Wanting to get out of the house and do something fun with your kids? Are you in the area for a tournament at South Central Soccer Academy or the Center Grove Lassie League and need something to do between games? The Center Grove and Bargersville areas have grown exponentially in the past ten years and have activities for you to do with kids of all ages, toddlers through teens.
Woodside Foot Golf
1811 South Morgantown Road
The only stand-alone foot golf course in south central Indiana, Woodside Foot Golf was created by Woodside Community Church to connect with the community. Much like traditional golf, the goal is to get the ball into the hole in the fewest amount of strokes possible. In foot golf, though, you use a soccer ball and kick it into a much larger hole. There are 18 holes to play at Woodside, but you may want to play just 9 (the back 9) the first time if you have younger kids with you. The front 9 are tough with a steep hill to climb. Pricing starts at $6 for ages 12 and under and goes to $10 for ages 13 and up. Bring your own ball or rent one for $2.
uPaint Pottery
3113 West Smith Valley Road, Suite D
Walk into uPaint and you’ll see a wall full of pottery pieces to choose from. We have loved and still use the plates, bowls, and jewelry holders we’ve made over the years. There are also vases, figurines, cups, and more to choose from. Pieces start at $5 and usually need at least two or three layers of paint. Leave your piece at the studio when you’re finished so it can be fired in the kiln. You can even order kits to go and uPaint will package up your piece and paints for you to work on at home if you’d rather. Just bring it back to the studio to be put in the kiln, and in 5-7 days you can pick up your new piece of art.
Indy Battleground Paintball
2350 South State Road 37
Open every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, Indy Battleground Paintball is an exhilarating activity for kids 10 and up. There are eight open play fields available each weekend, and games such as Capture the Flag, Jailbreak, and more are arranged. Admission is good for the entire day and starts at $25 if you have your own equipment, or $35 if you need to rent it. Low Impact Paintball, featuring smaller paintballs that hurt less, is new to the facility and open to ages 7 and up.
Wright’s Gymnastics Academy & Wright’s FUNdamentals at Center Grove
332 Bluff Road
1012 North Bluff Road
Visit Wright’s to let your kids run off some energy in a state of the art gym. You’ll find mats, bars, a foam pit, and even a zip line. Open gym at Wright’s Gymnastics Academy is 60-90 minutes long and costs $10 per child. FUNtimes at FUNdamentals is $10 for 50 minutes. Coaches supervise the kids at both facilities. You need to register in advance for either option and hours change often, so check out their website for more information.
Independence Park
2100 South Morgantown Road
Recently renovated and reopened in July of 2020, Independence Park is a favorite in the Center Grove area. Featuring all-accessible equipment, kids of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to play. Your kids will find climbing nets, a climbing dome, slides, stepping stones, learning panels, and a drop zone tower (warning: adults go down a lot faster than the kids). There are also several different types of swings and a Sona Play Arch that provides fun games for all ages. The park has a full court basketball court, a smaller basketball half court, and three picnic shelters. Be sure to take a walk along the trail to find the Johnson County Story Walk and read the featured story while doing fun activities together.
White River Branch, Johnson County Public Library
1664 Library Boulevard
The library is more than just a place to pick up books to read. The White River Branch offers storytimes (even via Zoom) and several classes such as STEAM Workshops, Preschool Edible Science, Yoga, and other options specifically for teens and adults. The play area inside the children’s section of the library (temporarily closed) offers puzzles, books, and other activities. The Library of Things has items such as baking kits, board games, museum passes, outdoor games, ukuleles and more that you can check out. Parents love the Quick Pick Kits and Book Bundles. Just fill out the library’s simple form, and the librarians will pick out books perfectly suited just for your child.
Waterman’s Family Farm
1100 South State Road 37
Open 7 days a week from October 1 to October 31, Waterman’s Greenwood Fall Festival is a yearly event you don’t want to miss. Included with the $6 (weekday) or $8 (weekend) admission price is the straw bale playground, fort, and teepee, as well as the hayride and mini train ride. Kids love the petting zoo and pretend cows to milk, too. Your older kids will be anxious to try out the human hamster wheel and milk can throw. For an additional fee, you can also pick out your own pumpkin to take home. Don’t forget to visit the market before you leave.
New Hope Church Disc Golf Course
5307 Fairview Road
Disc Golf, otherwise known as Frisbee Golf, is a perfect game for all ages. Grab some frisbees or buy some discs and head over to New Hope Church. This course is perfect for beginners. There is a paved trail that encircles the 6-hole course, so I often walk the trail with my younger kids while my older son plays the course. There is also a large shelter with picnic tables and a small playground in the middle of the course. It’s one of our favorites to stop in for a quick break.
Orchard Golf Center
251 North State Road 135
This is the place to go in Greenwood for miniature golf. The 18 hole course is fairly easy for all ages. The last hole may frustrate some (like me) because you have to get the ball to sit in the middle of the hill. We often end up just placing the ball where it needs to go. The facility also features a driving range and 18 hole par 3 golf course. Greens fees are $8-$10, while miniature golf fees are $5-$6. Children under 3 are free.
Goldfish Swim School
1675 West Smith Valley Road
Let your kids swim off their energy in the 90 degree indoor pool at Goldfish Swim School. Opened in early 2020, the new facility is a clean, safe place to learn to swim or work on swimming skills. Sign up for lessons or choose to attend family swim times. Note: Family swim times have not been re-implemented yet, but check the website for more information.
Ella’s Frozen Yogurt and Candy Shop
520 North State Road 135, Suite A
Your kids will love to make their own perfect FroYo treat at Ella’s. Featuring ten flavors that change frequently, there are choices to meet everyone’s pallet. My kids’ favorite part of the experience is the toppings bar. You can choose from candies, cookies, cakes, fruits, cereals, sauces, and more to top your treat. Sit on the patio or inside near the Candy Shop. Abbott’s Caramels, Albanese Gummies, and more are available for you to purchase and take home for a treat later.
Windisch Park
248 North West Street, Bargersville
In the heart of Bargersville, you’ll find a place to walk, play, or just enjoy the scenery at Windisch Park. The playground was updated in 2019 and boasts slides, tunnels, swings, and more. There is also a paved trail with a Story Walk presented by the Johnson County Public Library. Walk from one page of the story to the next and do the actions it guides you to do. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the gazebo or at one of the several picnic tables scattered throughout the park.
Looking for more things to do in the area? Check out these favorite trails.
