Things To Do In Indianapolis Family

Indiana Performing Arts Centre

The mission of Indiana Performing Arts Centre is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates the African American experience, attracts diverse audiences, supports and develops African American artists, and builds the self-esteem of African American youth and showcases talent. We are increasing platforms for opportunities to perform with excellence, pride and respect for, Black heritage.

Stroll Through Garfield Park Conservatory

There’s nothing like a leisurely stroll with the ones you love. If you’re looking for a more low-key activity after an afternoon at the Indianapolis Zoo, drive 10 minutes south to the Garfield Park Conservatory. Here, among all the plants and fountains, you’ll find a variety of kid-friendly programs, including Saturday Storytime and educational creature encounters. General admission is just $2, while children 2 and under are free.

Holiday World & Splashin Safari Water Park

The city of Santa Claus, Indiana celebrates Christmas year-round, and is also the home of Holiday World, the worlds first theme park. The theme park is open seasonally and features special fall events for Halloween. While there, enjoy free sunscreen, parking, and drinks. Its a place where even an adult can feel like a kid again as you race in the parks wooden coaster or spin around on the carousel. In the summer, you can cool off in at Holiday Worlds Splashin Safari Water Park.

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Looking For Things To Do With Kids In Indianapolis

Its easy to hit the road to Indy with kids!

What if I told you its only about four hours from Grand Rapids to Indianapolis, 3 hours from Chicago? or 4.5 hours from Detroit?

And that this city is bigger than you probably imagined?

If youre looking for a new big city to explore and dont want to put too many miles on the car, head to Indianapolis with the kids.

Soldiers And Sailors Monument

Those legs may be little but think of the accomplishment they will feel when they ascend 284-feet tower to the top. After you’ve climbed those 331 steps, you will get a sweeping view of Downtown Indianapolis and beyond from the observation deck.

Cost: Admission is free to walk up but if some in your party balk at the notion, the elevator costs $2 for adults and $1 for children.

More: in.gov.

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Civil War And Gilded Age

During the American Civil War, Indianapolis was mostly loyal to the Union cause. GovernorOliver P. Morton, a major supporter of PresidentAbraham Lincoln, quickly made Indianapolis a rallying place for Union army troops. On February 11, 1861, President-elect Lincoln arrived in the city, en route to Washington, D.C. for his presidential inauguration, marking the first visit from a president-elect in the city’s history. On April 16, 1861, the first orders were issued to form Indiana’s first regiments and establish Indianapolis as a headquarters for the state’s volunteer soldiers. Within a week, more than 12,000 recruits signed up to fight for the Union.

Childrens Museum Of Indianapolis Details

• Food: An extensive food court is available along with an area of sweet treats.
• Lockers: If you want a safe place to stash your stuff, self-serve lockers are available.
• Tickets: Prices increase as the visit date approaches. Save up to 25% by buying general admission tickets at least two weeks in advance. Tickets start at $19.

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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museums mission is to preserve and share one of the worlds premier collections of automotive and motor racing vehicles and artifacts, with special emphasis on the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. Opened in Located within the famed 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, the IMS Museum collection encompasses automobiles and artifacts representing more than a century of Indianapolis 500 culture, drama and competition, plus vehicles representing NASCAR, Formula One, American short-track racing, drag racing and motorcycles.

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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Eiteljorg Museum Of American Indian And Western Art

If you love art and culture, the Eiteljorg Museum is an excellent place to stop. Its full of a wide range of art pieces and everyday objects from Native American and Western cultures. Its one of the best of its kind in the world, with many known artists, such as Andy Warhol, Charles Russell, and Georgia OKeefe. It has a diverse range of subjects for all audiences to admire. It has pieces from the 19th century and onward, so theres plenty to look at.

Watch Dolphins & Orangutans At Indianapolis Zoo

Allow half a day or more for the Indianapolis Zoo there is a lot to see and do!

Housing orangutans, dolphins, elephants, baby animals and more, this zoo ranks #7 on TripAdvisors list of things to do in Indianapolis for a reason.

