Explore Indiana’s Winter Wonderland

Things to do in Indiana in winter.

Indiana’s ever so unpredictable winter weather is upon us. Will we hibernate or explore the many activities available to us in Indiana until spring? Here are some suggestions for a fun winter despite the cold.

Explore Indiana’s Museums

Take warmth inside Indiana Museums.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

photo by CMI

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating their 100th anniversary! Visit the Winterfaire exhibit open through February 2026. Winterfaire is a one-of-a-kind indoor winter world experience.

Did you know that the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers free and discounted days?

Winter Free Days:

Martin Luther King Day

Presidents’ Day

Discount Days

First Thursday of every month $6.00 admission

Indiana Historical Society

Step back in time through immersive exhibits and historical archives. The Indiana Historical Society building itself is a sight to see and do not forget to have lunch or a snack at the Stardust Terrace Cafe.

Indiana State Museum

Stroll through exhibits and learn about Indiana legacy, natural history, science and industry and more or see a movie at one the nations few genuine IMAX 70 mm film experiences.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Located right next to Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg is home to cultural artifacts of Indigenous Americans.

Newfields

Visit Newfields, a multidimensional museum of art, nature and history. Enjoy the permanent exhibits, feature exhibits and the immersive experience at LUME. You can also bundle up and enjoy the grounds of Newfields or the 100 Acres park and visit the Lily House, a historic landmark.

Koteewi Run Snowtubing Hills

Koteewi Run

Enjoy a Snowtubing adventure sliding 700 feet down the groomed hills of Strawtown Koteewi Park in Noblesville.

Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Ornithology Center

Bundle up and take a winter hike through the trails at Eagle Creek Park or visit the Ornithology Center, an indoor nature center and wonderful views for birdwatching.

Winter Carriage Ride Downtown Indianapolis

Bundle up and take a carriage ride and take in the sights around Monument Circle.

Explore and enjoy a cup of hot tea, coffee or hot cocoa at our many Muslim owned coffee shops.

If you find yourself with a winter chill, take a tour of our many Muslim owned coffee shops. Warm your body and your heart.

In no particular order:

Yafa Golden Coffee 14160 Mundy Dr. Suite 100, Noblesville, IN 46060

Qahwah House Coffee 11680 Commercial Dr. #800, Fishers, IN 46038

Mariam Coffee 6280 N. College Ave. Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46220 and at 11809 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038

Niyyah Coffee 8100 E. 106th St, Fishers IN 46038 7441 N 600 E, McCordsville IN 46055

MOTW Coffee and Pastries 4873 W. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46254

9263 E. US Highway 36, Avon IN 46123

12761 Old Meridian St. Carmel, IN 46032

8235 E 116th St. Suite 215, Fishers, IN 46038

Ice Skating at Holliday

Park

Holliday Park Ice Rink

For ice skating, check out the ice rink at Holliday Park now through March

Holliday Park Nature Center is located at 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis Indiana 46260

Skate aids are available for anyone who needs a little help.

Paoli Peaks Resort

Paoli Peaks

Take a day trip to Paoli Peaks Resort. This ski, snowboarding and tubing resort located in Paoli Indiana, about 96 miles from Indianapolis has everything you need for winter fun.

Veal’s Ice Tree

A tradition started by the Veal family in 1961, this winter landmark is a sight to see. This ice sculpture is created by spraying water over a tree with other materials to add color. Located at 6445 Mimosa Lane on the southeast side of Indianapolis, it is a beauty to see during the day or is illuminated at night. There is no charge to see the Veal’s Ice Tree, but the family requests visitors to donate to the Wheeler Mission.

Feature Story

Meet Sister Manon Eberhardt of MayAmanah Threads

photo by Manon Eberhardt

Sister Manon Eberhardt of Carmel Indiana is doing her part in creating successful and sustainable initiatives, bringing awareness to fashion overproduction and bringing children and families closer to Allah through art, science, nature and education.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Submit your upcoming monthly events to [email protected] by the 22nd of each month. For more information about community programs and events, look for Indy Muslim Community on Whatsapp.

Click on images for more information or links to registration.

