Trip Ideas

Families

THINGS EVERY FAMILY SHOULD DO IN INDY

Master of the minivan, keeper of schedules, household peacemaker, and chauffer extraordinaire. Between ballet lessons, soccer season, and art classes, you know that vacations are a precious time for the family. You’ve perfected the art of the family escape – and know that balance is key to keeping everyone happy, from the little ones to the preteens (and something special for yourself).

Above all, you value the opportunity to spend time together without breaking the bank. Follow along as we share our recipe for your next ultimate family getaway.

MAP THIS TRIP

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The World's Biggest - And Best

In Dinosphere, step into a world dominated by tyrannosaurs and triceratops. Join a dinosaur dig and see paleontologists working on real bones
Test yourself at Sports Legends Experience, featuring 12 outside and 3 indoor exhibits

Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields

Where Imagination is Set Free

Visit Newfields's incredible 100 Acres Art & Nature Park where kids can be rambunctious and playful with art
Family Days are held the first Saturday of each month

White River State Park

250 Acres of Greenspace

Stop in one or many of the great attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, Eiteljorg Museum, and Indianapolis Indians baseball
Explore the beautiful Central Canal and get a little exercise with bike, boat, and Segway rentals

Indianapolis Zoo

zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden

Choose from presentations daily, as the macaws create an aerial ballet across the Zoo and land in the new Bicentennial Pavilion
After you witness the macaws, see amazing orangutans at the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, from mischievous Rocky to the wise Azy
Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season as you check out the spectacular light displays at Christmas at the Zoo

Conner Prairie

Interactive History Museum

Experience some of the coolest and most unique history lessons you will ever have
Step into Saint Nick's home and enjoy a hearty breakfast and dinner with Santa Claus
Pique your curiosity with Conner Prairie by Candelight, a family-friendly walking tour which illuminates the holiday season

Indiana Historical Society

The Indiana Experience

The History Center typically has three “You Are There” experiences where the people, place and times depicted in the photo come to life
Explore You Are There 1863: Letter Home from Gettysburg, based on the eyewitness account of Captain David Enoch Beem of the 14th Indiana Infantry Regiment
Visit Indianapolis Colts - The Exhibit to see how the team embodies the values, drive and heart of the city they call home

NCAA Hall of Champions

Find Your Inner Champion

Expose your kids to 24 different sports, including ones they may not know much about like field hockey or water polo
Challenge your kids to a game of HORSE on the authentic Hoosier-style basketball court
Parents, check out your alma mater or favorite university team and all of their sporting accomplishments

The Escape Room

Next Level Family Game Night

Interactive, adventure game in downtown Indy
The concept: you and your team are locked in a themed room where you have 60 minutes to discover the key to escaping the room
Choose from five unique rooms: KGB Interrogation, Jail Break, Hoosier Hysteria, Bank Heist, and Art Gallery

Eiteljorg Museum

The national story-teller of the Native American experience

Families enjoy sitting in a real stagecoach, hearing the story of Wasgo the Sea Monster at the two-story totem, and sitting on a bear skin in a real wigwam
One of ony two American Indian museums east of the Mississippi River

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

A Dining Experience for the Whole Family

Finding a restaurant that makes everyone happy can be tough – especially when traveling. Follow along as we share some of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Racing Lore, Cars, and Tours

Open year round, the IMS Museum showcases the cars and drivers of history and today
Take the Grounds Tour to get access to kiss the famed bricks
Make plans to attend the Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and Red Bull Air Race

Parks in Indy

Burn off excess energy

When fresh air is calling your family's name, Indianapolis is here to deliver. From hiking to biking to ziplining, here’s our guide to exploring the outdoors and enjoying the top parks in Indy.

PARKS IN INDIANAPOLIS

Indiana State Museum

Discover the Hoosier Heartland

The place to get grounded in everything Indiana
Go around the buildings perimeter to discover 92 county-specific art objects
Check out Science at Play to explore the many facets of these miniature laboratories for children

Trip Ideas for Families