Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Indianapolis, IN

Most kids don't have preschool everyday. And even for kids who spend their days at school or at daycare, most of us still have at least one magical weekend morning to gather together and have a real breakfast, around the table and everything. OH! How I looked forward to Saturday morning at my dad's house. It always meant waking up to eggs and bacon, french toast, waffles or pancakes served by my dad who always wore a plaid flannel nightgown. (Okay, so not always in a plaid flannel nightgown, but it's my memory.) As I got older I was able to help my dad out in the kitchen. I learned how to make syrup and I loved to beat the egg whites for waffles. I remember believing my dad was part superhero for his pancake and egg flipping skills. My step mom also taught my sister and I the dying art of eating from egg cups.
Breakfast holds a special place in my heart, and now that my daughter is old enough and our lives are crazy enough, there's nothing quite like settling down for breakfast one morning. Sure we use pancake mixes when schedules won't allow for scratch pancakes, but most times we pull out the flour, the eggs and the milk and make them from scratch. I found this recipe awhile ago and it's a good simple go to for family pancake mixing, the site also allows you to modify the recipe to the amount of people you'll be feeding. Depending on what your schedule allows, maybe you and your child could hit up the Downtown Farmers Market or Anderson Orchards to find some fresh fruit to accompany your weekend breakfast (nothing like anticipation to excite little kids, and sometimes annoy you.)
Another great way to get your kids excited for pancakes in particular is the book Pancakes, Pancakes! by Eric Carle. The book tells the story of a little boy who decides he wants a pancake for breakfast but finds that making a pancake isn't as easy as wishing for one, but ends up being worth the wait.
If you're not really the pancake making type of family, going out to breakfast can be just as much fun as waking up and making it (although you can't (shouldn't?) go in jammies) One great restaurant we love to frequent is Le Peep. There's seven locations around the city including downtown, Castleton and Keystone. (Pre-shopping pancakes anyone?)
No matter where or how or what you decide to do for breakfast, some of the best family ties and memories are made over a table full of food your family loves.