Top Spots to Visit in Indianapolis with Kids

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.

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.

Beth Wood said:  Take your family to Mug-N-Bun Drive In to experience over 50 years of history. Known for their huge tenderloins, hand-dipped onion rings, secret coney sauce, signature homemade rootbeer and milkshakes. There is something on the menu for everyone! You can go for the whole drive-in experience and dine in your car or choose to dine at the outdoor picnic area. An indoor dining area has also been added to the restaurant. Any way you choose to dine, you're in for quite the experience!

Serving lunch and dinner

Beth Wood said:  Broad Ripple Visit is a charming and well known neighborhood north of downtown Indianapolis settled along the White River that is known for its mix of restaurants, bars and clubs. It is also home to art galleries and great local shopping. Broad Ripple Village is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening exploring!

Beth Wood said:  NCAA stands for National Committee of Athletics Association and represents college athletes from around the U.S. The Hall of Champions museum offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors and create a true-to-life understanding of what it takes to become a college athlete. All 24 NCAA sports are featured and exhibit current team rankings, video highlights, and artifacts donated from colleges around the nation. You'll also find a fully interactive area to compete virtually and hands-on through sports simulators.

Kristy Pepping said:  If you're looking to expose your kids to a little bit of history while on a visit to Indy, head to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The 23rd president built the home in 1874-1875. Except for his U.S. Senate and presidential years, he lived in the home until he died in 1901. The site rotates exhibits often so there is always something new to see.

Dawn Denning said:  See some of the greatest tourist attractions in downtown Indianapolis from a Segway! The Segway tour will take you passed the NCAA Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, Military Park and the 250+ acre White Water State Park. Your family can learn about the history and best parts of Indianapolis. Book online.