Not everyone can leave the state for spring break, and that’s OK — you don’t have to! There’s lots of family-friendly fun to be had in Downtown Indy during March and April 2021. Here are some fun and safe ideas to plan your Indy staycation.
Discover White River State Park Attractions
The Eiteljorg Museum tells the stories of the peoples of North America in all their diversity and complexity. Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of the West and Native America. Don’t miss Hard Twist: Western Ranch Women. The exhibit includes 62 black and white photographs that celebrate women of the range, ranches and the breathtaking Western landscapes in which they live. Museum admission is $15 for adults and $8 for youth.
Get the kids out and active at one of the many day camps (kindergarten through 6th grade) offered by the Indiana State Museum. Choose one day or all week to explore color, science, art and play. Day camps are March 22–26 & March 29–April 2 and $55 each. In addition, celebrate the tradition of Pinewood Derby. Bring your own car (or use one at the Indiana State Museum) any day of the week from March 24-28. Winners will be featured on the Indiana State Museum Facebook page. Price is included in general museum admission.
In honor of the NCAA basketball tourney taking place in Indianapolis, celebrate by exploring the NCAA Hall of Champions. Bring the family and discover two floors of interactive exhibits, perfect for all ages. Check out replicas of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s DI Basketball Championship trophies, take photos and a complete a photo scavenger hunt. Admission is $5 or $3 for youth. Beginning March 7, the Fan Jam will be on site spreading enthusiasm and support for the Final Four.
The Indianapolis Zoo allows you to travel to the plains, deserts, oceans and forests all in one day. This spring, xZOOberance festival features 12 days of fun, Thursdays through Sundays, March 25–April 11. Check out huge outdoor musical instruments, animal matching games and creative crafts including a fun springtime pinwheel to mesmerize. Visit the Bicentennial Pavilion for unforgettable décor, live music and dancing, along with spring-centric art and activities. And, of course, don’t miss encounters with animals, including goats and chickens. Additionally, Butterfly Kaleidoscope presented by Citizens Energy Group transforms the indoor gardens into a tropical paradise filled with more than 40 colorful species of butterflies and moths beginning March 19. Zoo admission varies daily.
On the way to the Park, pick up lunch from your favorite Downtown restaurant and have an outdoor picnic.
Fun for Kids of All Ages
Stand face-to-face with SUE the T. Rex, one of the world’s most famous dinosaurs. A cast of SUE, one of the largest, oldest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossils ever discovered, will make an appearance at The Children’s Museum beginning March 6.
Explore the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Discover Your Superpower with DC Super Heroes new interactive exhibit beginning March 20. Work alongside your favorite superheroes to find clues, complete missions and defeat villains, all while finding the superhero in you. The exhibit is included in general admission. Also visit Nickelodeon’s Dora and Diego-Let’s Explore exhibit featuring beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go, and more.
Additionally, the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience is re-opening March 13 for the spring season. Step up to the plate in Wiese Field to play baseball or take a family stroll on the outdoor fitness path and track. It’s fun for all ages and included in general museum admission.
Cuddle Up with a Book
Do your kids love to read? Book a one-hour appointment to visit Central Library and check out books to take you on an incredible adventure.
Basketball Fans, Rejoice!
Shining A Light features a new light, sound and video projection (through April 5), “Indiana’s Game: a Ball, a Basket and a Dream!”, a powerful tribute to basketball that briefly tells the story of growing up with the game. The projection’s poetic voiceover narration is accompanied by rousing music and sounds of the game, creating an experience that shares the beauty of our story – and how basketball is truly part of being a Hoosier.
This artistic presentation will occur three times nightly on Monument Circle (after the Signature Salute at 8:45, 9:45 and 10:45 p.m.) where its illustrative visual style links three parts together that will transport the viewer through the life cycle of those who play and love the game of basketball. Additional videos will be introduced on March 18 and April 1. Bring your camera!
Stay tuned for Swish Fan Zones on Monument Circle March 19, 20, 27, 28, April 2, 3 & 5. Enjoy Fan Jam giveaways, music, artists, food trucks and more.
See all the events happening in March and April 2021 at downtownindy.org/event-collection/180/spring-break-downtown-indy