IU Health Momentum Indy offers weekend of fun for kids
Happening Aug. 26-28 in downtown Indianapolis, IU Health Momentum Indy is built around three key elements: two days of high-level bicycle racing, a pair of community bike rides and a collection of kids’ activities designed to show kids how much fun they can have being active and outdoors.
Judging by the activities targeting kids, they just might be the ones who have the most fun.
FRIDAY, AUG. 26
Inspiring Stories Athlete Panel
A panel of professional athletes will share stories of their challenges and successes at the Indiana State Museum. After the discussion, attendees may visit the museum’s exhibit, Major Taylor: Fastest Cyclist in the World, about the life and career of champion bicycle racer and Indianapolis native Marshall “Major” Taylor. Panelists include:
- Tony Kanaan, IndyCar driver, winner of the 2013 Indy 500 and avid cyclist;
- Oksana Masters, an American multi-sport Paralympic athlete (including handcycling) of Ukrainian descent from Louisville, Kentucky;
- Cory Williams, pro cyclist who co-founded the cycling team L39ION of Los Angeles with a mission to bring accountability and diversity to the sport;
- Rahsaan Bahati, 10-time U.S. champion who rides for his own team, Bahati Cycling, and operates the Bahati Foundation, which works to strengthen inner-city youth on and off the bike (An L.A. native, Bahati is an Indiana University grad who rode in the Little 500 there); and
- Brendan Quirk, CEO of USA Cycling.
WHEN: Aug. 26, 5:30-8 p.m.
WHERE: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
COST: Free
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3QtLq1c
SATURDAY, AUG. 27
Mini Major Taylor Ride
For kids who want to emulate the adults riding through Indy on two wheels, the fun starts on Saturday morning with the Mini Major Taylor Ride presented by PNC. The whole family can enjoy this easygoing four-mile cruise on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which welcomes all skills and levels of ability on a route that is fully protected from traffic. (There are 13-, 28- and 62-mile rides starting earlier for those wanting more of a challenge.)
WHEN: Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. (check in from 9 to 9:45 a.m.)
WHERE: Corner of Mass Ave. and New Jersey/Michigan streets
COST: FREE
REGISTER: https://honor-major-taylor-ride.eventbrite.com
What to Bring
Each rider needs a bike, and helmets are required. We recommend bringing a water bottle as well as sunscreen, a mobile phone and identification and emergency contact info. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No runners, pedestrians, scooters or pets, please.
SUNDAY, AUG. 28
Sunday offers a full day of kids’ activities with the Riley Children’s Health Kids Zone and the Riley Children’s Health Kids Bike Races, all presented by PNC and Meijer, as well as the Juniors Bike Race presented by Zipp.
Riley Children’s Health Kids Zone presented by PNC and Meijer
Downtown Indy’s University Park will be packed with activities designed to help kids ages 3 to 18 pedal, jump, climb and play, all while learning how to stay happy, healthy and safe. Games, challenges and other activities will engage both kids and adults in a festival atmosphere. Scheduled activities include:
· BMX stunt shows
· Jump rope performances
· Distribution of free kids’ bicycle helmets provided by the CIBA Foundation
· Bike helmet decorating
· Bicycle obstacle courses
· Sidewalk chalk art
· Games
WHEN: Aug. 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: University Park (307 N. Meridian St.)
COST: FREE
Riley Children’s Health Kids Bike Races presented PNC and Meijer
The spotlight for the weekend’s racing might be on the grown-ups, but kids can get into the action, too! The Riley Children’s Health Kids Bike Races offer races for kids from ages 3 to 18. Younger riders will race according to age categories (3-4, 5-6, 7-9) in a non-competitive, fun event (participants are not timed or scored), while 9-to-18-year-olds will race in Novice Racing and Junior Racing events.
WHEN: Aug. 28, with registration starting at 11 a.m. and racing beginning at 1:50 p.m.
WHERE: Registration tent will be located at Meridian and New York streets.
COST: FREE (pre-registration is encouraged)
REGISTER: https://www.bikereg.com/iu-health-momentum-indy
What to Bring:
Each participant must have a bicycle and a helmet. (Youth who do not have a helmet can earn one by visiting the CIBA tent in the Riley Children’s Health Kids Zone https://www.momentumindy.org/kids-zone.) We also recommend a water bottle and sunscreen.
To learn more about IU Health Momentum Indy kids activities and more, go to www.momentumindy.org.