Make sure you get your free tickets to the dolphin show at the entrance. Since the dolphin shows have open seating, youll want to arrive early to get a prime spot. There are splash zones, too, if you feel like getting a little wet during the 15-minute show.

When youre done watching the dolphins jump, head below and get a glimpse of them in the underwater viewing area.

Another favorite here is the International Orangutan Center, especially important since orangutans are critically endangered, with only 6,500 left in the wild. The center houses eight orangutans. The exhibit is huge, with a cathedral ceiling high enough to send my heart aflutter. This Orangutan Center is considered essential in the preservation of these apes.

As you make your way through the zoo, youll encounter many more animals to delight: tigers, polar bears, sea lions, walrus, zebra, rhinoceros, and SO many more.

There are many opportunities to purchase add-ons for your Indianapolis Zoo experience. Choose from the 4-D theater, carousel, Kmbo coaster, Skyline gondola rides, White River Junction train, the worlds LARGEST shark touch tank, bird and giraffe feedings.

Kid fun in Indianapolis Zoo is everywhere!

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Attend The Colts’ Blood Donation Party

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts host Indys largest single-day blood drive in partnership with the Indiana Blood Center, CBS4, Indiana University Health, ATI Physical Therapy, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the 20/20 Institute. At the Bleed Blue Blood Drive and Holiday Fest, you can give the gift of life by donating blood, then reap the rewards of locker room tours, meet-and-greets with the Colts cheerleaders, and more. In 2020, the usual tours, games, holiday movies, and hands-on activities will not take place. The blood drive will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 12, 2020.

Get In Some Easy Fun At Indy Glow Golf & Laser Maze

If the weather goes south and you need some indoor things to do in Indianapolis with kids, consider Glow Golf.

This downtown attraction is tucked away on Level 4 in Circle Centre Mall. Although the holes are nothing like what youd see at an outdoor putt-putt course, the was enough for 90 minutes of fun.

The facility also offers a laser maze challenge where kids are challenged: Kids be nimble, kids be quick. Escape the doldrums and into the amazing Laser Maze. As your heart races while the clock ticks, let your reflexes and agility lead the way through a luminous web of lasers at every twisting, contorting turn.

Indianapolis Glow GolfIndianapolis Things to Do: Laser Maze!

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A Tethered Ride On The 1859 Balloon Voyage

If you love unique adventures you definitely want to take a ride on the 1859 Balloon Voyage if you visit during the summer.

Even though the 1859 Balloon Voyage looks extreme, you will find that the tethered balloon ride is very kid-friendly, smooth, and relaxing.

If you get the chance to go up in the balloon you will love the views!

The average ride lasts 10-15 minutes for up to 20 people which includes ascending and descending.

The 1859 Balloon Voyage will not operate if the weather conditions are not safe.

While you are in the area, I also highly recommend visiting the aerial park at Koteewi Archery Park that has 60 treetop trails and zip lines.

Indiana State Museum Details

• Parking: Parking is available in the attached White River State Park underground parking garage on Washington Street and in nearby garages, or in the White River State Parks South Lot. For more information about other parking locations in the area, visit the Indianapolis Downtown parking site. Parking is $5 per car with the purchase of a ticket to the Indiana State Museum.
• Tickets: Adults are $17, kids ages 3-17 are $12. Grand Rapids Public Museum members, your membership gets two adults and dependent children age 21 and under into the Indiana State Museum for free. Excludes special traveling exhibits. IMAX tickets require additional fee.

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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 Commons

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 Commons

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Plan Ahead And Save On Admission To The Childrens Museum Of Indianapolis

You will want to purchase your tickets to the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis in advance for the best value and to guarantee admission on your desired date.

A general admission ticket gives you access to all 5 floors and the Riley Childrens Health Sports Legends Experience.

Visitors can save up to 25% by purchasing tickets at least 2 weeks in advance.

Parking is free at the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis. There is a large parking garage that connects with a walkway to the museum entrance.

Kurt Vonnegut Museum And Library

Indiana has always been very proud of literary great Kurt Vonneguts Indianapolis roots.

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library first opened in 2011, intending to showcase his work and pay homage to the brilliant author, free-speech advocate, icon of counter culture, war veteran, and critic.

