The Best Spots in Indy for FamiliesIndy is home to unique stays, like one in a train car, the world's largest children's museum, and perfect eats for groups and families, like Baby's or Mug-n-Bun, and so much more. It is a perfect city to fill up your cup with some family time. Here's a list of the best things to do together. AuthorsSteller
DestinationsIndianapolisItinerary

Things to See & Do

Indianapolis Zoo
Kids will be dazzled by the 1300+ species housed at this urban zoo! Enjoy the Amazing All Around - Aldabra Tortoises exhibit, as well as the International Orangutan Center, or soaring birds at the Magnificent Macaws exhibit.
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The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
At the top of the list has to be this interactive, fun, family-favorite! The Indianapolis Children's Museum is the world's largest children’s museum. Explore five floors of interactive exhibits and an outdoor sports park!
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
With three tours offered, the "Kiss the Bricks," "Home of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing," and "Victory Podium Tour," a visit here will have you racing to ask questions and wishing to see the stadium in action. Kids and adults alike will love the plethora of vintage cars and in-person exploration track! Note that reservations are recommended for groups larger than 5, and tours cost an additional fee.
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Vroooooom! No trip to Indy is complete without seeing the famed racetrack and speeding cars of the Motor Speedway. Check ahead of time to see if your trip coincides with a race, or the notable Indy 500. Kids are sure to love the zipping cars and action on the track. Note that kids 15 & under are admitted free in general admission areas with a paying adult.
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Central Canal
The refurbished Canal Walk, right along the Central Canal, is the perfect spot to spend family time near the river. Take a promenade walk or bike along the shores, or for something more interactive, you can rent pedal boats on the west side of the Indiana State Museum.
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Indiana State Museum
An exploration of the history, present, and questions of the future of Indiana, this museum uses interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations to engage visitors. Firefly Landing, a dedicated early childhood area with interactive stories, sensory tables, and hands-on activities for children ages 6 and below, is perfect for families with young kids. Combined with this, there are more complex history exhibits that will appeal to visitors of older ages, too.
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Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Dedicated to sharing stories about the history and cultures of Indigenous peoples and the American West, this museum has extensive exhibits of art and artifacts. Paired with exhibits, the Nina Mason Pulliam Education Center is perfect for families learning about westward expansion with hand tools, as well as art-making, a library, and more.
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Conner Prairie
This living, breathing history museum is just north of downtown and will transport you to the prairie-life of Indy's past. Pretty hard to imagine this area before Westward expansion now, huh? With workshops, classes, and events constantly filling their calendar, check ahead of time to see if one lines up with your visit.
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Indianapolis Indians
Head to Victory Field to see a Minor League Baseball game, cheering on the famous Indianapolis Indians. Kids will love to try and catch the home runs as guardians sit back with a beer and watch the game unfold. Their baseball season typically runs from April through September.
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Family Favorite Restaurants

Gather 22
Intending to bring locals together, this restaurant is easily one for the whole family. It’s a favorite that locals and travelers keep coming back to for its fresh-fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and welcoming environment.
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Baby's
It's all in the name! Come enjoy smash burgers, mac & cheese, and milkshakes from their kid and adult-friendly menu, in a colorful, fun space. If it's nice out, definitely sit at the colorful picnic tables on their patio.
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King Dough
Voted Indy's #1 pizza spot, no family trip is complete without a piping hot slice here. If you happen to come on a Wednesday, they have a deal where any house pizza with a large salad is $35!
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Mug-n-Bun
For over 50 years now, this diner has been a classic American drive-in stop. Get nostalgic with orders of burgers, dogs, and fries with root beer floats all around.
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Traders Point Creamery
Farm-to-table dining through and through, this farm, restaurant, and creamery serves up fresh favorites like their grilled cheese, chocolate milk, and more! Kids can explore the working farm too, making it both a must-eat and a must-see in one go.
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Lick Ice Cream Indy
Sugar rush, anyone? Grab a classic cone, or for something more exciting, their freshly made ice cream cookie sandwiches, literally, melt in your mouth.
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Half Liter Brewery, Bar, & BBQ
Bringing together brews and delicious BBQ in a neighborhood, backyard patio-style setting, this is a great spot for when the weather is nice out. Family-style portions allow you to order a few things to share and try across the table, meeting everyone's needs.
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Family-Friendly Stays

Ironworks Hotel Indy
This modern, family-friendly hotel is an upscale choice for your weekend in Indy! A bit farther from downtown, this hotel blends city excitement with local favorites for ice cream and closer access to the Conner Prairie.
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Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union Stn by IHG
Stay in a refurbished Pullman Train Car at this one-of-a-kind hotel in downtown that your kids will LOVE! The hotel is immersive, from its location close to working tracks and the narrow room styles, a stay here will make you say choo-choo!
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
Complete with family rooms and within walking distance to the Children's Museum and popular Indy restaurants, calling the Embassy home base for the weekend will be a great choice.
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Fun For the Whole Family

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
Head out of downtown for a day of fresh air amidst the Indy forests! Zip through blooming trees as you fly through the trees for an afternoon. Weeeee!
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Experiences

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Indianapolis by Wacky Walks
Explore Indy on foot, at your own pace, with this guided scavenger hunt! Perfect for kids, the clues will help you all learn more about the history and landmarks of Indy.
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Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in Indianapolis
Remember this trip forever with precious family photos from this photoshoot in downtown Indy. Say cheese!
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Grab tickets ahead of time through this booking option to avoid the hassle at the stadium. Cheer on the Pacers as the stands roar alongside you all.
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