Top Indianapolis Family Activities
Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, offers many exciting and fun-filled activities for families, friends, and solo travelers.
From exploring the world’s largest children’s museum to surfing at an outdoor waterpark to visiting the Indianapolis Zoo, there’s something for everyone.
This bustling city in the heart of the Midwest has several attractions catering to all age groups and interests.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Indianapolis and wondering what to do, keep reading to discover some of the best activities to add to your itinerary.
Visit the World's Largest Children's Museum
Explore the world’s largest children’s museum, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and discover a variety of indoor exhibits and outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy.
At the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, indoor exhibits cover topics such as science, space, and other cultures, making learning fun and engaging for the whole family. The museum provides an educational experience that is both entertaining and informative.
Besides indoor exhibits, the museum also offers outdoor activities that focus on sports like golf, hockey, racing, and soccer. These activities are available from March through November, and a complete list of sports activities is available on their website.
Visit the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo offers a fantastic learning experience for the whole family. The animals are divided into 5 exhibits: the Plains, Deserts, Flights of Fancy, Forest, and Ocean.
In addition to viewing various animals, the Indianapolis Zoo offers up-close encounters with some of them, providing a unique experience that the whole family can enjoy.
You can have a double “high-five” from a dolphin, feed a sloth, or bathe an elephant. However, restrictions apply for each animal encounter experience, so it’s best to check the website for more information.
The Indianapolis Zoo is an excellent way to see some of your favorite exotic animals, like lions, tigers, and bears, while learning about the lesser-known species. Before coming out, viewing the map online is recommended to better plan your trip before arrival.
Go Surfing at this Outdoor Waterpark
An outdoor waterpark is a perfect way to spend a fun-filled day with your loved ones while creating unforgettable memories.
Located in Carmel, Indiana, The Waterpark offers a wide range of amenities that cater to everyone’s preferences, ensuring everyone will have a blast.
The Lazy River is perfect if you’re in the mood to relax. You can float around the pool, letting the gentle current take you in circles. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can test your rock climbing skills on the rock climbing wall and jump into the pool below.
For daredevils, the surfing module Flowrider is a must-try. You can experience the thrill of surfing without going to the beach.
The lap pool is perfect for hanging out with friends. You can race across the pool, showing off your swimming skills and performing underwater tricks. Thrill-seekers can check out the multiple waterslides available at the park.
The waterpark caters to all age groups. Its kiddie pool allows even the youngest visitors to have a great time in the sun. The kiddie pool includes a play structure with stairs and a slide, making it perfect for little ones to splash around and play.
You can also reserve a cabana during your visit to the waterpark. It’s an excellent way to escape the crowd and relax with your party.
The cabanas include a ceiling fan to keep you cool during hot summer days, cushioned chairs, electricity, tables, and a radio. They’re the perfect place to take a break and unwind until you’re ready to jump back into the water.
Go for a Swim Indoors
An indoor pool is a great way to splash around in the water, especially during the year’s colder months, or to take a break from those sweltering days.
If you’re looking for a place to have some indoor aquatic fun in Indianapolis, you should check out the Indy Island Aquatic Center.
The Indy Island Aquatic Center is a family-friendly indoor pool with multiple water slides and an interactive play structure with a water spout.
The water slides are perfect for kids who love the thrill of sliding down into the water. The play structure is also an excellent way for kids to have lots of fun, with several water features, such as a water spout, dumping bucket, and spraying nozzles.
Overall, the Indy Island Aquatic Center is a great place to take your family for indoor aquatic fun. Its multiple water slides and interactive play structure are perfect for kids of all ages and skill levels.
So, whether you’re looking to beat the heat or escape the cold, the Indy Island Aquatic Center is a must-visit destination for aquatic fun in Indianapolis.
Greattimes Family Fun Park
Greattimes Family Fun Park is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun day out. The park offers various outdoor and indoor activities for all ages, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
One of the most popular attractions at Greattimes Family Fun Park is the 18-hole miniature golf course. The golf course has a fun tropical tiki theme, with waterfalls, mini tiki huts, and houses. It’s a great way to spend time with family while enjoying the lush green surroundings.
