Parents and caregivers: We’ve made it this far into the year — now it’s time to take care of ourselves. It’s difficult to fill your little one’s cup without filling your own first. So, grab your partner, call the sitter and center yourself with a night (or weekend) away from kids. Indianapolis is bursting with fun grown-up night-out gems.
Get Away for the Night
Looking to get away for a night or the weekend? Ironworks Hotel is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel near Indy’s north side. It’s just steps away from some of the best restaurants in the area, as well as the Keystone Fashion Mall and the Landmark Keystone Art Cinema.
Hotel Indy, the newest modern hotel to hit Indianapolis, is located in the Wholesale District and offers a swanky stay just steps from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Head up to the sixth floor of Hotel Indy, and you’ll find The Cannon Ball Lounge, a rooftop bar with epic views of downtown.
If you want to stay in the middle of all the action, book a night at Hotel Bottleworks in Fountain Square. The former Coca-Cola bottling plant recently transformed into the Bottleworks District, and along with the vintage boutique hotel, you’ll find a food hall, a bowling alley and a movie theater showing independent and foreign films.
Play Like a Kid
Who says kids have all the fun? Reach new heights at North Mass Boulder, a new 52,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art bouldering gym. Challenge yourself to ropes-free climbing, then take a break at Top Out Cafe upstairs, where you’ll find healthy food options and 14 different craft beers on tap.
Practice your aim at one of Indy’s axe throwing facilities, including Ragnarok Axe Throwing and Anarchy Axe Throwing in Castleton, and Bad Axe Throwing in downtown Indy. Throwing sharp metal objects at a target might be the perfect kid-free activity there is!
Enjoy Dinner and a Show
Film buffs and foodies will find what they’re looking for at Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie (pictured), located in Indy’s Windsor Park neighborhood. This arthouse movie theater shows under-the-radar indie films and obscure classics, and offers European-inspired cuisine and seasonal cocktails at their in-house restaurant.
If you’re looking to enjoy a meal with a little history, try one of Conner Prairie’s Hearthside Suppers, happening now through March 13. Guests can take part in an entertaining evening with costumed interpreters at the historic 1823 William Conner House, enjoy a light appetizer, then lend a hand with the final preparations of the meal. You might churn butter, grind coffee, prepare the vegetables — all while learning about 19th-century food and cooking techniques. Then, after receiving instruction in proper etiquette, guests will enjoy a supper by candlelight, followed by 19th-century parlor games and dessert.