This mini library and museum is full of information on Vonneguts many works and his fascinating life, from the moment he was born in 1922, to his time spent as a POW, to his life as an author.

You can also find letters , papers, drawings, and more among the attractions.

In addition to all of that, you can even rest in a reading room, view a recreation of Vonneguts own writing room, and see a little gallery of art.

Staff at this fun Indy spot arent just Vonnegut experts, either they genuinely believe in and advocate for her ideas.

This memorial library is one of those places to go in Indiana that you just cant miss if you love literature!

Address: 543 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States

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Turkey Run State Park

Take a family road trip and go hiking. Trail 3 at beautiful Turkey Run State Park near Rockville is the ultimate family challenge. You traverse a suspension bridge, navigate bluffs overlooking Sugar Creek, climb a set of ladders and wade a shallow stream through a narrow gorge. It’s easy enough for elementary-age children to conquer but challenging enough for parents to feel like they’ve completed a workout.

Cost: State park entrances fees are $7 in-state daily or $9 out-of-state daily.

More: turkeyrunstatepark.com.

Why We Recommend This Activity

Visiting the Indianapolis Zoo is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis with kids especially for those who enjoy seeing majestic animals and different otherworldly looking creatures.

With 64-acres of both indoor and outdoor animal exhibits and attractions, youll be able to take the kids on a trip to the wilderness for the whole day.

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Crush The Sandwich Of Your Dreams

With its wide open, two-story interior, the Indianapolis City Market is pretty much as close as restaurant fans can get to dining outdoors while avoiding the late autumn chill. The lineup of food stalls offers a virtual United Nations of cuisine, from The Tamale Place to Grecian Garden to Gomez BBQ. Wash it down with a little something from Mile Square Coffee or Twenty Two Juice.

Bike The Cultural Trail

Bike the eight-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail that connects all six of Indys cultural districts. These trails make up one of the coolest urban trail systems around and is an ideal place to explore Indianapolis on protected pathways.

Not only will you find beautiful views and landscaping, but youll pass by some unique public art to admire along the way. Be sure to check out the Pacers Bikeshare where you can borrow bikes for a $1 plus 15 cents per minute. Such a bargain.

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Things To Do In Indianapolis In April With Your Family

Sharing is caring!

Happy April! If you are in or around the city this time of year here are 5 must do things in Indianapolis in April with your family. We are excited that Spring is here. Spring in Indianapolis is the beginning of all things fun outdoors Indianapolis and getting out of the house to enjoy what Indianapolis has to offer.

Can You Pack Lunch At The Childrens Museum Of Indianapolis

Yes, you are permitted to bring your own food to eat at the museum Food Court area.

If you dont want the hassle of packing a lunch youll find plenty of options in the Food Court in the museum. There are also outside options at the Riley Childrens Health Sports Legends Experience.

Its helpful to have a food plan before you go so that you dont have to deal with meltdowns from hangry kids or adults.

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Indianapolis Indians At Victory Field

No worries if your monsters make a mess at this minor league baseball ballpark. It’s been recognized as one of the cleanest in the country, so the crumbs won’t last long. Lawn seating is ideal for kids who can’t sit still. To save some money, go on Dollar Menu Monday or Kids Eat Free Sunday.

Cost: Free for children 2 and under, $1 off for children 14 and under, $16 for box seats, $12 for reserved seats, $10 for the lawn, $2 savings if purchased in advance.

More: indyindians.com.

Hall Of Heroes Museum

Take to the skies with Superman at the Hall of Heroes Museum in Elkhart. The museum is the only Superhero and comic book museum in the world and is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the eight-decade history of superheroes in comics, toys, film, and animation. Built as a replica of the Hall of Justice from the classic Super Friends cartoon, the two-story museum features a vast array of television and movie props, vintage toys, a replica Bat Cave, Adam Wests personal Batman costume from the 1960’s television series, Batman, and the original shield from the film Captain America. Other fascinating items in the museum include over 60,000 comic books and over 100 pieces of original comic art pages from famous cartoons and comic books.

1915 Cassopolis St, Elkhart, IN 46514, Phone: 574-333-3406

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