Top Family Attractions around Indianapolis
Visit the World's Largest Children's Museum
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s largest children’s museum that features a variety of exhibits and outdoor activities.
Indoor exhibits include but are not limited to, Dinosphere, with exhibits featuring several dinosaur bones showing the structures of different species.
Within the exhibit, you can have fun being an ‘Archeologist’ for a day and discover bones by digging. Another excellent aspect is the ability to touch an actual dinosaur bone. These are just a few of the many activities within the Dinosphere exhibit.
Another remarkable exhibit offered at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the ability to explore the culture of Greece.
The Take Me There Greece Exhibit allows for an educational experience. While here, learn different phrases, how to use a stethoscope while rescuing sea turtles (role play), and about Greece’s food.
Stop by the Genetics Taverna, where you can role-play working in a Greek restaurant. It’s a great way to educate your children about one of the many different cultures worldwide.
While visiting the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, stop by the Wild Weather exhibit. This is a hands-on exhibit that teaches about the different types of storms.
Educational experiences include learning about tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storms.
Activities include a Tornado simulator, lightning mapping, and dancing up a storm. These are just a few of the museum’s many unique exhibits. Check out their website for a complete list of activities available.
In addition to the indoor exhibits, the museum also features outdoor activities focusing on sports.
These activities include but are not limited to, Golf, Hockey, Racing, and Soccer. For a complete list of sports activities outside, visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis website. Outdoor activities are available from March through November.
Visit the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo is a great educational experience for the whole family, allowing them to learn about the different animals worldwide. The Zoo features around 3,800 different animals with approximately 320 different species.
Animals are divided into different exhibits, such as the plains, deserts, flights of fancy, forest, and ocean exhibits.
Animals listed in the Plains are the African Elephant, African Lion, Cheetah, Warthog, and White Rhinoceros. These are just a few of the many animals located in the plains.
Another exhibit at the Zoo is called the Deserts, which includes a variety of snakes, turtles, and tortoises. The exhibits include the Bearded Dragon, Common Chuckwalla, and the Meerkats.
Then there is the Flights of Fancy exhibit that features a variety of different Birds on Exhibit.
The Forest Exhibit is a popular attraction at the Indianapolis Zoo. Animals include but are not limited to the Alaskan Brown Bear, Red Panda, Sloth, and Amur Tiger.
While here, don’t forget to check out the Oceans exhibit that features Bottlenose Dolphins, Penguins, and a Smooth Dogfish Shark, among many other animals.
In addition to viewing various animals, you can have an up-close encounter with one. How neat is that? This experience is something the whole family can enjoy.
Below is a list of animal encounters available while visiting the Indianapolis Zoo.
Get a High Five from a Dolphin
You can walk around the pool, where you get an up-close encounter with the dolphins and get a double “high-five” from one of the dolphin members. It’s a great way to add to your experience at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Feed a Sloth
Get a personalized experience with a sloth where you can learn more about the creature and even feed him some of his favorite foods. The sloth encounter does not include holding the sloth.
Bathe an Elephant
Ever wanted to bathe an elephant but didn’t want to travel a far distance to do so? Now you have the opportunity at the Indianapolis Zoo. The opportunity is available for up to four people at a time, so reserve ahead of time. During a session with the elephants, you get an educational experience on how to groom an elephant.
Restrictions apply for each animal encounter experience. Please check the website for more information.
The Zoo is a great way to see some of your favorite exotic animals, such as lions, tigers, and bears while learning about the lesser-known species. Before coming out, view the map online to better plan your trip prior to arrival.
Go Surfing at this Outdoor Waterpark
An outdoor waterpark is a great way to spend time with the ones you love while having fun and creating memories. The waterpark is located in Carmel, Indiana, and is a great place to spend the day under the sun, having fun and making memories. The waterpark features several different amenities allowing the whole family to find something they love.
The Lazy River is perfect for relaxing while floating around the pool, allowing the current to take you in circles. The adventurous may want to try the rock climbing wall, where you can climb to the top and jump into the pool below.
