8 Can't-Miss Fun Things to with Kids in Indianapolis | Indy Luxury Rentals

8 Can't-Miss Fun Things To Do in Indianapolis with Kids

6/30/2024

A go-kart racer, wearing a helmet and racing suit, navigates a sharp turn on an indoor go-kart track.

Planning a family vacation to Indianapolis, Indiana? You've come to the right place! The Circle City is jam-packed with unique attractions and activities to entertain kids of all ages. Indy has something for every interest, from hands-on museums to sprawling parks and adrenaline-pumping adventures.

As a locally owned and operated vacation rental company in Indianapolis, we at The Villa on Meridian take pride in curating unforgettable experiences for our guests. And when it comes to fun, Indy has an abundance of exciting activities that will keep the little ones (and the young at heart) entertained from morning until night.

That's why we've put together this roundup of the 8 can't-miss fun things to do with kids in Indianapolis. Get ready for an action-packed getaway your entire family will enjoy!

Smiley Indoor Play Place

The image shows a vibrant indoor play area filled with thousands of small blue and white plastic balls, resembling a ball pit. The play area features various colorful and fun structures for children to explore and play on, including slides, climbing walls, bridges, and tunnels. There are also large inflatable toys and obstacles scattered throughout the pit. The entire area is brightly lit with a predominantly blue color scheme, creating an engaging and exciting environment for children.

Location: 5729 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46250
Hours: Varies
Cost: $12 to $44 per person, depending on day/length of time spent

Looking for a place where your kids can play for hours? Smiley Indoor Play Place is the perfect destination. With 25,000 square feet of fun, it offers rock-climbing walls, basketball trampolines, obstacle tracks, ball pits, state-of-the-art VR game rooms, Lego rooms, and chances to win fun prizes.

It's ideal for birthday parties and other group gatherings. Plus, there's a cafe on-site with delicious options from fried shrimp to Dippin' Dots ice cream.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Museum of Art

Location: 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM daily
Cost: Varies; check their website for details.

Welcome to the world's largest children's museum! The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a must-visit with its immersive indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Kids can explore 12 outdoor sports zones and three indoor exhibits designed to keep them moving and learning. Plan to spend most of the day here to fully experience all the museum has to offer - and don't worry about the cost of spending the entire day there, they offer free parking!

Quick Tip: If you have a little extra time after the Children's Museum, take the quick 6-minute drive over to the Indianapolis Museum of Art! This expansive museum features an impressive collection of art from around the globe, beautifully curated exhibitions, and lush gardens perfect for family fun. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and the chance to learn about different artistic styles and mediums.

Kid's Planet - Brownsburg

Location: 499 Southpoint Cir Ste 101-102, Brownsburg, IN 46112
Hours: Open 10 AM daily - closing times vary
Cost: Varies; check their website for details.

Just a short drive from downtown Indianapolis, you'll find the recently renovated Kid's Planet in Brownsburg. This indoor park is a true adventure for little ones. The main attraction is the massive gym, packed with tunnels, slides, and trampolines galore.
But that's not all—there's also a dedicated infant area specially designed for the youngest visitors and a children's arcade for some gaming fun.
It's a great spot for parents to relax while kids burn off energy.

Indianapolis Zoo

A young girl wearing a colorful rainbow-striped dress is standing near a wooden fence, feeding a giraffe at a zoo. The giraffe bends its long neck down towards the girl, who holds a white cup with food in it.

Location: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM Mon - Thurs, 9 AM - 7 PM Sat - Sun
Cost: Varies; check their website for details.

A trip to Indy isn't complete without a visit to the world-famous Indianapolis Zoo. Here, you and your kids can feed giraffes and flamingos, ride the Kombo Family Coaster, and explore exhibits showcasing animals from around the globe. It's a wild adventure that's sure to create lasting memories.

White River State Park

A serene park scene shows two people jogging along a wide, paved pathway next to a large, reflective pond. The pathway is bordered by short staircases and black railings, leading up to a lush, green lawn with trees in the background.

Location: 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Hours: 11 AM - 5 PM Mon - Sat, 12 PM - 4 PM Sundays
Cost: Free entry (some attractions may have separate fees)

When the weather is nice, head to Monument Circle and continue about a mile west to the stunning White River State Park for some fresh air and outdoor fun!

Spanning over 250 acres of green space, it's home to imported Italian gondolas, paddle boats, and kayaks for exploring the waterways. Surrounding this urban nature park are six family-friendly museums, some of which are within walking distance of each other, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State Museum, and the Victory Field baseball stadium.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or cultural enrichment, it has something for everyone.

Speedway Indoor Karting

Location: 1067 N Main St, Speedway, IN 46224
Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM Sun - Thurs, 11 AM - 11 PM Fri - Sat
Cost: Varies; check their website for details.

Located just 10 minutes from downtown and blocks away from the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway Indoor Karting is a world-class indoor karting facility that offers visitors of all ages and experience levels the thrill of racing.

Whether you prefer the European-style, multi-level road course or the banked oval track, you're in for an adrenaline-pumping ride.

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

Location: 5855 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Hours and Cost: Varies; check their website for details.

For an adventure in the treetops, head to Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park at Eagle Creek Park. This 2-3 hour outdoor high ropes course features five zip lines and over 40 treetop obstacles. It's a fantastic way for families to bond while swinging through the forest canopy.
*Participants must be at least 10 years old and 4 ft. 7 in. tall.

Tibbs Drive-in Theatre

Location: 480 S Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Hours: Check their website for showtimes
Cost: Ages 4 to 12 $6 per/ticket; ages 13 & up $12 per/ticket

Nothing says 'fun' like a classic movie night under the stars at Tibbs Drive-in Theatre! As Indy's only drive-in theater, Tibbs offers a nostalgic experience for families. Kids will love watching movies from the comfort of the car, and parents can enjoy a bit of nostalgia and budget-friendly fun!

Experience Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana Like a Local

Indianapolis is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, and these 8 destinations are sure to create lasting memories for you and your kids. When you stay at The Villa on Meridian, located just minutes from Fountain Square, you'll be perfectly situated to explore all the excitement Indy offers.

Whether you're climbing through the indoor playground, exploring museums, or ziplining through the treetops, there's no shortage of fun things to do in the Indianapolis area with kids.

For more information and to book your stay, visit The Villa on Meridian.

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