Indianapolis is a great city for families with kids, whether you’re just visiting or live here; there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to explore.
The city has something for everyone, from bustling museums to charming parks, sports activities, and unique art exhibits. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top fun things to do in Indianapolis with kids. It’s time to start planning your visit and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Looking for cheap fun? Make sure to check out 75 Fun Activities for $5 or Less in Indianapolis.
Here is a list of tried-and-true favorite Kid-Friendly Activities in Indianapolis:
1. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Location: 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world, with over 1 million visitors each year. Making this Indianapolis museum one of the top favorite kid-friendly activities in Indianapolis. Since its founding in 1925, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has become one of the nation’s top-ranked and most respected children’s museums. Offering a wide range of unique exhibits, including the Dinosphere© and Fireworks of Glass by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® is a wonderland of interactive athletics for children, open April-October.
2. Indianapolis Zoo
Location: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis
Located along the scenic banks of the White River, the Indianapolis Zoo is conveniently located near beautiful downtown Indianapolis with easy access to walking and biking trails into the city. Check out their hints for a great visit.
3. Conner Prairie
Location: 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers
Combining history with science, Conner Prairie offers visitors hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits that explore Indiana’s heritage. This Indianapolis museum offers history-themed, immersive experiences, including interacting with costumed characters, visiting historical recreations, playing atop Treetop Outpost, taking flight on a hot air balloon, and more.
4. Midtown Plaza Carmel
Location: 365 Monon Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032
Midtown Plaza Carmel is the perfect destination for families. There really is something for everyone, from young kids looking for a place to play to foodie parents searching for a great meal. This stretch along Carmel’s Monon Trail — between Carmel City Center and the Carmel Arts & Design District — is a goldmine of fun, food, and festivities. You really could spend a whole day just in this pocket of Carmel.
5. Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling
Location: 1105 Prospect Street, Indianapolis
Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling, located in Indianapolis’ Fountain Square neighborhood, is probably the most unusual—and perhaps oldest—bowling alley in the Midwest. Duckpin bowling is family-friendly and fun for all ages, and it uses smaller, lighter balls, so it’s perfect for the smallest bowlers in your bunch.
6. NCAA Hall Of Champions
Location: 700 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis
The NCAA Hall of Champions boasts two levels of interactive exhibits to engage visitors and create a true-to-life understanding of what it takes to make the grade. Arena, on the first level, all 24 NCAA sports are represented, including trivial trivial challenges for novices to historians, current team rankings, video highlights, and artifacts donated from colleges around the nation. On the second level, play is a fully interactive area to compete virtually and hands-on through sports simulators, a 1930s retro gymnasium, ski simulator and more.
7. Newfields: A Place for Nature & the Arts
Location: 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208
A place for nature and arts, Newfields features art galleries with permanent and rotating exhibits from world-renowned artists. Kids won’t want to miss the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres. This is one the largest outdoor art parks in the US, and home to Atelier Van Lieshout, Funky Bones. Although Newfields charges an admission fee to access the museum and gardens, visitors can always explore the 100-acre art and nature Park for free!
8. Learning Curve at Central Library
Location: 40 E St Clair St, Indianapolis
The Learning Curve at Central Library is a high-tech, high-energy, hands-on information environment for today’s children. It is located on the Children’s Floor of Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library. The staff members are very knowledgeable and offer fun activities, games, and workshops for all ages.
9. Indiana State Museum
Location: 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis
The Indiana State Museum, located in downtown Indianapolis‘ White River State Park, brings the finest museum experience to the state of Indiana. The museum provides exhibits and hands-on experiences that showcase Indiana’s history. It might surprise visitors to learn how many great learning opportunities and fun kid-friendly activities the Indiana State Museum offers.
10. Daniel’s Vineyard
Location: 9061 N 700 W, McCordsville
Daniel’s Vineyard is a Geist hidden gem—the ultimate family destination. Their front yard has 22 acres of vines and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the view. Indulge in delicious pizzas, wines, and beers while the kids entertain themselves with games like chess, bocce, cornhole, and running around the giant hill. It’s the perfect opportunity for both parents to unwind and for children to have a blast in a fun-filled environment. The winery also hosts many weekly events such as concerts, line dancing lessons, and karaoke nights.
