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

Indy Attraction Pass

With so many attractions to see, why limit yourself to one? The Indy Attraction Pass offers the opportunity to maximize your experience at a budget-friendly price.

Choose a 1-day pass (starting at $37) or 3-day pass (starting at $65) to access eight of Indy's most iconic attractions.

INDY ATTRACTION PASS

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.
See amazing orangutans at the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, from mischievous Rocky to the wise Azy.

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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 Victory Field, home of the 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.
Explores how Eva Kor's life and legacy as it teaches us about the horrors of the Holocaust, the realities of antisemitism, and the power of an individual to make change.

Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields

Where Imagination is Set Free

Expansive galleries combine with lush grounds to stimulate the senses.
Visit Newfields' incredible 100 Acres Art & Nature Park where kids can be playful with art.

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

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.

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 three indoor exhibits.

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 and kiss the famed bricks.
Check out the "Roadsters 2 Records" exhibit and connect with the innovative history of racing.

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 "Major Taylor - Fastest Cyclist in the World" in an interactive experience.

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