The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis just got even better with its newest addition the Sports Legends Experience!
I’m sharing tips on how to make the most out of your first-time visit.
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sports
How to Make Your Child’s Sports Physical Stress-Free
Without fail, I’m always down to the wire when it comes to annual sports physicals. They need to be turned in annually so you would think I would have a better handle on them by now but they seem to sneak up on me EVERY SINGLE YEAR.
This typically stresses me out because then I’m scrambling for an appointment in between off days and practices.
I’m sharing tips to make your life easier if you find yourself in a similar predicament trying to schedule a last-minute sports physical for your child.
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Ways to Save Time Back-to-Sports Shopping ~Giveaway
This post is sponsored by Vocalpoint and DICK’s Sporting Goods®. All opinions are my own.
Back to School also means Back to Sports for our family. I’ll admit that I love our summer sports hiatus because summer flies by too fast as it is. My boys start school mid August and fall sports start practicing a few weeks before that. When practices begin before school starts, you have to be ready. I’ve got one in football and one playing fall baseball for the 1st time this year which will keep our family occupied for a while. I didn’t want to spend a ton of time shopping for sports equipment which made a trip to Dick’s Sporting Goods a convenient stop.
So what do you need to do before you shop to save time?
- Get a list of equipment that you are responsible for from the coach
- Check for online coupons
- Bring your rewards card
- See what still fits. You don’t want to discover that your child has outgrown their cleats, apparel, or equipment after you went shopping.
- Check what the team colors are so that your apparel selections and shoes don’t clash.
- Find out how many days a week you will be practicing and when the games are so that you can plug them into your calendar. Ideally, you will want to have your shopping done before the 1st practice so that your child is prepared.
- Get a sports physical- Most teams require them and after the physical, you will find out if you need to purchase any additional items to assist with playing the sport. For example, you might discover that your child needs glasses made for sports or a brace for more support. Also, get the physical marked for any sports that you think your child might play to save time and money.
- Condense your errands. The less stops the better because your time is valuable too.
- Get advice and check out reviews from others about brands and equipment to use for the sport they are playing.
- Set a budget and let your kids be a part of the selecting process. Give them a price range to choose from and watch them become savvy budget shoppers instantly because now they view it as their money. This also helps them prioritize and determine which items they want to spend more on.
When it comes to selecting items, I let my husband take the lead in guiding my kids because he all about sports, ALL the time. Dick’s Sporting Goods is one of the few stores that my kids don’t complain about going to. If anything, my kids want to stay longer because they start to sneak over to check out the shoes and athletic apparel for back to school clothes. In their world, comfort and athletic clothing is king.
Here are some items to check off if your kids are playing football or fall baseball.
Football Player Checklist
- Cleats
- Mouthguard
- Water bottle
- Helmet- optional
- Bright Socks – These are a great way to identify you kid on the field
- Practice Football
Baseball Player Checklist
- Baseball Helmet (optional)
- Baseball glove- lefties need to make sure that they get a special glove
- Baseball Bat
- Water bottle
- Baseball
Carpool Checklist
- Water
- Snacks
- Air freshener – Because your nostrils will burn after you carpool a group of middle school boys after they’ve been practicing in 90 degree heat.
- Something to read- sometimes practices go over and you end up waiting in the parking lot for a while
Sports Parent Sideline Checklist
You can read all of my sideline essential here.
We found EVERYTHING that we needed at Dick’s Sporting Goods which relived my stress and made my boys very happy.
The selection is very large for just about any sport in store and there are also items available online as well.
Would you love to win a gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods?
Make sure that you enter the giveaway for (5) $50 gift cards.
You can find out more Dick’s Sporting Goods locations and merchandise from their website.
How to survive in a Sports Fanatic Family when you are not a huge Sports Fan
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BuffaloWingsAndRings #CollectiveBias
I’m outnumbered in my home. I’m the only girl in a house full of sports-loving boys which means that it’s ALWAYS sports season.
