Indianapolis with Kids

Last summer, we ventured through Indianapolis with our kids for an overnight stay on the way to Chicago. What as our idea of a pitstop became a fun destination for our family! We can’t wait to go back!

There is so much to do with the littles there and we even almost purchased a yearly membership to the Children’s Museum we loved it so much! Read on for what we did… and what we’d like to do when we go back. In no particular order, let’s go!

1.) Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Definitely, by far, our #1 pick for what to do with kids while in Indy! We didn’t allow for enough time here and found ourselves trying to see how we could come back here on our way back through Indy at the end of our Chicago trip. Plan for a full day! There’s sooo much to do – with dinosaur exhibits, a fun Barbie exhibit, sports fun, and more, the girls LOVED it here… and so did we. 🙂

outside dinosaur at the children's museum of indianapolis

race car at the indianapolis children's museum

barbie exhibit at the indianapolis children's museum

2.) Baby’s

Okay, okay – this place is for the entire family but it’s very colorful + fun, plus they have a great children’s menu! We stopped in here after the Children’s Museum for an early dinner. It has the cutest ambiance, a super fun outdoor patio, along with some yummy milkshakes!

3.) Hoosier Gym

Nestled just outside of Indy, this Knightstown, IN gem is a must-see for anyone that loved the famous movie, Hoosiers. We took a tour of the gym and the locker room and the girls even took a few shots. Mini tours are free but they do accept donations. Also, they still host basketball games here!

4.) The Conrad Indianapolis

This Hilton hotel has a prime time location, located downtown. I wanted to stay downtown so we would be close to everything but I also considered hotels just north in Carmel. What sold me on this one is that it was within walking distance to a lot of restaurants and shopping as well as the POOL! The girls loved the pool and the hot tub. It was so nice to take a dip after driving a lot that day.

5.) Eat deep dish at Giordano’s.

We decided to go ahead and indulge in some deep dish pizza from this famous pizza place. Their original and most well-known locations are in Chicago, and admittedly, Nic and I weren’t expecting to love this deep dish as much as we did! It’s SO GOOD! Ellie got the spaghetti 🙂 Either way, a fun + casual spot for families!

6. Visit Newfields.

See inspiring works of art in the Indianapolis Museum of Art, stroll through lush gardens with a drink, and discover a 100-acre nature park.

7. Indianapolis Zoo

When visiting Indianapolis with kids, your trip is not complete without a visit to their zoo! Feed giraffes, flamingos, and lorikeets and be sure to ride the Kombo Coaster!

8. Grab some ice cream from Trader’s Point Creamery.

A supplier to Whole Foods, Traders Point Creamery is a family owned, 100% grass-fed farm, handcrafted creamery, and farmstead restaurant. It is Indiana’s first USDA certified organic dairy farm. They offer brunch, lunch, dinner, kids’ and carry-out menus. Visit their Dairy Bar for some delicious ice cream!

9. Have some family fun with Duckpin Bowling.

Next time we’re coming here, for sure! Located downtown in Fountain Square, Action Duckpin Bowl has eight lanes of duckpin bowling, a vintage billiard table and seating for 110 guests in their cafe area. They also offer a full menu.

10. Stop in for a sweet treat at The Cake Bake Shop.

We ran out of time or else I would’ve LOVED to take the girls here! They have two locations in the Indianapolis area (Broad Ripple and Carmel) and I read that they’ll be opening a Disney World location this year! How fun! They have treats, salads, sandwiches, quiches, a children’s menu, and more!