Things to Do
For the Young and
Young at Heart:
Indianapolis Zoo
The zoo is dedicated to research so you can see some different things between their 380 species! Get up close and personal with the orangutans, race a cheetah, stand in a garden of butterflies, feed a giraffe or some lorikeets, pet a shark, take a train for a behind the scenes look at the zoo, and take in a dolphin show to learn all about these incredible creatures (and sit in the splash zone for extra fun!). Check Groupon for discount tickets!
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The largest children's museum in the world! In the incredible five story building you can truly let your imagination run wild. Talk to a real paleontologist and see dinosaur fossils (put on some goggles and help dig if you are up to it!), Talk to archaeologists about ancient Egypt, sunken treasure, and the Chinese terracotta warriors. Look at their lab and see how they carefully restore these treasures! Sit in the planetarium for a guided tour of the night sky, catch a play in the theater. Climb aboard a real train and see many models. Relax under a Dale Chihuly blown glass exhibit, try to spot the cherubs! In ScienceWorks, build a boat and play with a series of locks and levees. Finish the day with a mirror maze and a ride on an antique carousel. This is perfect for anyone wanting a way to reconnect with their inner kid. Traveling exhibits have been Star Wars, Transformers, Ninja Turtles, Legos, Doc McStuffins, and more.
For the Art and History Buff
The Indianapolis Museum of Art: Newfields
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The museum and gardens are incredible, they have a broad collection including some impressionists, Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol. See the African collection of tribal masks, the Asian collection of calligraphy, the antique furniture collection and more. If you don't want to pay to enter, check out the 100 Acre Wood, a free sculpture park. Beautiful walking trails and the skeleton statue made famous by The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene. See the only igloo in Indiana, a living art piece in the middle of the lake.
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The Western History and Native American Museum. Perfect for anyone who is interested in the history of western expansion and early pioneers. Take a picture in a real stagecoach! Follow the history of the move west and look out for their traveling exhibits that have included greats like Ansel Adams.
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The Eiteljorg
The Indiana History Museum
See a mastodon, look at fossils, learn to identify animals based on tracks and calls, and much more! Look at a history of famous Indiana faces like John Mellencamp and see how Hoosiers have made their mark! Take in a movie at the IMAX screen, and walk on the White River.
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For the Adventure Enthusiast
Climb Time Indy
This indoor rock climbing building has both belay climbing (on ropes) and free climbing (bouldering). Pay the extra for a bag of chalk to split between you, it will help your hands! It is so fun in the moment, and a great work out! We prefer the location in Fishers. Check Groupon for a great deal!
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Bad Axe Throwing
Want to unleash your inner Viking? Try Bad Axe! You can learn to throw a hatchet with the best of them. No experience required! Check Groupon for a great deal!
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Always wanted to be in Cirque du Soleil? Learn to be an aerialist and climb silks. Wear long pants, and be prepared to sweat! This is a workout, but it will be the most fun you have ever had! Check Groupon for a great deal!
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Cirque Indy
Qunitessential Indy
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
The very center of Indianapolis--the whole city spirals out from monument center. Climb the 330 stairs (or take the elevator for the first 300 steps), and see amazing panoramic views of the city skyline. At 284 ft it is only 15 ft shorter than the statue of Liberty. This monument honors the soldiers of the Civil War and Revolution.
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Indianapolis Motor Speedways Museum
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Take a look at cars throughout the ages, and even take a ride around the track as they tell you about the history of the track and racing. Don’t forget to take a picture kissing the bricks of the Brickyard 500 start line!
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https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/at-the-track/museum
White River State Park
These 250 acres are home to several museums and the zoo, as well as some beautiful walking trails that run through the park and the city. You can rent paddle boats to go down the canal, which is a perfect way to relax in the afternoon! See the beauty of downtown and soak up some sun!
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This living history museum is like walking into the past. Watch the blacksmith turn iron into incredible creations, learn about historic breeds they are trying to breed back from endangered status, and ride in a hot air balloon! The balloon goes higher than the Statue of Liberty and you can see all of downtown from the sky! A fun, relaxing afternoon!
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