Need to know the top things to do in Indianapolis with Family? Indianapolis is a city that is not known for just one or two things. This is why we can honestly say that you will find so many things to do in Indianapolis, Indiana during your visit. In fact, you will never wonder what to do in Indianapolis, because you cannot turn a street corner without running into something else amazing to see and do!
25 Things to Do in Indianapolis with Family
1. Conquer the Indy Canal Walk
The Indy Canal Walk, which is also known as the Central Canal, has been around since the 1840s. This is a three-mile walk that loops around. As you are walking, you will see sights that include the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, White River State Park, and Victory Field. If you do not feel like walking, you can always hire a gondolier or rent a paddle boat for views from the water.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons2. Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art
The Indianapolis Museum of Art is one the ten largest art museums in the country. While there is so much to see on the inside of this museum, you may fall in love with all the art within the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park outside. The art installments outside are meant to be used, so your kids can climb until their hearts are content!
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3. Enjoy the Animals at the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo is comprised of sixty-four acres of space. More than sixteen hundred animals call the zoo their home and you can easily see them all during your visit. Amongst the exhibits, you will find a few favorites, which include dolphins and orangutans. We recommend taking the time to visit the White River Gardens, because you can walk along the pathways to see the water garden and glass conservatory.
Credits: Indiana Humanities, Flickr CC BY 2.04. Visit the Museum of Miniatures
One of the cool things to do in Indianapolis is visiting the Museum of Miniatures. Inside this museum, you will find thousands of different miniature items on display. A couple examples of what you will see are miniature houses and room boxes.
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5. Take a Spin Around Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
One of the top 10 things to do in Indianapolis is watching the races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, so why not take the time to take a spin around the museum of the same name??! This is a must when you visit Indy, so make sure it is towards the top of your list of things to do in Indianapolis this weekend. This museum is thirty thousand square feet and has around seventy-five cars on display. There is also a theater that shows Indy 500 footage.
Credits: momentcaptured1, Flickr CC BY 2.06. Go Racing at the Indy Racing Experience
One of the best things to do in Indianapolis is going racing at the Indy Racing Experience. You must be eighteen to do this activity, so you might want to plan it for when the kids are doing something else. When you arrive, you will be given two options, so you can choose what you want to do. Your first option is to sit in the passenger seat, while an Indy Racing League driver zooms you around the track. The second option is to get behind the wheel yourself for an exhilarating ride you are in control over.
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7. Visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis with kids. There are eleven massive galleries filled with exhibits, which is why it is considered the world’s largest children’s museum. There are three different archaeological sites including an Egyptian Tomb, China’s Terra Cotta Warriors, and the shipwreck of a pirate ship. Out of all the exhibits, your kids’ favorite part might be the carousel.
Credits: Wikipedia8. Visit Monument Circle
One of the top 10 things to do in Indianapolis is visiting Monument Circle. In fact, this is one of the very first things people do when they arrive in the city. This circle is in the middle of everything and it is an excellent place to get your bearings. In the middle of the circle is the Soldiers’ and Sailor’s Monument. The monument was constructed back in 1888 to commemorate the Hoosiers of the American Civil War. You must venture to the top of the monument to see the gorgeous views from the top. It is free to walk up all the stairs to the top, but you can take the elevator for a fee.
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9. Wander Around Crown Hill Cemetery
Not every family loves walking around cemeteries, but if you do, then this is the one to do it in while visiting Indianapolis, Indiana. There are over five hundred acres of space at this cemetery and many important people are using it as their final resting place. As you walk around, you will see the tombs of poets, artists, vice presidents, and even one of the Presidents of the United States. There are also many sculptures scattered around and the view from the top of The Crown is quite impressive.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons10. Go Out Dancing in Downtown
If your kids are old enough, or you have someone to watch them at night, you can go out dancing in downtown Indy. This is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis for couples if you plan your family vacation right. While you can choose a tavern with a laidback vibe, you may prefer one of the nightclubs if you are in a dancing mood.
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11. Relax at White River State Park
One of the things to do in Indianapolis for free also happens to be one of the fun things to do with kids in Indianapolis. White River State Park is comprised of two hundred fifty acres of space. There are multiple walking trails that you can wander along. However, you may all prefer to relax and unwind during a picnic lunch.