I’m also the only girl in a family of sports fans. Sports are the primary love language of my family and I don’t really speak it. I will go to a token game of a sport but I’m not passionate about sports the way my boys are. ESPN is where they get their news of the day. When I can combine going out to eat and sports, my family becomes my fan.
Can you relate?
Here are a few of my tips to survive in a sports fanatic family when you are not a huge sports fan.
1. Attend a token sports event with your family
I really don’t mind attending games once or twice a season. It’s variety and my family is always excited when I’m willing to go with them. Make the most of it and ask them to tell you the rules and to explain what’s going on. (they love that)
2. Find out the stories behind the sports
I’ve actually become more interested in an athlete once I heard their backstory. Ask your family who their favorite players are and what they admire about them.
3. Let your family share their excitement with you
This one can be hard for me. Sometimes I really don’t care about the latest stat….but my kids do. I have to remind myself that they aren’t always as passionate about the things that I enjoy either.
4. Create dialog of teachable moments when you talk about stories of athletes or sports teams that are in the press because of hot topics
I talk to my boys a lot about the power of social media. It can be used for a lot of positives that can include incredible opportunities and it can also strip someone of everything they have worked hard for when it’s used in a negative way.
There are also lots of teachable moments from the headlines to talk about what integrity looks like on AND off the field.
5. Watch a game or event WITH them
I don’t really like to spend my time that way but my family does notice if I’m not with them. Even if you are in the same room and working on something else, it means a lot when they sense you are near.
6 Eat Sports Food Together
The food you eat a sporting event is part of the culture and the experience.
7 Take them out to eat at a sports bar/ restaurant.
This benefits you two-fold. You get out of cooking AND your family becomes your biggest fan!
There are screens in every direction so everyone is happy.
Kids of all ages love playing on the devices while waiting for their food.
My family sampled some of the new menu items at Buffalo Wings and Rings during a recent visit.
We tried the pretzel
BALLPARK PRETZEL BITES (Soft and airy deep-fried pretzel bites, served with a generous portion of queso dipping sauce topped with jalapeños and salsa)
We each have different favorites when it comes to wings.
I LOVE crazy hot spicy but I don’t like the mess of wings so I prefer boneless instead. I wanted to mix it up and sample the JACK’D UP WINGS (Sweet meets heat. Five boneless wings hand tossed in sweet Thai chili and sea salt caramel. Topped with applewood-smoked bacon crumbles, black sesame seeds and scallions— garnished with caramel corn)
They were soooo good!
My boys each ordered a COKE® FLOAT (A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in Coca-Cola®—topped with whipped cream and a cherry)
My husband and my older son ordered wings. The food at Wings and Rings is fresh not frozen which explains why it tastes so good.
My younger son opted for the boneless tenders and an order of onion rings.
After our meal, everyone in our family had a full belly and even a few take out boxes. We also had a great time watching the game and eating together at Buffalo Wings and Rings.
That was a move well played by mom.
What do you like to eat when you are watching the big game?
Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show {Giveaway}
Are you ready for a vacation? So am I!
This winter weather has me daydreaming about warmer adventures. I’m always looking for new places to explore and that’s why I loved attending the Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show last year. I found lots of vacation inspiration and ironically one of my favorite hot sauces at the show. There is a lot for everyone to see and do at this event.
There is also a great variety of outdoor recreation represented and lots of workshops for the whole family too.
(See the kid who looks like he is picking his nose? That’s my boy!)
You can read more about my review from last year here.
The 57thannual Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show®, January 17-19 and 22-26, 2014.
A Midwest tradition for outdoor enthusiasts, families and travelers, this year’s show will feature the best in outdoor recreation with more than 400 exhibitors representing boats, marine services, campers, travel trailers, travel destinations and more.
The Cincinnati Golf Show® (January 17-19)
and
Cincinnati Hunting & Fishing Show® (January 22-26)
are included with paid admission and will run in tandem with the Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show®.
Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show®
Whether you’re in the market for a new boat or interested in seeing the most up-to-date marine innovation and technology, the Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show® has what you’re looking for. The show will feature more than 90 boating and marine recreation brands represented by 25 dealers. Top-of-the-line recreational, wakeboard, fishing and pontoon boats will be on display along with traditional canoes and kayaks.
Campers, RVs and travel trailers will be on the exhibition floor for the third year in a row. Four dealers representing 28 brands will open their doors for walk-in tours and expert advice. In addition, eight motorcycle and ATV dealers will display 12 brand name vehicles.
“Our visitors continue to voice their desire for more boats, RVs, motorcycles and ATVs. We’re excited to present our largest selection yet,” said Chip Hart, CEO of Hart Productions, producer of the Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show®. “Boats and RVs will cover 25 percent more floor space at the convention center this year. This is where you want to be if you’re looking to find the latest in brand innovation and technology, and speak with the experts to help you with your selections.”
Do you have valuable antique hunting, fishing and sporting items? Outdoor Americana experts and industry veterans Bob Delfay, Steve Pennaz and Bill Miller will be onsite Friday and Saturday, January 24 and 25, filming their debut season ofTreasures and Traditions TV, part of The Discovery Network’s Destination America channel. The show wants to answer the age-old question, “What is it worth?”
“Without exaggeration, there are numerous decades-old antique sportsman items in the closets, attics and cellars of veteran fishermen and hunters that are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars,” said Delfay, host of the Treasures and Traditions TV series. “And there are firearms, artwork and decoys gathering dust that are worth hundreds of thousands. We couldn’t be more excited to film one of our first stops for the new series in Cincinnati. We’re anxious to see what outdoor enthusiasts in the Midwest have to offer.”
Week of January 13:
- · Show move-in (Travel, Sports & Boat Show and Golf Show)
- · Show open: Friday, January 17
- · Southern Ohio PGA golf professionals – skills demonstrations: January 17-19
Week of January 20:
- · Show move-in (Hunting & Fishing Show)
- · Show re-open: Wednesday, January 22
- · Hunting Dog Seminars, Bird Down Retrievers: January 22-26
- · Antique Sporting Appraisals, Treasures and Traditions TV filming: Friday and Saturday, January 24 and 25
- · National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) River Valley Longbeards 8th Annual Turkey Calling Contest (2ndFloor): Saturday, January 25 at 1 p.m.
Also, some specific family-friendly activities that you may want to call out/the kids may enjoy:
- · SOPGA (Southern Ohio PGA) seminars (Jan. 17-19): kid friendly and informative for young athletes/golf enthusiasts
- · Tank seminars, fishing (Jan. 17-19 and 22-26): kid friendly and informative for young outdoors enthusiasts
o Dan Armitage, Kids Fishing Fun
o Stu Eversole, Fundamentals of Fishing
o Keith Johnson, Bass Fishing 101
- · Hunting Dog Seminars – Bird Down Retrievers (Jan. 22-26): kids have fun watching the dogs perform live
- · National Wild Turkey Foundation (NWTF) River Valley Longbeards 8th Annual Turkey Calling Contest (January 25 @ 1pm): Youth division (JAKES: 13-17 years old); kids can watch other kids perform in the contest
- · Hamilton County Parks will have a climbing wall on-site: kids can climb, let go of some energy and have fun
Cincinnati Golf Show®
Swing into the New Year! The Cincinnati Golf Show® is the place to find more than 20,000 square feet of golf merchandise, resort packages, travel destinations and more. Hone your game this winter by participating in swing evaluations and golf lessons led by area PGA golf professionals. The Southern Ohio PGA Teaching Pavilion will host a number of seminars where you can gain an education from our experts.
Cincinnati Hunting & Fishing Show®
Looking to scratch-off a few items from your hunting and fishing bucket list? Look no further than the Cincinnati Hunting & Fishing Show® where our experienced guides, captains and exhibitors are ready to help you plan and outfit your next excursion at camps, lodges, resorts, and hunting and fishing destinations across North America.
