Indianapolis, or Indy, as it is colloquially known, is the capital and the most populous city of Indiana. It is known for its historical landmarks, cultural events, sporting extravaganzas, and even spooky walks. From art centers to the world’s largest kids’ museum, it has something for every age group.
So, wondering what to do in Indianapolis? Here are some of the things to do in Indianapolis during your trip to the city.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
This motor speedway is the world’s largest sports venue, with a track that is 2.5 miles long. The oval-shaped track has been given the nickname “Brickyard”.
The motor speedway museum is located on the grounds and houses the Hall of Fame, which is dedicated to automobiles and auto racing. This Hall of Fame exhibits trophies, memorabilia, and actual winning cars.
You can enjoy guided tours in shuttles, pace cars, or an Indycar, which includes stops at the victory platform and the garage area known as the Gasoline Alley. This is surely one place that your family, especially kids, will enjoy a lot.
Address: 4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA | Timing: Visit https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/ for more information | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uSjM57ZUwUMX5SSj7 | Phone Number: +1 317-492-8500
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
One of the main Indianapolis attractions, this is the largest children’s museum in the world. It has five floors of exhibit halls housing more than 120,000 artifacts and items.
The place also houses an antique carousel, a steam locomotive, and Dale Chihuly’s glass sculpture called Fireworks of Glass Tower and Ceiling. It features over 3,200 pieces of blown glass and hangs in the middle of the atrium.
The Dino Hub, which has a simulated dinosaur display and fossils, is extremely popular. With so much to see and enjoy and a number of exhibits to keep your family engaged, a visit to this place is one of the must things to do in Indianapolis.
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Address: 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA | Timing: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm| Google Map Location: https://g.page/TCMIndy?share | Phone Number: +1 317-334-4000
Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie is a living history farm and museum just a 25-minute drive from the city. It is an 800-acre property, which is ideal for family activities. It gives you an experience of life in the old prairie towns.
When everyone is always busy, spending a day here will bring you closer to your family. Here, enjoy doing the daily chores without the help of modern technology.
At Conner Prairie, you can also participate in activities such as making a windmill or building a plane model. The interactive theater is very immersive and will give you the feeling of actually traveling back in time.
Address: 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038, USA | Timing: Thursday to Sunday: 10: 00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TNXHeMo4b2KXTssb9 | Phone Number: +1 317-776-6000
Indianapolis Zoo
This 64-acre site houses more than 3,800 animals of more than 320 species and has an aquarium, zoological park, and a botanical garden.
The zoo is located in White River State Park and is organized into biomes, meaning areas of the planet with similar climates, plants, and animals. It is famous for its dolphin pavilion and has an Underwater Dolphin Dome where they can be viewed from under the water.
The zoo is also actively involved in conservation and research programs. This is surely a place where the kids in the family will enjoy watching exotic animals such as Asian Elephants, penguins, kangaroos, camels, and many more.
Address: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA| Timing: Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm|Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7myF6xpWqEktcVRp9| Phone Number: +1 317-630-2001
Explore the native and Western Art at the Eiteljorg Museum
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has an extensive collection of works by Native Americans and also Western American paintings and sculptures. In fact, the collection here has been named one of the best in the world.
In addition to the permanent collections, you will also get to enjoy temporary special exhibitions. The center also conducts a number of educational programs and workshops for visitors and offers the prestigious Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship.
Take your family and kids for a visit to this place to inculcate the love for the finer things in life.
Address: 500 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA | Timing: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday: 12 – 5 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/u5FKuFvjFiJpWR6YA | Phone Number: +1 317-636-9378
Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens
Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens is the former home and estate of J. K. Lilly Junior. It has now been restored into a historic house museum. Situated on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Arts, it has 26 acres of well-maintained formal and informal gardens.
Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens was named as a National Historic Landmark in 2003. It features many plants and habitats, including the Orchard, Ravine, Rain, and Four Seasons gardens.
You can stroll around this magnificent garden with family, enjoying the beauty and admiring the sculptures placed.
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Address: 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA | Timing: Visit https://discovernewfields.org/ for more information | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/34eSfcz9vnYzqKNW9 | Phone Number: +1 317-923-1331
Take a Catacombs Tour
This is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis. These catacombs are underground passages, including Roman-looking brick archways, and were once a part of the Tomlinson Hall that was destroyed in a fire.
