For Generation Alpha children in Indianapolis, the city has loosened its plush toy etiquette — little ones are invited to bring their teddy bears along to family friendly events around the city.

“Teddy bear” is the common term to refer to a child’s littlest best friend, however other furry creatures (stuffed animals) are also considered “teddy,” so long as they are stuffed with synthetic fiber, cotton, straw, wood wool, plastic pellets or beans.

Here are some places welcoming teddy bears in Indy:

The DNR annual ‘Teddy Bear Camp’ 

There comes a time when a stuffed animal must go see the world on its own and earn its stripes. If this is the case of your family’s stuffed animal, meaning, it belongs to a child aged 5-12, consider this a step in that direction.

Teddy Bear Camp, hosted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA), happens May 13-24. Stuffed animals can visit sites to learn about history, architecture, archaeology and historic preservation. 

Are you worried you’ll miss your lil’ pal? Photos of their adventures will be posted to DHPA’s Facebook page and a digital photo album will be emailed to parents/guardians along with an Indiana Junior Preservationist certificate. 

To join, fill out the 2024 Teddy Bear Camp registration form and then drop your teddy bear off at the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., inside the main level doors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 13 and 2 to 5 p.m. May 14. Learn more here. 

‘Teddy Bear Concert Series’ says ‘yes’ to music buddies 

Children ages 3 to 6 can listen to stories and bend their little knees to the rhythms of music played by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra with this free series presented by the Indianapolis Colts. 

Additionally, kids can try playing a violin, listen to stories written by ISO violinist Victoria Kintner Griswold, and have a grand time without any judgments for their attachments to cute toys. 

There are three performances left:

• “The Big Note,” 11 a.m. May 18 at the Johnson County Public Library White River Branch, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood.
• “The Giant’s Violin,” 11 a.m. June 8, Indianapolis Public Library’s Haughville Branch, 121 W Michigan St.
• “The Big Note,” 3 p.m. July 21, Indianapolis Central Library, 40 E St Clair St.

Bears in books  

According to the American Bear Association, there are only eight species of bear. Curious children can learn about the different types and where to find them in the Indianapolis Public Library’s reading list. However, not every book in the list is based on real-life bear behavior. 

If your child is not quite ready for the facts of life, this list won’t disappoint.

Jennifer Delgadillo is Mirror Indy’s arts and culture editor. Contact her at jennifer.delgadillo@mirrorindy.org.