Things to do with kids in Indianapolis

Things to do with kids in Indianapolis

1. Eat

   A2Z Cafe

   Named after the owners and their child (Asraf, Antonio and Zulma) A2Z offers up tasty breakfast and lunch dishes. From oatmeal to crepes, omelettes and "build your own" breakfast, to babba ganouche and Divine Salmon Cake salad. Warm, friendly environment for families and friends alike.

2. Eat

   Ambrosia

   Located in Broad Ripple, a family establishment for just that, and for romantic night outs, gatherings, and so forth. Owned by a tiny Italian lady who has kept it in the family since she moved here so long ago. Great Italian food and a bar next door. Great outdoor dining. Dress cute, jeans are very lame to wear here, and enjoy a nice, relaxing, homemade Italian meal. Elegant and light decor, Ambrosia is also a staple place to visit for visiting racecar drivers.

3. Do

   Broad Ripple Park

   Broad Ripple park was established in 1946 as an amusement park on the White River. The park features a family center, swimming pool, playground, fitness trail, baseball diamond, tennis courts and boating. They have a great dog park, which does require a pass and proof of recent dog vaccinations. Everyday tons of dogs and their owners play in a well kept, fenced area. It can get very muddy when rainy or snowy. It's within walking distance of Broad Ripple Village. Activities are free, dog pass rates vary.

4. Drink

   Buck Creek Winery

   This family-run farm winery has 4 acres of vineyard on over 12 acres of farm land in the southeast corner of Indianapolis. There are 13 grape varieties are grown on the property. The winery offers free wine tasting and tours of the processing room and vineyard.

5. Eat

   Capri

   Locally owned Italian restaurant that is one of the stars of the city. The family is from Naples, and the food is fresh and delectable. Dine in the bar—a dark wooden collection of comfy couches and a few televisions. Live music all week and a nice wine list.

6. See

   Garfield Park Conservatory

   Located inside of Garfield Park, the Conservatory houses of plants from all over the world. The Sunken Gardens, built in 1916, are of European classical formal gardens. Gardens change based on the season.

   Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 1–5PM (closed Mon)·$1, with $1 per person guided tours. Shows are $3 per person or $8 per family

7. Do

   Get involved with improv theater Comedy Sportz

   A hilarious way to spend an evening. Comedy Sportz takes ideas thrown up from the audience and throws them into wacky and weird skits. They have all ages and 17+ performances. Drinks and snacks are served.

   $14 adults, $12 students & seniors, $6 kids 5–11, under 4 free.

8. Eat

   Greek Islands

   Opened in the late 1980s by the Stergiopoulos (is that Greek enough for you?) family, Greek Islands offers great Greek dining in a small, cozy atmosphere featuring art, pictures and a feeling of being right at home with the family. Everything is freshly prepared by the family everyday and they have belly dancers. Vegetarian friendly.

9. See

   Harrison Center for the Arts

   Gallery, art center, and conservatory. Check out four art galleries, 36 personal studios, VSA Arts, and the beautiful Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Punk and ska bands play in the basement on weekends and on First Fridays they open their doors to good sized crowds of local art lovers who wander the halls drinking, eating, and checking out art and music. Great place to check out local art and local people in a family-friendly environment.

   Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM, open on first Fridays until 9PM·Free

10. Buy

    Haus Love

    Great clothing, housewares and furniture shop for women and children. Very cool clothes from all over the world. Great place for shabby chic fans.

11. See

    Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium

    It's one of the largest public observatories in the world, and the Cassegrain telescope is the largest in Indiana. Weekend tours are available only, since students use the observatory during the week. Private tours are also available.

    Check website or call for times·$3, $2 children, cash only

12. Do

    Holliday Park

    One of the oldest and coolest parks in town. Planted right on the White River with swamps, ponds, wildflower gardens, birdwatching sanctuaries, a renovated nature center, sculpture garden, and countless wildlife and plant life. In the warm months parents take their kids to play on the best playground in the city, and locals picnic, lay out, read and host family gatherings at the extensive parkland. A great place to wade and collect rocks too. 95 acres of trails and woodland, a must see.

