Holiday hidden gem: Conservatory Crossing
We love Christmas in the Bobenmoyer house. In addition to going a smidge overboard on home decor, we're the fam who indulges in all-things-Indianapolis-area-holidays. We hit the Children's Museum Jolly Days (in its last season!), love Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum, and never miss Celebration Crossing with the Indiana State Museum. Over the years, we’ve added newer experiences like Winterlights at Newfields and Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie.
One thing that hasn’t changed?
Our love for Conservatory Crossing at the Garfield Conservatory and Sunken Gardens.
Conservatory Crossing - theCityMoms
If you've never visited the Garfield Park Conservatory, suffice it to say it is a must for your list of get-me-outta-the-house adventures. The Conservatory building is beautiful, made entirely of glass, contains the perfect amount of greenery to kick out your drab winter blues, and their kiddo programming is fantastic.
Conservatory Crossing is Garfield Park's special holiday exhibit: It's a large display of poinsettias, an enormous miniature village, and model trains.
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What to Expect: Upon arrival at the Conservatory on Indy's south side, visitors are greeted at the front desk, where admission may be paid. Large coat racks line the back wall, perfect for stashing your winter wares (believe me, once inside, the Conservatory's heat will render coats unnecessary!).
The area where Conservatory Crossing is set up is just inside the front lobby. It isn't very large, but the picture windows and hundreds of poinsettias make it feel like its own mini-museum. Staring at all of the intricate details of the mini village is awe-inspiring, here's what we come here for:
The scavenger hunt.
Each year, Garfield Park puts out a large, 20-item scavenger hunt of things that can only be found in their Conservatory Crossing room. Because the village is so expansive and detailed, it takes time to find each item. In other words, you're committed!
(Hint: The front desk greeters are wonderful with providing clues when you get stuck!)
And in case this activity isn't enough, head into the rest of the Conservatory to explore all of the plants, mini ponds, and bonus train table. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, this holiday hidden gem will be an enjoyable stop for you and your crew!
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Once the scavenger hunt is complete, you’re welcome to head into the rest of the Conservatory to explore all of the plants, mini ponds, and bonus train table. Or - if you’ve got older kiddos, take a moment to yourself while they work out the clues!
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, this holiday hidden gem will be an enjoyable stop for you and your crew!
MORE INFO: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden is an Indy Parks facility located on the near southeast side of Indianapolis at 2505 Conservatory Drive in the 2400 block of South Shelby Street. Admission is $5/pp or $12/family. For information on this or other Conservatory events, call (317) 327-7183 or visit www.indyparks.org
