Indianapolis Staycation Ideas For Families

Beth Wood said:  The Indianapolis Zoo connects visitors with animals and plants in their biomes: deserts, encounters, forests, oceans and plains. These five areas house around 230 species of animals and about 2,000 varieties of plants together in simulated natural habitats. You can also experience various animal chats and feeding experiences, a dolphin show, carousel ride, Junction train ride, 4-D theater, skyline, the Kombo family coaster ride, race-a-cheetah activity and much more.

Beth Wood said:  Newfields sits on a 152-acre campus that includes galleries, the Oldfields – Lilly House & Gardens and The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the nation and has been an important part of the cultural landscape of the city of Indianapolis for nearly 130 years. It offers more than 54,000 works spanning 5,000 years. A wonderful place to explore both art and nature.

Beth Wood said:  Indy is the home of IndyCar Racing so a stop at the Dallara Indy Car Factory is a must do for any racing fan! Explore 23,000 square feet of interactive and hands-on exhibits centered around the engineering and technology of the world's fastest sport! On your visit, check out current IndyCar blueprints and design concepts, sit behind the wheel of a real IndyCar and race using iRacing, get your picture taken with the current IndyCar, see IndyCars being made in person and much more.

Beth Wood said:  Does your child want to become a firefighter when they grow up? Be sure to visit the Indianapolis Fire Fighters Museum & Memorial Plaza. This museum is dedicated to Indianapolis Fire Department history and firefighting history in general. Visitors can see a hand pumper, horse drawn hose cart, horse drawn steam pumper and more.

Beth Wood said:  Step back in time to the 1800's and experience what life was like back then. Explore and interact throughout a variety of amazing outdoor and indoor exhibits: 1836 Prairietown, 1863 Civil War Journey, 1859 Balloon Voyage (take a ride!), Lenape Indian Camp, Animal Encounters, William Conner House, Treetop Outpost. Craft Corner, Discovery Station and more. Conner Prairie offers family fun and learning for visitors of all ages. Conner Prairie offers special events for visitors so be sure to check their calendar of events.

Kristy Pepping said:  Nine Lives is Indy’s first cat cafe! If your kids love cats, stop here for an afternoon break. They have coffee and tea for the parents and local sweets for the whole family. If part of your family is allergic or does not like cats, there is also a cat-free cafe area. They strongly suggest reservations. And if you really have a cat lover in the family -- watch out! All of the cats are adoptable!

Beth Wood said:  Rhythm Discovery Center is the world’s foremost drum and percussion museum. It was founded by the Percussive Arts Society in 2009. Rhythm features interactive exhibits highlighting a rich collection of historic artifacts and hands-on percussion instruments.

Beth Wood said:  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located on the grounds of "The Greatest Race Course in the World" and offers 36,000 square feet dedicated to automobiles and auto racing. The museum's collection includes race cars from many series including IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula One, Sprint, Midget, motorcycle races and drag racing. The museum offers 2 gift shops and the tracks retail photography shop. A must see for any racing fan.

Dawn Denning said:  Take an up close and personal look at one of the most exciting venues in Indianapolis. The tour includes a visit on the playing field, an NFL locker room, the press box and other places around the stadium. The walking tour will last around 75 minutes and include multiple features and amenities of Lucas Oil Stadium.

Typically 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday

Beth Wood said:  Tibbs is the last standing drive-in in Indianapolis and is located on the southwest side of Indianapolis. 4 different screens show 2 movies every weekend. All sound is transmitted via the FM radio in your vehicle (a portable radio is suggested if you plan on sitting outside of your vehicle). Tibbs recommends arriving at least up to an hour prior to showtime to ensure the best possible parking. Tibbs also suggests bringing cash to help the lines move quickly! Full concession stand on-site!

Admission: adults (13+): $11, kids (4-12): $6, & kids under 4 are free

Friday - Sunday: 7:30 pm - close

Beth Wood said:  Go on a guided tour of the Garfield Conservatory at Garfield Park where you can learn about interesting plants and their history.

Cost: included with admission, $2 per person

2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm

Beth Wood said:  Voted one of the top Children's Museums in the nation several years in a row, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is definitely a MUST do. The museum features five floors of exhibits and interactive learning activities in the arts, world cultures, sciences and humanities. They offer over 120,000 artifacts that help kids learn in extraordinary ways.

Beth Wood said:  Traders Point Creamery is Indiana's first certified organic dairy farm and is well known for their dairy products such as yogurt, milk and ice cream. This family-owned, 100% grassfed dairy farm and creamery hopes to reconnect people to their food and where it comes from. Visitors can experience brunch, lunch and dinner at The Loft Restaurant, get ice cream or milk shakes at The Dairy Bar, take self guided or private guided farm tours, watch the farmers milk the cows and much more.

Kristy Pepping said:  The National Committee of Athletics Association represents college athletes from around the U.S. This museum has two-levels of interactive exhibits to engage visitors and create a true-to-life understanding of what it takes to become a college athlete. The first level has all 24 NCAA sports and include a novice to historian trivial challenge, current team rankings, video highlights, and artifacts donated from colleges around the nation. The second level, is a fully interactive area to compete virtually and hands-on through sports simulators.

Tickets: Adults $5 and Kids $3

Beth Wood said:  The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is the only museum of its kind in the Midwest and only one of two museums east of the Mississippi that explores both Native America and the American West. The Eiteljorg offers engaging exhibits that show high quality Western Art as well as Native American art and cultural objects. With three floors of exhibits, an interactive children's area, a cafe and special events occurring year round, the Eiteljorg is a must visit spot while you're in Indianapolis.

Tickets: Adults $13, Youth $7