13. Eat

    Iaria's

    An Indiana tradition, Iaria's is where you go when you're craving mom's homemade Italian. Since 1933 the Iaria's have owned this Italian gem. With its amazing building—neon lights greet you in and out, mirrored walls and teeny bathrooms—have been a staple in the city. This is the place joints like Buca Di Beppo base their restaurant on. Family style portions, the biggest "wall of celeb photos" in the city, and the biggest and best meatballs available outside of mom's kitchen. Vegetarian friendly.

14. See

    Indianapolis Zoo

    Home to the Dolphin Adventures Gallery and Dome. The underwater dolphin viewing dome is the first of its kind (and free with admission). The "Oceans" exhibit features a shark touch tank. Other areas include the Plains, the Forest, the Desert, botanical insects, and a petting zoo. Check out different animal talks throughout the day. There are opportunities to feed and ride some animals for an extra charge. Amusement rides such as the small roller coaster, carousel and train are extra, too. Zoo grounds are a non-smoking environment. Hours vary depending on the time of the year, please visit the website for details. The Zoo also incorporates White River State Park, with over of gardens and pathways along the White River and the Hilbert Conservatory, which is the showplace for different flowers, plants, and special attractions (such as butterflies) throughout the year.

    Wed-Sun 9AM-4PM·Child $11.75, senior/military $13.75, adult $15.75

15. See

    James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home & Visitor Center

    See the house where the renowned writer and poet spent the latter part of his life. "The Children's Poet" is how Riley is recognized. One of the best maintained Victorian homes in the nation, the house has been featured in Architectural Digest. The house has never undergone renovations; every piece of furniture, up to the carpet, is original and dates back to 1916. See his possessions, collection of antiques, and background by taking a tour.

    Thu-Sat by reservation only, Sun-Wed closed·Adult $10, student #1, children 6 and under free

16. See

    Madame Walker Legacy Center

    Visit the headquarters for the first self-made female millionaire, Madam C. J. Walker (she spelled her 'Madam' without the "e"), built in the early 1900s, Walker came from cotton field beginnings to start her own line of beauty products for African American women. Visit the original salon where people still get their hair done, see a concert or play at the theatre, and take a tour of the grounds. Learn more about the African-American heritage of Indianapolis south of the historic Ransom Place District.

    Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM·Tours are $8, $5 for students and seniors, children under 5 free. Events vary based on ticket price

17. See

    NCAA Hall of Champions

    This is the headquarters of the NCAA, located in White River State Park. Explore the history of college athletics—from hockey to basketball, cross-country skiing to football. Check out a film about NCAA sports, and be sure to check out the spirit section. Gift shop, too.

    Tue–Sat 10AM–5PM, Sun noon–5PM·$5, $3 youth and senior 60+, free for kids under 5

18. Eat

    New Bethel Ordinary

    A popular dining destination located in the small-town of Wanamaker (formerly New Bethel) famous for its "true fork & knife pizza". The Ordinary strives to maintain a small-town appeal and provides a casual family friendly atmosphere. The Ordinary is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, but opens early on Saturday and Sunday to offer a full cooked-to-order breakfast featuring made-from-scratch sausage gravy and biscuits. Pizza delivery is available to the Franklin Township area.

19. See

    Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens

    An amazing home located on the grounds of Newfields art museum. This is the former estate of the Lillys. Located on grounds with a 22-room mansion, gardens, and museum. Check out country estate living in the 1930s, and explore the beautiful home and antiques that the family acquired. The gardens are spectacular and feature many pathways and fountains. Be sure to also check out the garden shop where you can purchase plants grown on the grounds.

    Tue-Sun 11AM-4PM (closed Mon)·Free

20. Do

    Riverside Park

    Founded in 1898, houses many athletic leagues, community activities and special events. It is situated on the White River. Amenities include a large family center, swimming pool, tennis courts, baseball & softball diamonds, boating, football fields and other sports fields and picnic areas. Free parking.