These are located under the Whistler Plaza of the City Market. There are 30 minutes-tours organized on various days of the week for you to join and explore these remains.
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Address: 222 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA | Timing: Timing: Visit https://www.indianalandmarks.org/ for more information | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HZJaMYYChP4r9VDD6 | Phone Number: +1 317-639-4534
Dallara IndyCar Factory
A visit to the Dallara Indycar Factory will be the highlight of your tour if you are a sports car fanatic. Dallara is the sole supplier of these four-wheelers’ chassis. The factory at Indianapolis is a fun and interactive place, displaying the history of the company and about these cars.
You and your family can take a ride at the Street Legal Indycar 2-Seater at the tracks of the speedway. Dallara Indycar Factory has simulators that give you a chance to feel the adrenaline rush of car races.
Its Interactive Zone explains the evolution of the Dallara IndyCar, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and material and safety used. You can tour the factory to watch skillful technicians at work.
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Address: 1201 N Main St, Speedway, IN 46224, USA | Timing: Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CHP2Jr3QywKErUM39 | Phone Number: +1 317-243-7171
Duckpin Bowling
At this duckpin bowling, the pins are shorter and fatter and the ball is slightly larger than the softball. The point system of this game is also a little different.
You can enjoy duckpin bowling at the Action and Atomic Duckpin Bowling, which has a restored 1930s interior. You can go here on a date or with friends and family to have fun with a lot of food options.
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Address: 1105 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA | Timing: Tuesday and Wednesday: 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Thursday: 1: 00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday: 1:00 pm to 12:00 am, Saturday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am, Sunday: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2pdXzRwJEbVrftrs9 | Phone Number: +1 317-686-6006
NCAA Hall of Champions
The NCAA Hall of Champions is a museum and exhibition center. NCAA stands for National Collegiate Athletic Association, which has a membership of over 1,000 colleges and universities and more than 400,000 student-athletes.
The Hall of Champions has exhibits where you can understand what it takes to make the cut to the NCAA. The facility is divided into two levels. On the first level, all twenty-four NCAA sports are represented. It also has some artifacts and trivia challenges for you to test your knowledge.
On the second level, you can shoot hoops in a gymnasium and even attempt the ski simulator. It is a complete interactive area where you can have a lot of fun with your family.
Address: White River State Park, 700 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA | Timing: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fwd514dj2GzZpQUq9 | Phone Number: +1 317-916-4255
Lucas Oil Stadium
The Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium that hosts football games, concerts, and other activities. It covers approximately 1.8 million square feet and has a seating capacity of 67,000.
It is the home field of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts after it replaced the RCA Dome. Even if there is no event to attend at the stadium, you can tour this massive complex, check out the various shops within its interiors, or just grab a bite at the restaurants. You can also host an event at the venue with a little bit of negotiation and get services there.
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Address: 500 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA | Timing: Visit https://www.lucasoilstadium.com/ for more information | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nrnL3VfVw8AFirwn7 | Phone Number: +1 317-262-8600
Go Karting at K1 Speed
Want to experience the thrill of racing? K1 Speed offers you that unforgettable experience. It has high-performance go-karts for both adults and kids and has a 900-feet track for you to let yourself have a lot of fun.
The venue also allows you to host various occasions and corporate events. It has a snack bar and also a wonderful collection of racing souvenirs.
There is also a separate gaming area for those who do not wish to go-kart. They also provide racing lessons for you to learn all about the tracks and increase your lap performance.
Address: 9998 E 121st St, Fishers, IN 46037, USA | Timing: Monday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, Saturday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am, Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iED6R6juzBiRmqux9 | Phone Number: +1 317-348-1176
White River State Park
This is America’s only cultural urban state park. As the name suggests, it is located near the banks of the White River and provides a unique blend of natural and cultural attractions.
It boasts 250 acres of an area where you can spend an ideal day with family and kids by enjoying a picnic or just unwinding. You may also tour the place on bikes or go boating or kayaking in the river.
It also has an outdoor concert venue and an amphitheater.