Saturdays after Isha at Masjid Al Fajr

Brothers and Sisters are welcome to join brother Yahaya (Amir) for a weekly program to learn the 40 Hadiths of An-Nawawi.

Saturday January 3

The Essentials

Monthly Printables

Feel free to print or save these monthly features. Please share your favorite recipe and coordinating photos along with any fun or special story about your recipe to [email protected]

Community Recipe

photo provided by Katie Henry

This month’s recipe comes to us from Katie Henry for her delicious Jamaican Banana Bread.

I don’t know anyone who does not love banana bread. This recipe has an interesting twist that adds even more flavor to an already beloved classic. I personally cannot wait to prepare this for my family.

Jamaican Banana Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

¾ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

1 cup granulated sugar

¼ c. butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups mashed bananas (about 3 bananas

1 cup plain low-fat yogurt (or pina colada flavored yogurt)

3 Tbsp. apple cider

½ tsp. vanilla extract

½ cup flaked sweetened coconut

Frosting:

1 Tbsp. flaked sweetened coconut

½ cup powdered sugar

1 ½ Tbsp. fresh lime or lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cup and level with a knife.

In a bowl, combine flour, and salt with a whisk.

In a separate bowl, add butter and sugar and beat with a mixer until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating after adding each egg.

To the creamed sugar, add bananas, yogurt, cider and vanilla and beat until blended.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredient until well combined.

Stir in ½ cup coconut flakes

Spray a 9×5” loaf pan and spoon the mixture into the pan.

Sprinkle top with 1 Tbsp. coconut flakes.

Bake for 1 hour.

Combine fresh lime or lemon juice with powdered sugar and glaze the loaf after it’s baked.

Word Puzzle

created by an anonymous Muslim youth community member

Word Search

Quran Class

  1. Quran

  2. Arabic

  3. Classes

  4. Teachers

  5. Ayaht

  6. Surah

  7. Lesson

  8. Certificate

  9. Juz

  10. Qaidah

  11. Letters

  12. Students

  13. Practice

  14. Learning

Dear Hafsa

Dear Hafsa,

I am seeing a lot more Islamaphobic videos and comments on social media and it’s so hurtful and annoying to hear and see these people make claims about Islam when they don’t know anything about the religion. It’s difficult to see other Muslims being disrespected. I have a business and use all of the platforms to promote it so it’s not an option to take a vacation from social media. How can I not let these ignorant comments and posts not bother me so much?

Thank you,

Stressed by Social Media

Our columnist prefers to stay anonymous so we will call her Hafsa. Send your questions to [email protected]

Subject line: Dear Hafsa

Your name and email will be kept confidential, and your question will always read from an anonymous title.

Dear Stressed by Social Media,

I hear you! Social media can be a great tool for so many things, like your business, but can also be a fitna. Allah protect you and safeguard us. 

My address is this:

1. Be strict.....on yourself. Only use social media when truly using it for business purposes. That should cut down on random scrolling and reading comments that don't relate with your business.

2. Make business hours for yourself when using social media. Like any brick-and-mortar business, you can have hours for engaging on social media. Stick to those hours. Unplug outside of those hours.

3. Consider going to computer only use of social media, delete the apps on your phone.

I think these things help to cut down on seeing or feeling a need to participate in the social media drama or hate because you are strict in following your own guidelines and use time wisely when you change the way you use social media.

People have been making false claims about Islam since the Quran was sent to Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him. He had a dead animal thrown on him during prayer, was beaten severally when looking for protection and support in Ta'if , mocked and threatened, but of course he persevered as will we when people are against us. 

Salam,

Hafsa

Indiana Masjid Directory

DISCOVER INDIANA MOSQUES

Please click on the link below for a full guide.

IMCA/Masjid Al Fajr

2846 Cold Spring Rd

Indianapolis, IN 46222

Alhuda Foundation

12201 Lantern Rd.

Fishers, IN 46038

Masjid Al Mumineen

4088 Millersville Rd

Indianapolis, IN 46205

Need help?

We want to hear from you. This publication is for us, by us. Send us your news story ideas, highlight a community member, send your recipe submissions, events and programs, photos, poems and editorials to [email protected]

A Final Note

Ayat of the month

Salam Alaykom,

Crescent Chronicles

Connection Faith Lifestyle

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