Hunting seminars will be featured on the Big Outdoors® Stage for enthusiasts looking to learn everything from how to stalk spring turkeys to fine-tuning your whitetail bow hunting skills. Hunting dog seminars with Bird Down Retrievers will also return this year. Gain insight and the tips you need from our local experts and their canine companions. Seminars will take place in the 5th Street lobby.
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) River Valley Longbeards will host their 8th Annual Turkey Calling Contest onSaturday, January 25, at 1 p.m. on the second floor at Duke Energy Convention Center. The ‘best of the best’ Open division callers will start this year’s contest. Youth and adult participants will perform in a wide variety of competition including Open, Friction, Women’s and Amateur divisions and more. Winners of the Open and Friction divisions who are 21 years of age by February 13, 2015, will be eligible to compete in the 2015 NWTF Grand National Senior Division Preliminary Competition.
Master Event and Seminar Schedule
Friday, January 17
6 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Keith Fisher, PGA, Adams Golf
Hybrids & Fairway Woods
7 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Keith Johnson, Bass Fishing 101
7 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Tim Lambert, PGA, Shaker Run Golf Club
Winter Swing Development
8 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Doug Spencer, Spencer Golf Academy
Teaching with TrackMan Technology
Saturday, January 18
Noon – Tank Seminar: Nick Leonard, Topwater Fishing
Noon – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Kirk Howard, PGA, GolfTEC
Misconceptions of the Golf Swing
1 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Dan Armitage, Kids Fishing Fun
1 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Tim Lambert, PGA, Shaker Run Golf Club
Optimizing Swing Development with Equipment
2 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Doug Spencer, PGA
Teaching with TrackMan Technology
2 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Joe Thomas, Swim Baits, The New Go-To Lure
3 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Nick Leonard, Topwater Fishing
3 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Dan Armitage, Kids Fishing Fun
3 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Paul Rooney, PGA, Dick’s Sporting Goods
4 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Bill Blackburn, PGA, Etter’s Custom Golf & Driving Range
The Secret to a Longer Drive
5 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavillion: Tim Lambert, PGA, Shaker Run Golf Club
Live Evaluation
5 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Joe Thomas, Swim Baits, The New Go-To Lure
6 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Keith Johnson, Bass Fishing 101
7 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Dan Armitage, Kids Fishing Fun
8 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Joe Thomas, Swim Baits, The new Go-To Lure
Sunday, January 19
Noon – Tank Seminar: Dan Armitage, Kids Fishing Fun
Noon – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Kirk Howard, PGA, GolfTEC
Misconceptions of the Golf Swing
1 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Joe Thomas, Swim Baits, The New Go-To Lure
1 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Doug Spencer, PGA, Spencer Golf Academy
Teaching with TrackMan Technology
2 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Dan Armitage, Kids Fishing Fun
2 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Bill Blackburn, PGA, Etter’s Custom Golf & Driving Range
The Secret to a Longer Drive
3 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Joe Thomas, Swim Baits, The New Go-To Lure
3 p.m. – SOPGA Teaching Pavilion: Paul Rooney, PGA, Dick’s Sporting Goods
Monday, January 20
Closed
Tuesday, January 21
Closed
Wednesday, January 22
6 p.m. – P’s in a Pod, bluegrass music
(live performance at the tank seminar area)
6 p.m. – Big Outdoors Seminar Stage: Bill Epeards, Spring Turkey
7 p.m. – P’s in a Pod, bluegrass music
(live performance at the tank seminar area)
7 p.m. – Hunting Dog Seminars: Bird Down Retrievers
8 p.m. – Big Outdoors Seminar Stage: Bill Epeards, Spring Turkey
Thursday, January 23
6 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Nick Leonard, Topwater Fishing
7 p.m. – Hunting Dog Seminars: Bird Down Retrievers
7 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Keith Johnson, Bass Fishing 101
8 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Nick Leonard, Topwater Fishing