21. Do

    See a soap box derby

    Starting in April check out hundreds of kids from Indy's soap box derby clubs battle it out for awards and placings. This is the longest soap box derby track in the country and was built in 1953.

22. Do

    Southeastway Park

    A 188-acre park with 80 acres of forest, a pond and wetland, open fields and meadows, a prairie preserve and Buck Creek. The park has a playground, multiple shelters, and picnic tables.

23. See

    The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

    This museum is the largest children's museum in the world. In March 2006, it unveiled artist Dale Chihuly's largest blown glass exhibit, Fireworks of Glass—a glass sculpture that rises 43 feet (13 meters) tall. Children (and adults alike) can dig for "dinosaur fossils", catch a planetarium show, view the miniature trains and ride the carousel. The museum has huge holdings that are constantly rotating, so be sure to check out the temporary exhibits as well. Even if you've been before, there will be something new the second time around. The museum is fun for children of all ages. Grounds include restaurants and a wonderful gift shop.

    Tue–Sun 10AM–5PM·Adult $26, youth $21, senior (60+) $24.50

24. Drink

    The Vogue

    A movie theater built in the 1930s, in the 1970s it opened up as a music venue and nightclub. Now, it's the place for college kids to get wasted on the weekends and dance to top 40 and retro tunes. You'll also find great live music and past acts include Cheap Trick, Johnny Cash, David Byrne, The White Stripes, Common, Sean Paul, The Faint, VHS Or Beta, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams III, The Black Keys and more. Cover varies. 21+

25. Eat

    Trader's Point Creamery

    Indy's only grass-fed USDA organic dairy. They are always open with their self-serve dairy-shop (with a bucket you pay and take your change from—honesty basis), and at 4PM you can watch the cows get milked au naturel. Creamy milk, amazing yogurt (voted #1 by the American Cheese Society in 2005), ice cream, eggs and cheeses are all for sale. On the weekends they feature a farmers market and organic cafe. You can walk the grounds petting cows and chasing chickens. Fun for the family and eco-friendly folk.

26. Drink

    Union Jack Pub

    English pub, that may expand with a second location in Hamilton County. This location offers family and bar dining. Both rooms are littered with well-placed English and local antiques and artifacts. Busts of great English minds greet you in the bar and televisions show sports. They have the best "Chicago Style" pizza in the city. Thick, hot and amazing. Great beer selection and weekly specials. They also have a great selection of whiskey and scotch. Friendly bar staff. The Speedway location is drenched in racing memorabilia, a huge bar with good music and lots of televisions.

27. Do

    White River State Park

    Home to the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens, Victory Field, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, IMAX Theater, and NCAA Hall of Champions. It also has The Lawn near the river, which is host to concerts during each summer. Central Canal is also located within the park. Park passes are available for purchase, entrance to all 7 of the main attractions is included in the pass.

    Free and paid parking

28. Eat Not mapped

    Bazbeaux Pizza

    Gourmet pizza. Established in 1986, Bazbeaux is a local favorite. Downtown is perfect for that pre-theater or concert eat, and Broad Ripple is located snugly along the White River. Both locations offer indoor/outdoor dining. Art students and hip kids serve your eats—don't be surprised to see a mohawk or two in the kitchen. Their chicken BBQ pizza is amazing—BBQ sauce instead of tomato, and their Greek pizza is to die for. Vegan friendly.

29. Do Not mapped

    Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

    African Americans from all over head to Indy ever summer to celebrate life and culture. Lectures, community fairs, special events and don't forget the music—some of music's biggest starts come to town to celebrate. Everyone from Mary J. Blige to Public Enemy, Cameo to Barry White have made appearances. Traffic can be crazy and expect higher cover charges at nightclubs. Fun for the entire family.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Indianapolis (CC BY-SA 4.0).