11. White River State Park
Location: 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis
White River State Park in Indianapolis is a beautiful urban oasis that offers a fun things to do for visitors of all ages. Nestled along the banks of the White River, this expansive park boasts stunning scenery, walking trails, serene gardens, and picturesque waterways. It is also home to several renowned attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Indiana State Museum. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, White River State Park is the perfect destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and culture lovers alike.
12. Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Location: 1 Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis
Recognized as one of the world’s outstanding monuments, the structure has come to symbolize both the City of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is Indiana’s official memorial to the Hoosiers that served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Frontier Wars and the Spanish-American War. Soldiers & Sailors Monument is located in the very center of downtown Indianapolis. Admission is free, but an elevator ride costs a $2 charge.
13. Fishers AgriPark
Location: 11171 Florida Road, Fortville
A 33-acre urban farm, the Fishers AgriPark pays homage to Fishers’ agricultural roots, while inspiring future generations of farmers, scientists, agronomists, robotics engineers, chefs, and more. With a focus on education and giving back, visitors of all ages can become immersed in a working farm. They can learn about farming practices and innovations needed to feed our world while participating in kid-friendly activities.
14. The Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens
Location: 11677 Towne Road, Carmel
There’s really only one word to describe the Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens: magical. This beautiful park, located on the west side of Carmel, is a magical hidden gem, and it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a more analog park experience for kids.
15. Flat Fork Creek Park
Location: 16141 E. 101st Street, Fishers
When you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, there’s no better place than Flat Fork Creek Park. Tucked away on the east side of Fishers – you can enjoy this park all year long. Some of the most kid-friendly activities include the park’s THREE treehouses, sledding hill, and fishing pond. 
16. Eagle Creek Park
Location: 7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254
With 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of forest, Eagle Creek Park is one of the largest city parks in the nation, offering unmatched opportunities for recreation and fitness, educational programs at two nature centers, and engaging experiences such as concerts, day camps, and more for youth and adults.
17. ArtsPark at the Indianapolis Art Center
Location: 820 E 67th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Part park, part outdoor art installation, the ArtsPark is a magical outdoor extension of the Indianapolis Art Center. The park is filled with art installations and sculptures meant to entertain and make you appreciate the natural beauty of Indianapolis.
The ArtsPark is a great place to visit in Indianapolis with kids because they are allowed to touch and interact with everything. And as the seasons change, the look of the ArtsPark changes, too. The ArtsPark is located right off the Monon Trail, making it easy to get to by walking. The ArtsPark is free to visit.
18. Downtown Canal Walk
Location: Downtown Indianapolis
The Downtown Canal is one of Indianapolis’ most iconic landmarks and cherished public spaces. The promenade follows the historic Central Canal from 11th St. to White River State Park and connects with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail at two locations. The 3-mile loop with its lush green space, many amenities and cultural attractions, and scenic skyline views make it a popular destination for both residents and visitors. We recommend checking out:
- Colts Canal PlaySpace
- Paddleboat or kayak rentals from Wheel Fun Rentals
- Pacers Bikeshare Rentals
19. Nickle Plate Express
Location: 825 Forest Park Drive, Noblesville
Hop aboard the Nickle Plate Express for an exciting train ride adventure. The Nickel Plate Express hosts themed train ride excursions all year long. A few kid favorites include Ice Cream Express, The Wizard Express, and the most popular of all, Reindeer Ride Express.
20. Traders Point Creamery
Location: 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville
Traders Point Creamery is located on a 180-acre working farm on the northwest side of Indianapolis. It features the Loft Restaurant, which offers organic and sustainably sourced dishes. Visitors can enjoy a 1.5-mile trail along Eagle Creek, where they can see the farm’s animals, native plants, and wildlife, such as hawks and blue herons. Since 2003, the creamery has produced award-winning dairy products like cheese, milk, and ice cream from 100% grass-fed, non-homogenized milk.
If you’re looking for even more kid-friendly activities in Indianapolis, check out Indy’s Child Calendar for up-to-date family activities.
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