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Address: 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA | Timing: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7n7qA8DyHYstYzcw9 | Phone Number: +1 317-233-2434
Crown Hill Cemetery
Crown Hill Cemetery is the third-largest cemetery in America and has more than 200,000 graves, many of which are the resting places of Civil War soldiers. There are private and public walking tours of the cemetery.
While this place may not be ideal for an outing with family and kids, it offers a wonderful view of the city, thus getting its name “The Crown”. The grounds are also home to more than a hundred species of plants.
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Address: 700 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA | Timing: Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZDX8wF5qJxfV84kZ6 | Phone Number: +1 317-925-3800
Lockerbie Square Historic District
The Lockerbie Square Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is noted for its Italianate and Queen Anne-style architecture. The place has vernacular cottages along with stylish brick residences from the 19th century.
The most famous house in the district is that of the renowned poet James Whitcomb Riley. His home is also a National Historic Landmark. You can take a guided tour through the district, which will take you past twenty-five historic residences. Your family and children will surely enjoy it.
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Address: 342-332 N Park Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA| Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oGPMnjNAUEGhYfjK6
The Magical Veal’s Ice Tree
If you are wondering what to do in Indianapolis during the winter weekends, then visiting Veal’s Ice Tree is the answer to your question. The ice tree is made from the waters of a nearby pond and is magical, to say the least.
The sculpting of this tree requires temperatures below the freezing point for seven to ten consecutive days and nights. You can either get out of your vehicle to take pictures or just drive by, enjoying this magical view. Treat your family, especially kids, with a visit to this place.
Address: 6445 Mimosa Ln, Indianapolis, IN 46259, USA | Timing: Visit https://vealsicetree.wixsite.com for more information | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GbqoxG6qqDZXLW978 | Phone Number: +1 317-989-3132
Rhythm! Discovery Center
Come to the Rhythm Discovery Center to discover a whole new world of music and culture. It is the world’s only percussion museum with instruments from across the globe.
The exhibits are interactive and highlight the rich collection. You can even play the drums to find your beat.
The center offers you an unmatched experience where you can learn about playing techniques and enjoy performances by local and national artists. If you are a family of music lovers, visiting this place is absolutely fun!
Address: Claypool Court Building, 110 W Washington St A, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA | Timing: Monday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fsLyesxFBTttGTWp9 | Phone Number: +1 317-275-9030
Indiana Medical History Museum
The Indiana Medical History Museum is the oldest surviving pathology lab in the country and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
It contains an autopsy room library, a photography room, and an anatomical museum, which has specimens preserved in jars. The museum initially represented the start of scientific psychiatry and concentrated on the causes of mental illnesses.
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Address: 3270 Kirkbride Way, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA | Timing: Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EFq12zWtDKAwVSDk7 | Phone Number: +1 317-635-7329
Visit the only Doctor Who Museum & Store in USA
Who North America is a heaven for Doctor Who fans, the longest-running Science Fiction TV program ever. It all started when Keith Bradbury, a fan of the series, thought of catering to other American fans’ needs.
This place aims to bring together the many fans who can hang out together, discuss, shop, play games, have fun, and enjoy the series together. The shop has many DVDs, costumes, games, miniatures, and books.
The museum features the shop’s private collection of memorabilia from the show. It hosts regular open warehouse events as well. Make sure to check out this amazing place with your family.
Address: 8901 South State Rd 67, Camby, IN 46113, USA | Timing: Monday: 11 am – 4 pm, Tuesday- Thursday: 11 am – 6 pm, Friday-Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/whona?share | Phone Number: +1 317-481-8189
GRT Glass Design
This design and manufacturing studio produces high-end custom commercial glass with unique designs and details. They also ship and install glass products around the world apart from providing high-quality architectural glass for buildings.
The place also provides an opportunity for visitors to make their own designs through glass blowing classes by experienced instructors. The glass-blowing experience should surely make it to your stuff to do in Indianapolis list. A must-visit with family for absolute fun.
Address: 6400 S Brookville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46219, USA | Timing: Monday to Friday: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/L2jsZbuxqjUhe3tz5 | Phone Number: +1 317-353-6369
Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA)
Thinking about things to do in Indianapolis this weekend? Well, visit its Museum of Art. Spread over 152 acres, it was renamed as Newfields in 2017.
It is the eighth largest encyclopedic museum in the country and has over 54,000 works of art, including American, Asian, African, and European pieces. It is one of the major Indianapolis attractions.
