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

GETAWAY TO YOUR CAPITAL CITY

HOTELS UP TO 50% OFF FOR INDIANA RESIDENTS

Take a break and make memories close to home
Top outdoor attractions, parks, patio dining, and more
Hotel deals available July 3-September 7

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

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The World's Largest - And Best

In the 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.
Travel to the many islands of Greece with Take Me There: Greece.

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

Conner Prairie

Interactive History Museum

Experience some of the coolest and most unique history lessons you will ever have
There's always a different perspective to be seen in the 1859 Balloon Voyage hot air balloon
Meet your favorite barn friends at Animal Encounters now through October

White River State Park

250 Acres of Greenspace

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

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 1915: Madam C.J. Walker, Empowering Women, and meet the woman who built a beauty empire in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields

Where Imagination is Set Free

Visit Newfields' 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.

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

Eiteljorg Museum

The national storyteller 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 Native American 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

The IMS Museum showcases the cars and drivers who have made Indy 500 history
Take the Grounds Tour to get access to kiss the famed bricks
Through November, check out the "Mario Andretti: ICON" exhibit for a journey through global motorsports

Indiana State Museum

Discover the Hoosier Heartland

The place to get grounded in everything Indiana.
Go around the building's perimeter to discover 92 county-specific art objects.
Check out the “Very Eric Carle" exhibit and step into colorful adventures of beloved author/illustrator Eric Carle, including the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

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

Trip Ideas for Families