Thinking about BLOOMINGTON, IN...What is there to do for KIDS? (Columbus: dorms, YMCA)

[Want2LiVEinFLasap]

Hello all, please disregard mine user name (LOL). I currently live in Franklin, IN and am thinking of moving to Bloomington. I have been there twice and am slightly concerned.

First, I couldn't find anything for the kids to really do, no playplace at the mall, no Chucky Cheese, no zoo, or aquaurium. I know that there are parks but it does rain so indoor activities are important too.

Second, I am a conservative and have read a lot about Bloomington's liberal side. I even stumbled across a Gay Bloomington guide on the visitors guide site! I am 26 with two young children and want a good, safe, family place to raise them.

I do like the college town feel and not being surrounded by corn fields like in Franklin.

What else is there to do in Bloomington?
Where is the younger family part of town?

Thanks a lot!

[plaidmom]

IME "college towns" almost always tend lean a bit more to the liberal side.

When I think "conservative" and "family friendly" I think Columbus, more than Bloomington.

Columbus has KidsCommons (the children's museum), will have a large indoor playground once the new Commons reopens (Photo Gallery, page 2 ), a Chucky Cheese, an ice rink, active youth sports leagues (soccer etc).

If you stay on the west side of town you can avoid the cornfields and also be in Bloomington in under an hour. We are ~ 45 min to Indy, an hour flat to L-ville and a bit over an hour to Cincinnati.

Not trying to change your mind, but just wanted to toss out another option.

[domergurl]

I second Plaidmom! But ... just because there's a gay bloomington website doesn't mean that Bloomington isn't family friendly, I think that it is family friendly. While Columbus does have Kidscommons and the new commons mall play area is going to be AWESOME, Bloomington has Wonderlab and parks & rec activities for children too. The Monroe county public library is also fantastic and has children's programming.

Don't let one website make you think that Bloomington is something it's not ...

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by Want2LiVEinFLasap

Second, I am a conservative and have read a lot about Bloomington's liberal side. I even stumbled across a Gay Bloomington guide on the visitors guide site! I am 26 with two young children and want a good, safe, family place to raise them.

Never understood this thinking. Gay people love children, too, and many of them have families.

I would be much more concerned about some of the shenanigans being pulled by the straight kids in town. I'm sure they do stuff to which you wouldn't want your children exposed.

[mkat321]

I am a moderate-conservative Christian and would be much more concerned about the antics of the college kids or rambling teens than anyone of a particular sexual orientation.

I LOVE wonderlab. My kids would move in there if offered the opportunity. The library has fantastic programs and a wonderful collection of childrens books. The ladies at Bloomington Birth Services are a wonderful group and are a great resource for information regarding family outings and activities in the Bloomington area. The mall does leave ALOT to be desired, but indoor shopping malls seem to be going the way of the dino so who knows how that will end out. There are fabulous parks and other activities outdoors and wonderlab and the library programs, the fantastic newly renovated {2 years ago IIRC} YMCA complex with indoor and outdoor pools, kids programs and classes, etc. for rainy days and our wonderful winter weather.

[Miles_]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Never understood this thinking. Gay people love children, too, and many of them have families.

I would be much more concerned about some of the shenanigans being pulled by the straight kids in town. I'm sure they do stuff to which you wouldn't want your children exposed.

like what?

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by TDE

like what?

Oh, certain movie production activities that have taken place at IU dorms in the past, for one.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Oh, certain movie production activities that have taken place at IU dorms in the past, for one.

Oh YEA!!!! I remember that!!!

[Dappleganger]

We are trying to move to Bloomington BECAUSE there are more liberals, gays and intelligent people around. As a mother to four children we want our kids to be well exposed to many kinds of people and progressive values. Also, I can't fathom why any parent would think that Chuck E. Cheese or a germ-infested mall playground would be considered 'family-friendly.' Bloomington is geared towards the outdoors and kids have much more fun when they can run outside.

[Want2LiVEinFLasap]

First of all, thanks to everyone who replied. It just gives a well rounded opinion of Bloomington. I do love Columbus for the kids activities. FYI - Foundation for Youth has open gym which kids love too (in columbus). One thing to clarify, I wouldn't totally avoid a place due to liberalism or gay lifestyles, but I wouldn't move to San Fran...that is a whole different debate, not on city-data.

Originally Posted by Dappleganger

Also, I can't fathom why any parent would think that Chuck E. Cheese or a germ-infested mall playground would be considered 'family-friendly.' Bloomington is geared towards the outdoors and kids have much more fun when they can run outside.

To Dappleganger: I UNDERSTAND THAT BLOOMINGTON, MONROE COUNTY, AND BROWN COUNTY ARE ALL GEARED TOWARD THE OUTDOORS...GOT IT. WHAT I WAS ASKING WAS WHAT THERE WAS TO DO INDOORS, ON RAINY DAYS, WHEN YOU CAN'T TAKE A ONE YEAR OLD OUTSIDE TO PLAY. I HAVE NEVER HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE AT CHUCK E CHEESE AND AS FOR MALL PLAYGROUNDS, THEY ARE SO SO, UP HERE IN THE INDY AREA (CASTLETON) THEY ARE REALLY NICE. THANKS THOUGH.