Friday, January 24
6 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Neil Ramsey, Spinning Rod Secrets for Trophy Bass
7 p.m. – Hunting Dog Seminars: Bird Down Retrievers
7 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Fred Lohman, Spooning for Walleye & Saugeye
8 p.m. – Big Outdoors Seminar Stage: Mushroom Gear
8 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Neil Ramsey, Spinning Rod Secrets for Trophy Bass
Saturday, January 25
Noon – Tank Seminar: Keith Johnson, Bass Fishing 101
Noon – Big Outdoors Seminar Stage: Mushroom Gear
1 p.m. – Hunting Dog Seminars: Bird Down Retrievers
1 p.m. – National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) River Valley Longbeards
8th Annual Turkey Calling Contest (2nd Floor)
1 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Todd Hollowell, What’s in Your Water? How to Catch More Bass by Identifying Their Forage
2 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Stu Eversole, Fundamentals of Fishing
2 p.m. – Big Outdoors Seminar Stage: Bill Epeards, Bow Hunting Whitetails
3 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Neil Ramsey, Spinning Rod Secrets for Trophy Bass
4 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Todd Hollowell, What’s in Your Water? How to Catch More Bass by Identifying Their Forage
4 p.m. – Hunting Dog Seminars: Bird Down Retrievers
5 p.m. – Big Outdoors Seminar Stage: Mushroom Gear
5 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Neil Ramsey, Spinning Rod Secrets for Trophy Bass
6 p.m. – Big Outdoors Seminar Stage: Bill Epeards, Bow Hunting Whitetails
6 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Stu Eversole, Fundamentals of Fishing
7 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Todd Hollowell, What’s in Your Water? How to Catch More Bass by Identifying Their Forage
7 p.m. – Hunting Dog Seminars: Bird Down Retrievers
8 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Fred Lohman, Spooning for Walleye & Saugeye
Sunday, January 26
Noon – Tank Seminar: Dan Armitage, Kids Fishing Fun
Noon – Tank Seminar: Keith Johnson, Bass Fishing 101
Noon – Big Outdoors Seminar Stage: Mushroom Gear
1 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Stu Eversole, Fundamentals of Fishing
1 p.m. – Hunting Dog Seminars: Bird Down Retrievers
2 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Dan Armitage, Kids Fishing Fun
2 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Todd Hollowell, What’s in Your Water? How to Catch More Bass by Identifying Their Forage
3 p.m. – Tank Seminar: Keith Johnson, Bass Fishing 101
3 p.m. – Hunting Dog Seminars: Bird Down Retrievers
Show dates and times are as follows:
- · Friday, January 17: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- · Saturday, January 18: 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- · Sunday, January 19: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- · Wednesday, January 22: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- · Thursday, January 23: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- · Friday, January 24: 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- · Saturday, January 25: 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- · Sunday, January 26: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
**The Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show® is closed Monday and Tuesday, January 20 and 21.
Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show®, January 17-19 and 22-26, 2014.
Admission
Adults $12.
Adults can save $3 on admission by purchasing tickets at Cincinnati-area Kroger stores.
Children (ages 13 and under) are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.
***Wednesday, January 22, is “Buck Night,” when admission (children and adults) is $1.
(Admission to the Travel, Sports & Boat Show® includes admission to the Cincinnati Golf Show® and Cincinnati Hunting & Fishing Show®.)
I’ve also been given (4) Four packs of Tickets to Giveaway!
For more information about the Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show®, Cincinnati Golf Show® and Cincinnati Hunting & Fishing Show®, visit www.hartproductions.com.
The shows are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
Follow the show on Twitter @CincyTSB and via the following hashtags: #CincyTSB, #CincyGolfShow and #CincyHuntFishShow.
The Cincinnati Travel, Sports, & Boat Show will be held at Duke Energy Center located 525 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Disclosure: I was given tickets for review and giveaway purposes. All opinions are my own.