize. Not a fan of books? Not a problem. Stream movies, join classes for all interests, or get an Experience Pass which can get you free entry into places such as the Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis, Freedom Springs, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and more!
Test your artistic talent: Not a fan of the heat? Cool off indoors at local art studios. uPaint Pottery off Smith Valley Road offers paint-your-own pottery year round, along with special classes throughout the month.
