Best Things to Do with Kids in Indianapolis during Summer

Are you headed out on a summer road trip with the kids? I compiled a list of the best things to do with kids in Indianapolis to help you plan your trip. There is so much for kids to do here! It is very kid-friendly.

Things to do with Kids in Indianapolis during the summer!

One of the best things about Indianapolis is that it is very family-friendly. We boast the world’s largest children’s museum, have a beautiful zoo and have a large variety of parks with unique features. We never have a lack of things to do with kids. I am so happy to share some of our favorite places!

Best Things to Do with Kids in Indianapolis

1. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – This is the world’s largest children’s museum and it is awesome! We have yearly passes and enjoy going often. There is so much for kids to do. It is jam-packed with playful, hands-on learning and fun! There is a huge variety of exhibits from dinosaurs to space to China. There are also traveling exhibits like Transformers, Barbie and Hot Wheels. In addition, there are giant play areas for kids of all ages. You could definitely spend a day here. We go for several hours each time and only enjoy a small portion of the museum.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

2. Indianapolis Zoo – The zoo has a great variety of animals and the grounds are beautiful and well taken care of. There is a brand new orangutan exhibit that gives you a chance to view them up close and possibly even interact with them. A favorite during the summer is the splash pad located in the center of the zoo. If you are a nursing mother, there is a large and very nice building with private nursing booths and changing stations. Other features include a small kiddie roller coaster and a skyride.

3. Connor Prairie – Ok, I have to be honest. We have visited here yet, but plan to in the next couple weeks. We have been putting it off because we were waiting for my son to get a bit older. However, I have heard nothing but great things about it. It is full of fun and interactive experiences that will immerse kids in history. I am excited to check it out soon and will edit this post with more info as soon as I do!

4. White River State Park – This park is huge and gives you beautiful views of the city. There is a canal that runs through it and you can even rent a paddle boat to go down it. Along the canal walk there is various art to enjoy. Stop by the NCAA Hall of Champions while you’re here. This park is home to lots of different events so check out their website to see what’s planned for the time you will be here.

White River State Park

5. Holliday Park and Nature Center – This park is huge! On one side there is a series of awesome play structures and on the other there is a nature center. In the nature center there are small animals like an owl, toad, snakes and fish. There is a small river water table, interactive experiences and games and toys to play with. My kids love watching the squirrels from the window.

6. Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field – Catch a baseball game. The best way to enjoy a game with your kids is to get lawn tickets. You can spread out and they can move around. You can even bring a cooler with a picnic lunch if you would like. *Note: Coolers are only permitted in the lawn area. Check out the website for all of the details and requirements.

7. 100 Acres at the IMA – This is an outdoor nature park at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It is one of the largest museum art parks in the country. It has woodlands, wetlands, meadows and a 35-acre lake. There are lots of places for kids to play and explore!

8. Traders Point Church Indoor Playground – This is a great way to cool down on a hot summer day. The park includes a huge play structure for kids to climb in, basketball courts, a rock climbing wall, a toddler area and even a special needs area. It is free and open daily. Check hours on their website linked above.

9. Indiana State Museum – This is a great way to learn about the state of Indiana. There are many interactive exhibits for kids to learn from and enjoy.

10. Splash Island Waterpark – Cool down in the water as this super fun waterpark on the west side of Indianapolis. The interactive play area for kids is so much fun and the waterslides are always a hit. If the weather is less than ideal there is a smaller waterpark inside that includes a lazy river, kids play area and a water slide.

 

Best Road Trips - Indianapolis

This post is a part of the Best Road Trips Around the Globe series hosted by Playground Parkbench. Check out all of the other posts at the link above!