Another exciting attraction at the park is the bumper boats. Bumper boats are a fun way to ride across the pond, bumping into each other while squirting your opponents with the water blasters attached to the front of the boat. It’s a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
For those seeking a more thrilling experience, the park offers three go-kart tracks: the road course, slick track, and kiddie track. The Road Course features a winding path with twists and turns, adding excitement. The slippery track allows you to go top speed while sliding around, and the Kiddie Karts are designed for little ones.
The indoor activities at Greattimes Family Fun Park are just as exciting as the outdoor ones. The arcade room features a variety of games for children to play. It’s a great way to spend time indoors and escape the heat or cold weather.
In addition to the arcade, there is also an indoor play structure several stories high. The structure has tunnels, mats, slides, and lookout points, making it a fun and safe place for kids to play. It’s a perfect spot for your children to get some exercise while you relax.
Overall, Greattimes Family Fun Park is an excellent choice for a day out with the family. With so many activities, you will indeed find something everyone will enjoy.
Catacombs
If you’re interested in exploring Indianapolis’s history, a tour of the Catacombs is a must-visit destination.
The Catacombs are located in the basement of Tomlinson Hall, a building that caught on fire in 1958 and was eventually demolished. The cellar was originally a hall that seated 3,500 individuals and was used for various events.
The Catacombs are approximately 20,000 square feet and feature beautiful brick arches, giving them a unique architectural design. The arches are a testament to the craftsmanship of the builders who constructed the building over a century ago.
Tours of the Catacombs are available and provide a brief history of the building, making it a great historical walking tour for visitors.
The tours last about 30 minutes and are available daily, except for certain holidays. The tour guides are knowledgeable and provide interesting facts about the building and its significance to the city’s history.
The Catacombs are a fascinating destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring Indianapolis’s hidden gems. The tours suit all age groups and are a perfect way to spend a day indoors, especially during inclement weather.
To make a reservation for the tour, call 317-639-4534. You should book your spot early to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Overall, the Catacombs are a unique and exciting destination for anyone exploring Indianapolis’s history. The tours are informative, and the breathtaking architecture makes it a perfect spot for a family outing or a solo adventure. Remember to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the Catacombs.
Important Information: The catacombs do not contain bones or bodies.
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park is an adrenaline-pumping destination for adventure seekers in Indianapolis.
The park features a treetop obstacle rope course with zip lines and a Tarzan swing. It’s an excellent place to challenge yourself, build confidence, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
The course has over 40 obstacles for your family to complete, allowing adventure, fun, and, most importantly, team-building with your loved ones. While completing the course, you can expect to be over 40 feet in the air, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The treetop obstacle course is suitable for children ages 10 and older, and the park provides all necessary equipment, including harnesses, helmets, and gloves. The park staff provides a safety briefing before the course, ensuring you’re prepared to tackle the adventure course safely.
To tackle the obstacle course, wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Cameras are a great way to capture unforgettable moments!
Overall, Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park is an excellent choice for adventure seekers and families looking for a thrilling day out. Plan your visit today and get ready to experience the ultimate treetop adventure.
Important Information: Children ages ten and older can attend the adventure course. However, adult supervision is required with children. Please check the website for more information. The course takes approximately 2-3 hours to finish.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is an exciting destination for families looking for an energetic, fun-filled day out.
It’s a perfect place to bring the kids and let them burn off some energy while having a great time. The park features many activities, including trampolines and various attractions that offer challenges and thrills for all ages.
One of the most popular attractions at Sky Zone is the Warped Wall. It’s a high, sloping wall that challenges kids to run up it as fast as possible. It’s an excellent way to test their speed and endurance, providing a thrilling experience they’ll never forget.
Another attraction that’s sure to excite visitors is the Ninja Warrior Course. It’s similar to the show, with various courses that test strength and speed. Kids can climb a swinging ladder like real Ninja warriors.
