INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Hundreds of kids, parents and grandparents didn’t let Saturday’s lousy weather ruin the opening of the Sports Legends Experience at the Indianapolis Children's Museum.
They lined up early to get in.
The sports and fitness themed playground and exhibits are bigger and better than a lot of kids, and their kid like parents expected.
Dennis Rudnick ran to keep up with his small son Logan.
“Kids can play hockey over here. Baseball over here and playing soccer over there." He said.
Stephanie Chaudhary did a little drag racing with her child in pedal powered cars.
“You can get involved with your kid which is very cool.” She said “I am having fun yes."
Soren Johnson challenged his mom to race on a small oval, hoping for a new track record. “It's really fun I really liked it.” He said with a big smile.
The play area covers seven and a half acres and cost more than $38 million and includes about a dozen different sports, including racing, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis and golf. The Children's museum isn't aware of anything like it in the entire country.
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck slid down the museum’s grand stairway into the grand opening with museum president Dr. Jeffrey Patchen.
“All of the spaces are designed for parents and grandparents to be with their parents and grandparents learning about exercise and being fit at the same time.'' Patchen explained.
The Sports Legends Experience is built around healthy combination of entertainment and education. Riley Children's Health is a major sponsor.
“What we want them to learn is that physical activity can be fun.” Explained president Matthew Cook. “They don't need to be sitting in front of their TV's all day.”
An elaborate playground with a purpose also tells the stories of some of Indiana's most famous athletes. Museum staff members give kids plenty of coaching advice encouragement.
Carol Johnson, a parent, saw opportunities for children “They can try a new sport” she said “and not worry about failing because you have to try something and it's ok to fail and it's ok to try and have fun.”
Important lessons for kids of all ages.
Admission to the Sport's Legends Experience is included with admission to the Children’s Museum. Ticket prices vary. If purchased ahead of time on line, they cost about $20 for children, $25 for adults.