Writer: Shelly Bergman
Photography Provided by Conner Prairie
This summer Conner Prairie has added a few new attractions to their large list of fun! Here is the low down for what’s opened for exploring this summer at Conner Prairie. Be sure to add Symphony on the Prairie to your summer bucket list. It’s one of our family’s favorite summertime traditions. Check out their Fun Guide online at connerprairie.org.
1. Make a Splash: Reimagined River Crossing
Make a splash at the revitalized River Crossing play area. The popular water playscape has been reimagined to take families on a river journey. Try your hand at the new fishing activity, then journey under a covered bridge that leads you outdoors to find the Alice Dean at the dock in town. Favorites like the trains, climbing structure and water play will remain with fun new activities and improvements. The new River Crossing experience also includes features to make visiting a breeze for families, like a more accessible entrance and large storage cubbies for bags and towels.
2. Get Back to Nature
Experience the outdoors at Conner Prairie in their new nature experience areas. The River Lookout will provide an incredible view, and give you access to rarely seen sights at Conner Prairie. The lookout will not only be a place to visit nature’s beauty, but will also highlight the history and ecology of the waterway with interpretive signage. The Treetop Classroom will also be nestled in the
woods near Treetop Outpost. This 50-seat site will feature a covered, raised stage for nature chats, performances and storytelling that highlight the richness of the natural world around us.
3. Have an Adventure With Summer Day Camps
8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
$250 week non-member, $220 week member
Early arrival and late departure options available for additional fee Reservations are required. Register online at connerprairie.org.
- Adventure Camp (ages 5–15) May 29–Aug. 3, weekly
4. Take Flight With Thursday Night Balloon Voyages
5:30–10 p.m. Thursdays, June 7–August 23
$17 non-member, $13 member
Step into the gondola of the popular tethered balloon and see Conner Prairie from a new perspective! You’ll be lifted more than 370 feet into the air as the sun sets over the prairie and be treated to unique views of the 1,000 acres. You can also enjoy light refreshments or a glass of wine. A ticket provides access to 1859 Balloon Voyage only.
Weather permitting. Check connerprairie.org for balloon status.
5. Enjoy a Concert: Kroger Symphony on the Prairie
Select dates, June–September
Experience the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and many other musical guests each weekend at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre. It’s the perfect place to meet friends, family and even large groups for a fun night out. Bring your own food and drinks or purchase concessions
on site. Buy a table by the stage or bring your blanket for the lawn. You can even take flight in the 1859 Balloon Voyage and hear the amazing sounds of the symphony from more than 370 feet up in the air.
