In the very center of Indiana sits the Hoosier State's capital city, Indianapolis. Known more commonly as "Indy," this extraordinary city is packed with adventure and excitement, especially for sports enthusiasts.
Despite its small-town feel, Indy is home to some REALLY BIG amenities, like the world's largest children's museum (featured in our must-see attractions below) and the world's largest sports facility (host of the Indy 500, an annual 500-mile race between 33 exceptional racecar drivers).
Find your family fun® with our list of 16 recommendations for kid-friendly things to do in Indianapolis, Indiana.
2 Family-Friendly Places to Stay Overnight in Indianapolis
Bottleworks Hotel ~ Stay the night in a piece of Indianapolis history. Formerly the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, this pet-friendly hotel offers luxurious accommodations with an eye-catching style.
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis ~ Built in Union Station's historic train shed in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, the Crowne Plaza hotel is an experience like none other. Guests can stay the night in beautifully curated rooms and suites or opt for the Pullman train cars which have been outfitted to comfortably sleep two.
4 Indoor Activities for Families in Indianapolis:
Children's Museum Indianapolis ~ Recognized as the world's largest children's museum, Children's Museum Indianapolis is a mecca for all things family fun! Visitors can explore 5 levels of kid-focused entertainment that include special exhibits, live shows, a carousel, and lots and lots of hands-on learning. Use the museum's itinerary planning tool to help you customize your experience so you don't miss a thing.
Circle Center Mall ~ Shop til you drop and then play all day with a variety of kid-friendly entertainment sprinkled throughout the mall. Visitors can enjoy arcades, laser tag, virtual bowling, indoor bumper cars, a movie theatre, pop-up exhibits, and an Indy-themed souvenir shop. Be sure to grab some grub then swing by the Sugar Factory for the ultimate sweet tooth experience.
Rhythm! Discovery Center ~ Step to the beat at the world's only interactive drum and percussion museum. Budding musicians will love getting hands-on experience making music and noise with drums, gongs, cymbals, timpani, tam-tams, a celestaphone, and other remarkable instruments.
Indiana State Museum ~ History and geography buffs can enjoy three floors of interactive learning at the Indiana State Museum in downtown Indy. After you've visited the museum, take an epic Indiana road trip to see a variety of historical sites in the state.
5 Outdoor Activities for Families in Indianapolis:
Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience ~ Open seasonally (March-November) at the Children's Museum, the Sports Legends Experience is one of the city's best outdoor places to play.
Sports enthusiasts and aspiring athletes will love trying a dozen interactive experiences such as football, baseball, basketball, drag strip racing, track, golf, soccer, climbing, hockey, and tennis. Accessible equipment (including sports wheelchairs) is available for an inclusive family outing.
Indianapolis Zoo ~ The Indianapolis Zoo is home to critters and creatures from the plains, oceans, forests, and deserts around the globe. Visit with your favorite animals and go behind the scenes with specialty adventures such as swimming with the dolphins, touching a rhino, or holding a sloth.
Colts Canal Playspace ~ Made possible by the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, Colts Canal Playspace is an exciting play area for climbers and sliders of all ages. After you've explored the playground, stroll along Canal Walk, a 3-mile loop with picturesque views.
Virginia B Fairbanks Art & Nature Park ~ Get some fresh air as you admire impressive, interactive outdoor art while walking around a beautiful lake. Virginia B Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is part of the Newfields campus which is also home to the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Conner Prairie ~ If you find yourself on the north side of the city, head over to Conner Prairie, a living history museum that offers year-round family-friendly fun. Situated on more than 1,000 acres, guests can enjoy seasonal entertainment such as festivals, corn mazes, holiday lights, live performances, and so much more.
5 Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Indianapolis
Bru Burger Bar ~ Originating in Indianapolis, Bru Burger Bar has become a household name for Indy residents seeking delicious, iconic American foods. Fill up on a burger and fries, then dive into a peach-white chocolate bread pudding for a taste of culinary heaven.
The Garage Food Hall ~ Not sure what you're craving? Satisfy the whole family when you stop by The Garage Food Hall, home to more than a dozen food vendors featuring cuisine from around the world. You can support other small, locally-owned businesses by shopping at retail stores and pop-up shops as well.
Baby's ~ Get your fill of delicious eats (like burgers, sandwiches, specialty mac & cheese dishes, and unbeatable sides) while dining at a fun, colorful spot just north of the central downtown area. Kids will particularly enjoy having a milkshake on the outside patio.
The Rathskeller ~ Not only does The Rathskeller offer authentic German cuisine like Bratwurst and schnitzel, but can guests can also enjoy live entertainment and events every Wednesday through Saturday (and sometimes Sunday) outside in the Biergarten.
Indianapolis City Market ~ Enjoy a wide variety of authentic flavors from around the world. After a bite to eat, shop from local vendors, play a round of bocce ball, and explore the Catacombs.
Even More Fun Things to Do:
For special events and activities in Indianapolis, use the Macaroni KID location drop-down menu ("Change Your Town" in the upper right-hand corner) to find an event calendar closest to your destination.
