Go on an educational adventure with your family by visiting one of the museums or zoos within a short drive from Indianapolis. These day trip destinations offer unique opportunities to learn about fascinating creatures and historical periods, while engaging in fun and interactive activities that are perfect for all ages.
Bellaboo’s Play & Discovery Center
2800 Colorado St., Lake Station
Distance from Indianapolis: 2 hours 15 minutes
Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center is a facility that offers fun, self-directed activities for children from infancy through age nine. Developed by the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department in Indiana, Bellaboo’s mission is to provide kids with learning opportunities while playing. Bellaboo’s outdoor areas feature fossil digging, gardening, an amazing playground and more.
Terre Haute Children’s Museum
727 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute
Distance from Indianapolis: 1 hour 15 minutes
The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum for families with three stories of fun and exploration. Located near the Indiana-Illinois border, this children’s museum in Terre Haute features exhibits that encourage exploration of science and technology concepts, with dozens of exhibits designed especially for kids ages 12 months to 12 years old.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne
Distance from Indianapolis: 2 hours
There is a lot to do in this family-friendly city! One of the must-visits is the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Everything at this zoo — from the rides to the displays — is designed with the littlest visitors in mind.
Kidscommons
309 Washington St., Columbus
Distance from Indianapolis: 45 minutes
Drive 45 minutes south of Indianapolis, and you’ll find Kidscommons, a great children’s museum that’s the perfect spot to play and explore when you’re in the mood for a little day trip out of town. Children can use their creativity to learn about their community at this children’s museum in downtown Columbus, Indiana.
The Fort Wayne Firefighters’ Museum
226 W. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne
Distance from Indianapolis: 2 hours
The Fort Wayne Firefighters’ Museum was organized on April 20, 1974, two years after the city closed Fire Station #3 in downtown Fort Wayne. Additional renovations were done between 1998 and 2009 to expand the exhibit area. Today, kids and adults can enjoy learning about firefighter history and fire safety.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
3027 E. South St., Lincoln City
Distance from Indianapolis: 2 hours 45 minutes
Abraham Lincoln spent 14 years on his family farm in Spencer County. Here, Lincoln was introduced to the power of books and the concepts of freedom, justice and law. Get a taste of what life was like in Indiana during Lincoln’s childhood by visiting the site where Abraham Lincoln spent his days. Learn about the lives of the Lincoln family who lived here in a pioneer community from 1816 to 1830. This national memorial features a museum and the Living Historical Farm, a working pioneer homestead with a cabin, outbuildings, split rail fences, animals, gardens, and field crops.
