May 2014 - MOM'S BUCKET LIST
Since May and Mother’s Day go hand-in-hand, I decided to indulge myself and put the Mom back in Mom’s Black Book this month, taking my family on a Mom’s Bucket List adventure. I’ve chalked many things off my bucket list such as traveling to Europe, getting my motorcycle license, skydiving, going to trapeze school, and now playing with the dolphins just 3 hours from Chicago! The Dolphin In-Water Adventure at the Indianapolis Zoo is an easy day trip or a great weekend get-away and is an experience families with kids at least 6 years old and 54 inches tall can experience together. This incredible adventure had us all in the water, side-by-side, personally interacting with the dolphins. The most intimidating part of the experience was putting on the mandatory wetsuit to participate in the activity! I am not sure if my husband or my girls enjoyed the activity most, but I can tell you my personal experience is something I will never forget. The ability to be a trainer for the day was so awesome – we learned basic hand signals working with the dolphins to carry out specific behaviors, we rewarded our dolphins with fish directly in their mouths, and we were educated on the dolphins’ characteristics using a touch and feel approach with the dolphins’ fins, tail, and snout in hand. We hugged our dolphin, received a kiss from our dolphin, and then got splashed by our dolphin as he said good-bye! It was personal, it was emotional; it was absolutely amazing! After seeing all the animal experiences offered at the zoo, such as Animal Art Adventures where you paint directly with an elephant, penguin, dolphin, or pinniped; plus, hearing about the epic experience to be had at the new International Orangutan Center opening May 24th, we will be back!
OVERVIEW
Animals and exhibits; White River Gardens; Rides and shows; Interactive animal experiences, overnights, and workshops; International Orangutan Center; Splash park and playground.
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222
317-630-2076
www.indianapoliszoo.com
Hours: May 23-September 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday & Holidays. Closed June 13th.
Prices: Pick Your Day, Pick Your Price, Pick Your Package to save the most money by purchasing your tickets online in-advance.
