Indianapolis Attractions
Indianapolis Attractions
 | Carter’s Antique Toy Museum 91 South Main Street Zionsville, IN • 317-733-1650 So you went to Indiana and not Disney World on vacation? The pictures of your family with the life-sized Donald Duck and Goofy, taken at this very, very fun museum won't rat you out to family and friends. Here you can ride bumper cars or an antique carousel, play on antique pinball machines and other games, all made before the 1950s. Parents may love it more than kids, but with a classic ice cream parlor on one level and serious antique collections on another, everyone should be very happy they chose Indiana over Disney. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Children's Museum of Indianapolis 300 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN • 317-334-3322 You'll know you are at the right place when you see dinosaurs on the streets of Indianapolis. Specifically, they are alamosaurus and brachiosaurus, and if you want to know the difference, come on inside to learn that and more. This, the largest childrenâs museum in the world, makes Indianapolis a premiere destination for families with kids of all ages. From a beloved, historic carousel and a maze of mirrors to climbing a 20-foot high rock wall, the Children's Museum is all about having fun, but oh, there are lessons hidden behind those dress-up costumes and funny sounds. Learn about careers in biotechnology and archeology, how Dale Chihuly made that magnificent sculpture in the lobby and what happens if you donât wash your hands. Talk with a refrigerator, dig a tunnel and make a promise to lead a powerful life. Oh, and before you leave, look for another dinosaur -- Dracorex hogwartsia -- inspired by the adventures of Harry Potter and friends. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Conner Prairie Interactive History Park 13400 Allisonville Road Fishers, IN • 317-776-6006 Spend the day with the kids playing in an 1890's-era baseball game, costumes included, or pilot an 1859 hot air balloon into the sky. Each day there are hands-on crafts from a century past, cooking classes and chores for the kids to perform, including milking cows and gathering eggs. Learn fire starting skills and how to track an animal. Saturdays are dedicated to science activities, old and new. Conner Prairie is Indiana's only Smithsonian affiliate and has won dozens of highly coveted awards for its programming. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 West 16th Street Indianapolis, IN • 317-492-6747 Although Indianapolis has so many more things to offer for people of all ages and interests, this oval track is perhaps the first image most people have of the city. Every Memorial Day Weekend, thousands descend upon the Speedway to witness one of the greatest car races in the world on a two-and-a-half-mile track. (The cars have to take 500 laps, thus its name.) In 2011, the Indianapolis 500 celebrates its 95th anniversary, so if there were ever a year to visit, this would be it. (But start making plans now for 2016!) Weekend-long activities include plenty of fun for kids of all ages outside of watching the race. Under the umbrella of the 500 Festival you can actually drive the family mini-van or SUV on the famous track on Community Day. About two weeks ahead of time is the Festival Kid's Day, the state's largest outdoor children's festival, and it's free. The Festival Parade, usually on Saturday before the race, covers a two-mile route through downtown Indianapolis and kicks off with a Character Breakfast with a variety of well-known cartoon characters making an appearance. Even if you're not a gear head or you visit when the race isn't in session, there's something to learn here and appreciate about American culture. You can tour the track, have your pictures made on Victory Lane, or more pictures made in a 2004 Dallara chassis. The Hall of Fame Museum has about 75 race cars on display at any given time, as well as trophies, uniforms, safety equipment and an amazingly simple display on the timing and scoring mechanisms used throughout the history of the race. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | NCAA Hall of Champions 700 West Washington Avenue Indianapolis, IN • 317-916-4255 The National Collegiate Athletic Association is about more than basketball and football. There are 23 sports sanctioned by the NCAA and it is here that kids of all ages can participate. The smallest of kids will simply enjoy cuddling with the many mascots and the big kids can show their stuff on the many courts and fields of activities, including simulators that put them in the games. This is a place where your children will burn some energy and learn that college is also about, well, learning. The newest exhibit focuses on the Big 10 teams, so your sports-loving kids will undoubtedly know the recent players and games spotlighted. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | White River State Park 801 West Washington Street Indianapolis, IN • 800-665-9056 No visit to Indianapolis is complete without at least one or two days of activities at this 250-acre park right smack in the middle of the city. And there's certainly enough to do here to keep your family entertained for much longer. Take a gondola ride or pedal your own boat, rent bikes, ride a Segway, have a picnic, listen to a free concert, or just let the kids run and play while you enjoy the gardens, the public art and the amazing people watching. White River State Park is home to the Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens, a baseball field, an IMAX Theatre, and Indiana State Museum, where families can learn about Indiana's history with exhibits that include a 17-foot-tall steam clock and an antique Stutz automobile. Something is always happening here and certainly enough to keep the most energetic and diverse family happy. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
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