As spring break approaches, look to Indianapolis for an easy change of scenery from Michigan. As the winter chill dies down, spring transforms Indianapolis into a hotspot of lively activities that every member of the family will enjoy. From museum hopping or a day out in nature, the Circle City offers plenty for families.
In one straight shot, getting to Indianapolis takes around four hours via US-24 W and I-69 S. The drive can be cut in half with a lunch or shopping stop in downtown Fort Wayne, IN, before reaching the final destination.
Things to Do in Indianapolis
The Circle City offers plenty of things to do with kids, whether you prefer museum hopping or spending a day with animals. You can pack your entire schedule or take it easy and relax. The choice is totally yours! Here are some of the many activities we enjoy over the years.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Every time we visit Indy, we HAVE to visit the world’s largest children’s museum! With four floors of fun, it is easy to spend the entire day here. Check out the dinosaurs or trains, learn about space exploration or watch a show in the theater. Whatever you decide, the entire family (not just the kids) will enjoy their time here. If you want to get a work out in, the outdoor Sports Legends Experience is amazing and can easily fill up your day.
Indianapolis Zoo. Located within the White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo allows visitors to meet desert animals or African wildlife, explore the ocean environment or watch orangutans monkey around at the world’s largest orangutan center. The zoo also hosts its spring xZOOberance festival throughout March and April, packed with petting zoos, themed games, musical activities and more. Enhance your visit with special animal encounters like feeding a flamingo, a bird, or a giraffe.
Conner Prairie. Step back in time at Conner Prairie, a Smithsonian-affiliated living history museum. Not only will you be totally immersed in the era with reenactment actors performing chores and living life as it was back in the days, but kids will enjoy going on a tethered hot air balloon ride or exploring the Treetop Outpost.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Start your engines! Cruise around on a shuttle tour around the iconic 2.5-mile oval and get a chance to “kiss the bricks” ahead of the Indy 500 on May 24. Afterwards, head to the museum to find cars, trophies and other memorabilia.
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park. We love sculptures, and this art park has a few great pieces, including Funky Bones and a neat tree branch swing. Take a hike around the lake in search of the cool yellow benches that also double as art. Don’t miss the spring festival, Spring Blooms, that showcases the park’s blossoming orchids, tulips and daffodils from March 18-May 10.
Newfields. Not only does Newfields have a fantastic art museum with a chance to see the original “Love” statue by Robert Indiana, but the grounds are absolutely beautiful with gardens, the old Lilly estate and a beer garden.
Explore the canal. A canal in the middle of downtown? Yes! At White River State Park, you can rent a surrey bike from Wheel Fun Rentals and bike your way around the canal or better yet take it to the water in a paddle boat and paddle away. While exploring, you can enjoy the many murals throughout or even a pit stop at the super cool Colts Canal Playspace.
Other activities to try in Indy include bouldering at the new North Mass Boulder or a glass fusion class where the whole family can create beautiful glassware inside the bright teal Circle City Industrial Complex. Or how about a completely new game called fowling at Fowling Warehouse that’s a mix of cornhole, football, and bowling that was invented in Indy?
Where to Stay in Indianapolis
Plenty of lodging choices can be found depending on location preference or budget.
Omni Severin Hotel Indianapolis. Located in downtown, the historic and elegant hotel dating back to 1913 is the perfect stomping grounds for families. The all-suite hotel offers enough space for families and kids will love splashing in the pool. Bonus: It’s connected to the Circle Centre Mall if you ever need a quick shopping trip. And, Omni is offering a Spring Somewhere New promotion throughout the end of May.
Bottleworks Hotel. The boutique hotel is luxurious and modern yet stays true to its rich history as the former Coca-Cola admin building. Many of the art deco elements from that era have been lovingly restored. The spacious rooms are gorgeous and we loved the little details throughout.
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station. For a truly unique and fun experience, families can stay in converted train cars from the 1920s. The hotel, a historic landmark property, is located on the site of the first Union Station ever built and some of that history can be seen throughout.
JW Marriott Indianapolis. One of our favorite places to stay in Indy happens to be one of the largest JW Marriotts in the world. Boasting an amazing pool as well as one of the best hotel gyms that we’ve been to. It’s also conveniently located across the street from the White River State Park and just a short walk away from restaurants. Pro-tip: If the minor league Indianapolis Indians are playing you can watch after-game fireworks from your room!
Places to Eat in Indianapolis
If there’s one thing we love about the Circle City, it’s the variety of food choices the city has to offer. Foodies will be in heaven! Some of our favorites include:
The Garage at Bottleworks District. Eat your heart out at this food hall with more than 20 food vendors. Grab a lobster roll from J’s Lobster & Fish Market, a poke bowl from Poke Guru, Brazilian street food, and so much more. Every First Friday, the dining hall hosts live music and arts events to enjoy after dinner.
Cafe Patachou. For an awesome breakfast, you have to go to Cafe Patachou. Oh, my deliciousness! Kids will love ordering their green eggs and ham. If you prefer sweet over savory, then the croissant French toast was to die for. The omelets are hearty and filling, but the real star is their cinnamon toast with all its cinnamon and butter glory.
Trader’s Point Creamery. Located on Indy’s north side, Trader’s Point Creamery is a perfect place to bring the family. Personally, we love visiting here; we’re always treated like family. Kids will adore walking around the dairy farm and meeting the resident farm animals. Afterwards (or before), enjoy the perfectly crafted meal in their barn-like atmosphere.
Why Our Family Loves Indianapolis
If you’re looking for a city escape without being too overwhelming, we love how doable everything is without the crazy traffic. One of the best parts about springtime in Indianapolis is the lively energy outdoors. The winter chill begins to fade, and families across the city venture out to the city’s parks and patios for flower viewing, live music and other spring festivities.
No matter what season you visit, Indianapolis offers something for everyone in your family and will have you revisiting again and again like our family.
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