Sports enthusiasts will love SkyJoust, Ultimate Dodgeball, SkySlam, and Ultimate Volleyball.
The SkyJoust is an exciting activity where two people go head-to-head with a foam joust, and whoever loses their balance falls into the foam pit below.
Ultimate Dodgeball can be played on a trampoline, adding an extra challenge to the game.
SkySlam is another favorite attraction at the park, featuring basketball hoops catering to all ages and skill levels. While Ultimate Volleyball is a fun and engaging game that everyone can enjoy.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is an excellent way to spend time with family and friends. The facility offers hours of entertainment for everyone in the family, and it’s a safe and fun environment for kids to play and explore. So, come check it out today and experience the excitement for yourself!
Zip City Indy
Zip City Indy is the perfect destination for a fun day with family and friends.
The facility offers a wide range of unique attractions that provide new experiences for visitors. These attractions include a rock wall, rope courses, indoor ziplining, a trampoline park, and a sky lounge.
The rock wall allows visitors to experience indoor rock climbing up to a 30-foot height. It’s a great way for kids who have never tried rock climbing to learn about a new sport, and guides are available to assist newcomers.
Another popular attraction is the rope course, an airborne obstacle course that features bridges, cable rockaways, climbing walls, and more.
Visitors can also enjoy the thrill of the indoor zipline park, which features four ziplines that can go up to 20 miles per hour. The three-story-high zipline course provides an adrenaline rush for those afraid of heights.
In addition to the above attractions, Zip City Indy also features a trampoline park with over 10,000 feet of trampolines and 3 basketball courts, perfect for shooting hoops while bouncing on the trampoline. The dodgeball court is another fun activity within the trampoline park.
For those who need a break from all the excitement, the Sky Lounge provides an adult seating area featuring tables and chairs to sit, relax, read a book, or do office work. Located on the second floor, the sky lounge overlooks the different activities below, making it a great way to check on your child occasionally.
Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
Spend the day enjoying family fun at Indiana Beach Boardwalk and Resort, a popular attraction that features both a theme park and a waterpark.
The amusement park boasts over 50 rides and attractions that cater to all ages, from children to adults, promoting family fun and creating unforgettable memories.
In addition to the theme park, the waterpark is another fantastic attraction that offers various features. The waterpark includes a splash pad, slides, a beach pier pool, and a lazy river, providing hours of fun in the water and a perfect way to stay cool during those hot summer days.
Plenty of dining options, including various restaurants and snack shacks, make it easy to grab a bite to eat and keep your energy up throughout the day.
Plenty of shops and souvenir stores allow you to take home a piece of the Indiana Beach Boardwalk and Resort experience.
Overall, Indiana Beach Boardwalk and Resort is a must-visit destination in Monticello, Indiana, with something for everyone. Whether looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a relaxing day in the sun, you and your family will have a great time here.
In conclusion, there are plenty of fun-filled activities and attractions to experience in Indianapolis and Monticello, Indiana. From visiting the world’s largest children’s museum, exploring the Indianapolis Zoo, and enjoying an outdoor waterpark to spending the day at Indiana Beach Boardwalk and Resort, there is no shortage of family-friendly entertainment.
Whether you’re looking for a day full of adventure or a relaxing time soaking up the sun, these destinations offer something for everyone. So, gather your loved ones, plan your trip, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Full List of Top Indianapolis Family Attractions
- Visit the World’s Largest Children’s Museum
- Visit the Indianapolis Zoo
- Go Surfing at this Outdoor Waterpark
- Go for a Swim Indoors
- Greattimes Family Fun Park
- Catacombs
- Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park
- Zip City Indy
- Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! If you have ever been to Indianapolis, Indiana, kindly share with us your favorite attraction.
Also, check out some of the other articles such as Things to do in Indianapolis for Couples and Free Attractions in Indianapolis or Best Family Vacations in the Midwest.
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of Elizabeth Besich Boutique
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Elizabeth Besich. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
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