The center aims to promote art by organizing various events, festivals, and performances. It also offers online classes, lectures, and film screenings. A visit to this place with family is definitely an ‘Indianapolis thing to do’.
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Address: 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA | Timing: Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dyYz2Fhcp5XiVVZM7 | Phone Number: +1 317-923-1331
Watch a show at Indiana Repertory Theatre
This professional regional theatre hosts nine to ten shows per season on two different stages. Here, the artists perform in multiple shows at once. The most famous production of the theatre is Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”.
The theatre’s goal is to produce top-quality shows that surprise, challenge and entertain the audience. It makes constant efforts to reach viewers of all age groups. It also hosts play-writing competitions—a good place to visit with your family.
Address: 140 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA | Timing: Visit https://www.irtlive.com/ for more information | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nBk9HqHU5s18f7a39 | Phone Number: +1 317-635-5277
Indiana Historical Society
If you are a history buff, do visit this place. It is one of the largest and oldest centers in the country for learning about Indiana and its history.
It maintains archives and also aims at teaching future generations about their heritage and history. The society publishes books and periodicals and organizes lectures in this regard.
It even has costumed historical interpreters, who would take you back in time. You can also enjoy the songs of Cole Porter, the famous Indiana composer, through an artist who performs them on request. The venue organizes various events and art exhibitions from time to time. Visit this place with your family.
Address: 450 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA | Timing: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm| Google Map Location: https://g.page/indiana-historical-society-in?share | Phone Number: +1 317-232-1882
Witness some raw talent at Naptown Roller Derby
The Naptown Roller Derby is a women’s competitive derby league. It has three teams that compete at different levels, namely, Tornado Sirens and Warning Belles and the Third Alarm.
The derby shows the girls’ strength, savagery, and stamina where they attempt to knock off the competition out of the race. The Naptown Roller Derby is a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.
Watching these girls play such a competitive game will surely leave you full of energy and motivation.
Address: 456 N Meridian St, Suite 44221, Indianapolis, IN 46204 | Timing: Visit https://www.naptownrollerderby.com/ for more details
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Riding the cultural trail is one of the most fun things to do in Indianapolis. It is a beautifully landscaped 8.1-mile long path and connects a number of cultural districts, entertainment areas, and neighborhoods.
You will also find many restaurants and shops along the way. The path has distinct tinted concrete pavers, which make it identifiable. Signs and lights are also consistent throughout the trail.
It is one of the best ways to experience all that the city has to offer. It will take you to every significant art, sports, and entertainment venue downtown. You can either opt to walk or take a guided bike tour.
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Address: 132 W Walnut St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA | Timing: Visit https://indyculturaltrail.org/ for more information | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RDq1CMVFRckMogx4A | Phone Number: +1 317-653-1948
Take the spooky Historic Indiana Ghost Walks & Tours
The Historic Indiana Ghost Walks and Tours are organized by the city’s most accomplished paranormal researchers and investigators. They offer various tours around the year.
The walking tours last almost two hours. The tours take you to some of the most haunted territories of central Indiana. The popular events are Nefarious Noblesville Ghost Walk and Haunted Underground Railroad Westfield.
Though ghost sightings are not guaranteed, many people claim to have experienced some weird things. If you want company, take your family sans the little ones along.
Timing: Visit https://www.unseenpress.com/ for more details | Google Map Location: https://g.page/unseenpress?share | Phone Number: +1 317-840-6456
Naptown Stomp
Naptown Stomp is devoted to teaching and spreading interest in vintage swing dances such as Lindy Hop. It is run by a group of volunteers who have a great passion for dance, especially swing dance forms.
Here, the traditional forms are taught, and if you have taken ballroom lessons earlier, you may find the teachings here a bit different. They organize various club events and also have skilled instructors who can offer you individual lessons.
The center hosts open dance shows weekly to encourage people to dance the night away. They also have various performances for everyone to enjoy.
Address: 1305 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA | Timing: Visit http://www.naptownstomp.org/ for more information | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EKbTnd8swWkyvjG67
The array of activities the city has to offer is varied. You can enjoy art, culture, history, nature, food and also sports in this city. We hope our list helps you choose your places of interest and have a memorable trip.