Credits: GPA Photo Archive, Flickr CC BY 2.012. Go Shopping in Fountain Square
One of the favorite things to do in Indy is shopping in Fountain Square. This area is to the southeast of downtown Indy. There are plenty of independent stores, as well as numerous cultural and entertainment venues. Live music is always playing out on the streets, so you can be entertained as you shop.
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13. Watch a Performance at the Indiana Repertory Theatre
One of the family friendly things to do in Indianapolis is watching a performance at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. This theater offers between nine and ten performances each season, so you should be able to find at least one that interests you.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons14. Visit GRT Glass Design
There are many unique pieces of colored glass all over the world, but you can see some of the best being made at GRT Glass Design. This glass studio was founded in 1987 and you must visit during one of their Glass Play Days. It is on those days where you can make your own art glass. If you can’t make one of the special classes, you can at least go and see some of the glass they have created.
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15. Walk Along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is considered one of the best family things to do in Indianapolis. This Indianapolis attraction is eight miles long and it was created to connect neighborhoods and cultural areas. While you can walk the entire distance, your family may prefer to ride bikes from one end to the other and back again. You can even take a bike tour if you are interested in learning more about the history of the trail and everything you see along the way.
Credits: Wikipedia16. Take a Ghost Walk Tour
Ghost Walk Tours may not seem to be the most kid friendly things to do in Indianapolis, but if your kids don’t mind being slightly scared, they should love them! There are a couple different Ghost Walk Tours available, but the most popular one is the Underground Railroad Tour. If you don’t want to walk the distance, you can always try the Howling Hamilton County Bus Tour.
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17. Visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States and when you visit this Indianapolis attraction, you will learn more about his life. This memorial and museum displays photographs, exhibits, and collections of works of art. There is even a virtual tour of the “House that Ben Built”.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons18. Visit Holliday Park
Holliday Park is one of the Indianapolis attractions that has something for everyone. Within the ninety-four acres of the park, there is an arboretum, nature center, playground, and multiple walking trails. Picnics are permitted in the park and you can even barbecue in the designated areas.
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19. Visit Eagle Creek Park
As you are looking for relaxing things to do in Indianapolis for free, you are going to stumble on Eagle Creek Park. This park is more of a nature reserve and it is known for its walking paths and waterways. You can easily go hiking here and there is a beach for swimming. If you do not mind paying the fees, you can take advantage of the 36-hole golf course, as well as Bark Park and GO Ape Treetop Adventures. All those things are within this park.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons20. Play Some Tunes at Rhythm Discovery Center
The Rhythm Discovery Center is an interactive museum where you can bring the rhythm within you out in the open. There are many educational exhibits, but you will love the spaces where you can create your own music.
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21. Explore the NCAA Hall of Champions
This is one of the top 10 things to do in Indianapolis for sports fans! You will learn more than you ever thought possible about collegiate sports during your visit and can even test your knowledge with some trivia. The best part though will be shooting hoops in the gymnasium that looks like it is from the 1930s.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons22. Attend Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
One of the best Indianapolis attractions, as well as one of the amazing family things to do in Indianapolis, is the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Broadway shows are performed on stage, as you are devouring a delicious dinner. If you have younger children, you may want to consider their Children’s Theater instead.
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23. Go Karting at K1 Speed
One of the kid friendly things to do in Indianapolis is go karting at K1 Speed. The go karts racetrack is bi-level and nine hundred feet in length, so there is room for everyone in your family to take a spin.
24. Grab Some Candy and Soda at Rocket Fizz
Rocket Fizz is a shop that sells all the colorful candy and soda, as well as old -style candy. You can purchase individual pieces of candy, but we guarantee you won’t leave the store without a few bags in your hands.
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25. Visit Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
There are so many cool things to do in Indianapolis, but Conner Prairie Interactive History Park is at the top of the list. This park is over in Fishers, which is approximately twenty-five minutes from the city. There are eight hundred acres of land and you will spend time on most of it, as you learn what life was like in a real prairie town. You can even help the resident actors as they do their daily chores!
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsThese are the twenty-five things to do in Indianapolis with family. With so many family friendly things to do in Indianapolis, you will never find that anyone in your group is bored. Depending on the length of time you are in this city, you may not be able to check everything off this incredible list of things to do in Indy. However, that’s okay, because you can always return to finish up your list of cool things to do in Indianapolis in the future.
