THINGS EVERY MODERN FAMILY SHOULD DO IN INDY

Master of the minivan, keeper of schedules, household peacemaker, and chauffer extraordinaire. Between ballet lessons, football 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.

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
Experience life on the International Space Station at new permanent exhibit, Beyond Spaceship Earth
Meet performers and “walk” a virtual reality tightrope at Circus - Starring YOU!

Six places to see Fireworks in Indy
Fourth of July

It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July in Indy without seeing downtown skyline light up with booming fireworks. But that’s not the only place you can catch a show that night. Here are six places where you can see displays in and around the Circle City.

White River State Park
250 Acres of Attractions and 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
Wear stylish 3-D glasses and see cool movies at the IMAX Theater, located inside the Indiana State Museum

Magnificent Macaws
Indianapolis Zoo

Three flocks of macaws will be in free flight, traveling around and outside the Zoo
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

Mini Golf at the IMA
Indianapolis Museum of Art

Sort of like a sport. But easy.
Putt though 18 holes designed by local and regional artists
Each hole is inspired by the natural world, to tie in with IMA’s campus-wide celebration of nature

Conner Prairie
Where Science, Art, and Nature Live on the Edge of History

Time travel to 1836 and meet the folks of Prairietown, review your ‘rithmetic at the schoolhouse, and get your ailments assessed by Doc Campbell
Take your kids up, up, and away on a tethered balloon ride overlooking the Prairie
Climb your way to a new perspective at the brand-new Treetop Outpost

Indiana Historical Society
Indiana’s Storyteller Showcasing the Hoosier 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 the Camp Atterbury “You Are There” experience that focuses on the POWs who built a chapel on the grounds of Atterbury for worship
Discover Destination Indiana and its thousands of historic photos

Indianapolis Museum of Art
Where Imagination is Set Free

Visit the IMA’s incredible 100 Acres Art & Nature Park where kids can be rambunctious and playful with the art scattered throughout, like shooting hoops at Free Basket
Have the kids create their own artwork and release their inner creativity at the IMA Star Studio
Family Days are held the first Saturday of each month

Aquatic Centers in Indianapolis

Sometimes an inflatable pool just won’t do the trick. Luckily for Indianapolis, there are several options to enjoy the heat of summer while having a blast.

WATER PARKS IN INDY

NCAA Hall of Champions
Find Your Inner Champion by Connecting with College’s Best

Kids love sports, all types of sports. 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
Keep your game on and explore other attractions in White River State Park

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 of American Indians and Western Art
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
After your visit, stop by other nearby attractions in White River State Park

Embassy Suites Downtown
The Extra Room Families Need

The rooms are all suites, which means families have that all important extra elbow room for comfort
Breakfast is included in the price (and for adults, you’ll like the complimentary manager’s reception each evening)
The hotel is connected to Circle Centre mall for shopping and eating options

CLICK FOR MORE HOTEL OPTIONS

Indianapolis Indians
America's Favorite Pastime

America’s pastime - baseball - is played at Victory Field with the downtown skyline as a backdrop
Free fireworks show after every Friday home game and 2-for-1 Ticket Tuesdays
Meet your favorite villains and super heros at five Super Hero Nights this season
Come early for pre-game enrichment at any of the educational attractions in White River State Park

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, and their remarkable stories of stamina, grit and desire for victory
Go behind the scenes with the Grounds Tour, even getting out on the famed track to kiss the bricks
Shop at the gift store for cool Indy 500 and NASCAR apparel, jewelry, toys and more
Make your plans to attend the Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and Red Bull Air Race at the world’s most famous racing venue

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
Explore Nature Unleashed to learn about storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and tsunamis
After your visit, check out some of the other nearby exhibits located in White River State Park