10 Things to do in Indianapolis with Kids!

Indianapolis is a city that surprises families with how much it offers for children. While many people know it for racing and sports, it’s also full of museums, parks, zoos, and playful spaces that make it a wonderful destination for kids. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 best things to do in Indianapolis with kids, explaining each place in detail, sharing practical tips, and showing why they’re worth adding to your family trip.

1. Indianapolis Zoo

Covering 93 acres, Indianapolis Zoo brings together a zoo, a botanical garden, and an aquarium all in one place. Families can see more than 1,400 animals from over 230 species, with exhibits designed around habitats such as Deserts, Oceans, Forests, and Plains. A major highlight is the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, where visitors can watch orangutans climb and move through tall structures while learning about their behavior. The zoo also organizes daily programs like animal chats, dolphin shows, and bird flight demonstrations that make the visit more interactive.

2. Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the biggest museum made especially for kids anywhere in the world, with more than 130,000 items, organized into two main sections: Arts & Humanities and Natural Sciences. Families often head straight to the Dinosphere, where children can see full‑size dinosaur models and explore prehistoric life. Another favorite is the Fireworks of Glass, a tall glass tower created by artist Dale Chihuly. The museum also features a historic carousel, a real steam engine, and areas where kids can discover sports, science, and cultures from around the world.

3. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum tells the story of American racing, with a special focus on the Indianapolis 500. First opened in 1956, the museum showcases race cars from different decades, including ones driven by legends like Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt. Guided tours make the experience even more exciting, such as the “Kiss the Bricks” stop at the start‑finish line and another tour that takes guests to the Victory Podium. Hands‑on exhibits and race‑day stories help families and fans feel connected to the history of racing in a way that is both simple and engaging.

4. Indiana State Museum

The Indiana State Museum is a place where families can explore history, science, and culture all under one roof. Inside, the exhibits cover Indiana’s past, from fossils and prehistoric life to Civil War collections and everyday stories from the state’s communities. Kids enjoy the hands‑on science areas, while adults often spend time with the art and cultural displays. The building itself is designed with Indiana materials, and outside you’ll find art pieces that represent all 92 counties. One highlight is the IMAX theater, which shows films on the largest screen in the state, making it a fun way to end a visit.

5. Garfield Park Conservatory

Designed by George Kessler in the early 1900s, Garfield Park Conservatory has been a favorite place for nature lovers for many years. Covering about 10,000 square feet, it’s filled with tropical plants, flowing waterfalls, and seasonal flower displays that change throughout the year. Just outside, the Sunken Garden stretches across 3 acres, with fountains and colorful flowers that bloom beautifully in spring and summer. The conservatory also hosts plant shows, workshops, and events, making it a great spot for school trips, photography, or simply taking a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

6. Indianapolis Canal Walk

The Canal Walk is a 3 miles loop that follows part of the historic Indiana Central Canal. First planned in the 1830s to move goods across the state, only a small section was ever completed, but today it serves as a scenic path for visitors. The canal stretches from 11th Street down to White River State Park and connects with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Along the way, families can rent pedal boats, kayaks, or bikes, especially near the Indiana State Museum. Gondola rides are also available, and nearby attractions like the Indiana History Center make it easy to combine sightseeing.

7. Conner Prairie

The Conner Prairie is a living history museum that gives families a chance to learn about Indiana’s past through outdoor exhibits and hands‑on activities. Visitors can step into 1836 Prairietown, where interpreters wear period clothing and show how daily life looked long ago. The Lenape Indian Camp lets guests discover Native American traditions, while the 1859 Balloon Voyage offers a tethered balloon ride with scenic views from above. Children especially enjoy the Animal Encounters barn, where they can meet farm animals, and Treetop Outpost, which has nature trails and spaces to explore.

8. Newfields

The Newfields is a cultural campus that brings together art, nature, and history across 152 acres. At its center is the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which features paintings, sculptures, and exhibits like THE LUME, where artwork is displayed with lights and sound for an immersive experience. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park adds another layer, with outdoor art installations and walking trails around a lake. The Newfields also hosts events such as outdoor movies, yoga sessions, and seasonal programs, making it a place where culture and nature come together in an enjoyable ways.

9. Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Started in 1989, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is one of the few museums in the Midwest dedicated to Native American and Western art. Inside, visitors will find a wide variety of works, including paintings, sculptures, and modern pieces created by Native and Western artists. The collection features well‑known names such as T.C. Cannon, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol, along with many others. Special exhibits often change through the museum, like Radical Stitch, which highlights beadwork by Native artists, and Voices from the Arctic, which showcases Inuit art.

10. Lucas Oil Stadium

The Lucas Oil Stadium is a major sports and event venue in downtown and has been the home of the Indianapolis Colts since it opened in 2008. The stadium can seat around 67,000 people and is known for its retractable roof and large window that looks out over the city skyline. While NFL games are the main draw, the stadium also hosts concerts, college sports, monster truck shows, and big events such as the NCAA Final Four and the NFL Scouting Combine. Guided tours are available too, giving visitors a chance to see the locker rooms, the field, press areas, and behind‑the‑scenes spaces.

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