Spring fling: Plenty of fun to be had for those sticking around for spring break

All across Johnson County, students are gearing up for a week or more of relaxation and fun — if they haven’t started already.

Sure, some families are traveling to sunnier locales, but most people will be sticking around central Indiana for spring break. But just because you’re not lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be had.

Special programs, unique exhibitions and engaging activities can be found all over the area. Race specially-built cars, explore nature as spring unfolds, step back in time with a unique aerial circus and try your hand at numerous sports.

So don’t waste the coming week pining away for a tropical escape. There’s plenty to make this spring break outstanding.

“The Solar Eclipse”

Details: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, White River branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood

What: The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 is on everyone’s minds, as it puts Johnson County squarely in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To educate yourself on all things eclipse, come to the White River library to hear from members of the Indiana Astronomical Society.

The society is a statewide organization that aims to make the study of astronomy an experience that is both fun and rewarding for people of all ages. During the program, they’ll explain the science behind a eclipse, what it means as we approach totality and what local residents can expect. Eclipse glasses will be provided as supplies last. Registration required at pageafterpage.org.

xZooberance

Details: Noon-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, now until April 14, Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.

Spring in central Indiana is the time of year when nature starts waking up after a long winter. That is certainly true at the Indianapolis Zoo, where warmer temperatures mean more animals can go outside, and zoo organizers plan a wealth of activities to celebrate.

The zoo’s Bicentennial Pavilion will be abuzz with live music and dancing, while spring-centric art and activities keep kids busy all afternoon. Step inside Blooming Cottage for activities combining your green thumb with creativity in a fun flower sorting activities. Larger-than-life flowers, humming birds and pinwheels offer excellent places for photo opportunities. And get up-close with goats and chickens during encounter experiences.

If you’ve worn yourself out playing, stop for a snack with the zoo’s refreshed menu, featuring backyard barbecue-type items such as hot dogs, bratwurst and barbecue pork sandwiches.

Cirque Italia Water Circus

Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and March 30; 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. March 30 and 31, Greenwood Park Mall, 1251 U.S. 31 North, Greenwood.

What: The big top is coming to Greenwood with this dreamy, jaw-dropping performance by Cirque Italia Water Circus. The European-style show brings audiences back to a time when hula hoops and soda fountains were abundant, Elvis Presley dominated the airwaves, greased hair was all the rage, and street racing was a parent’s greatest concern. The show features features master jugglers, low wire fanatics, dazzling contortion, wild trampoline antics and a wheel of death during the 1950s-inspired show — all incorporating 35,000 gallons of water into the stage.

Tickets range from $15 to $60, and the show is suitable for all ages. For more information, go to cirqueitalia.com

Spring Blooms

Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, now until May 12, Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Ave., Indianapolis

One of the area’s most delightful outdoor experiences can be found on the grounds of Newfields, where acres of carefully maintained gardens showcase nature’s artistry. In the spring, hundreds of thousands of colorful blooms emerge from the ground, much to the delight of visitors.

From late March to early May, Spring Blooms showcases the wonder of horticulture, both inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s galleries and outdoors. Art in Bloom kicks off this weekend, featuring floral artists displaying their talents alongside the museum’s art collections. Newfields’ award-winning orchid collection is on display in the galleries, the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse, and Lilly House.

As the weather gets warmer, the gardens come to life, including more than 40,000 new bulb plantings. Take in the floral fiesta, then stop at the Beer Garden at the Garden Terrace, which opens in early April, for a seasonally rotating selection of sandwiches, salads, and sausages alongside favorites like the giant Bavarian pretzel with house-made cheese.

Pinewood Derby

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, March 30, April 3-8, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

What: The folks at the Indiana State Museum call it the “second-greatest spectacle in racing,” and its understandable why as hundreds of people flock to the Indianapolis facility to race Pinewood Derby cars. From March 27-30 and April 3-8, children and adults alike can watch and join in during 10 days of races as hundreds of hand-built, miniature cars zip down the two-story, 125-foot track to the finish line.

Visitors can borrow cars from the museum’s lineup or bring their own creations to test and fine tune during the fun runs. All the excitement will build toward race day on April 6, when registered derby participants will compete in separate youth and adult divisions to see who has the fastest cars. Racers can also enter the best-in-show competition with awards based on visual style and design.

The Pinewood Derby is included in museum admission. The event is in collaboration with the Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, and admission is $7 for Scouts and their family members.

Sports Legends Experience

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a wealth of activity year-round, and this spring, attractions such as “Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer” drawing droves of visitors and spring-break guests. But with the weather getting warmer, one of its most popular features is back open with new additions.

The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience is a hands-on and interactive outdoor sports activity park spread across a 7.5-acre portion of the museum’s campus. Kids and their families can try all kinds of sports, from shooting hoops to playing street hockey to racing around a mini-speedway.

At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience, people can race on pedal cars on the Oval Track, or fire out of the gate on the Drag Strip.

In the Indy Eleven Soccer Experience, kids can learn soccer fundamentals and work on dribbling, passing, and shooting skills on a mini-pitch.

At Power Play with the Indy Fuel, hockey fans–and non-fans–an opportunity to try new skills, gain confidence, and make fun family memories together.