The surfing module, Flowrider, is perfect for the daredevils! Flowrider allows anyone to try surfing without having to it the waves at the beach. Possibly, want to chill in the pool with some friends. If that is the case, then the lap pool is perfect. Test your swimming skills as you race each other across the pool. It’s a great way to hang out and talk while showing off handstands and underwater flips.
For those looking to have fun, the multiple waterslides at the park may be interesting. The slides include an open-top slide, closed tube tunnel slide, or you get soaked on the plunge slide.
The waterpark caters to all ages. The outdoor waterpark offers a kiddie pool, allowing even the littlest ones to have fun in the sun while splish-splashing in the water. The Kiddie Pool includes a play structure with stairs and a slide. The littlest ones will have a blast playing in the kiddie pool.
Don’t forget to reserve a cabana during your time at the waterpark. It’s a great way to escape the crowd and relax with those at your party. Cabanas include a ceiling fan allowing your party to stay cool during the hot summer day. Furthermore, the Cabana has a radio, cushioned chairs, electricity, and tables. It’s a great way to take a break and relax until you are ready to dive 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 take a break from those extremely hot days. One indoor pool to check out in Indianapolis is the Indy Island Aquatic Center.
The pool features multiple slides and an interactive play structure with a water spout. The Indy Island Aquatic Center is a great way to get the family out of the house and have something fun to do!
Greattimes Family Fun Park
Greattimes Family Fun Park is a great way to spend time with the family. The amusement park features an 18-hole miniature golf course with a fun tropical tiki theme. The outdoor golf course features waterfalls, mini tiki huts, and houses.
In addition to mini golf is bumper boats. Bumper boats are a great way to ride across the pond bumping each other while squirting your opponent with the water blasters attached to the front of the boat.
Another great attraction offered at Greattimes Family Fun Park is the Go-Kart tracks. The facility provides three go-kart tracks: road course, slick track, and kiddie track.
The Road Course features a winding path with twists and turns, adding to the overall fun. Then there’s the slick track that allows you to go top speeds while sliding around. Then the Kiddie Karts are designed with the litter ones in mind. Kiddie karts are for children between the ages of 4 and 8.
Indoor activities at Greattimes Family Fun Park include an arcade room and indoor play. The game room features over ten games for the children, making it fun to watch them go from game to game.
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.
Catacombs
Take an underground tour of the Catacombs throughout Indianapolis. The Catacombs are the basement of Tomlinson Hall, a building that caught on fire in 1958. The cellar was originally a hall that seated 3,500 individuals.
The Catacomb’s total size is approximately 20,000 square feet and features beautiful brick arches, giving it a unique architectural design. Tours are available from the Catacombs. They last about 30 minutes and provide a brief history of the building. Therefore, making it a great historical walking tour—Call 317-639-4534 to make a reservation.
Important Information: The catacombs do not contain bones or bodies.
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park is an excellent place for adventure seekers. The park features a treetop obstacle rope course with bridges, canopies, zip lines, and a Tarzan swing.
The course has over 40 obstacles for your family to complete, allowing adventure, fun, and, most importantly, team building with your loved ones. You can expect to be over 40 feet in the air while completing the course. This is a unique adventure that the whole family will love.
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 a great way to get the kids out of the house. The trampoline park allows plenty of room to bounce around. In addition to the trampolines, they also offer various activities. These activities include the Warped Wall, Drop Zone, Parkour Blox, Ninja Warrior Course, SkyJoust, Ultimate Dodgeball, Ultimate Volleyball, SkySlam, and Skylanders.
Test Your Strength and Speed with the Warped Wall, Parkour Blox, Skylanders, and the Ninja Warrior Course
The Warped Wall is similar to what is seen on Ninja Warrior; it is a sloped wall where children can run as fast as possible to get to the top.
Another attraction is the Parkour Blox, filled with foam blocks in a pathway to practice speed and strength, a great way to practice Parkour.
The Ninja Warrior Course is similar to the show, with different courses that test strength and speed. Climb a swinging ladder to the top with the Skylanders.
The Sports Enthusiast will love SkyJoust, Ultimate Dodgeball, SkySlam, and Ultimate Volleyball.
The SkyJoust is a fun activity where two people go head-to-head with a foam joust, and whoever loses their balance falls into the foam pit below.
Play Ultimate Dodgeball on a trampoline with friends and family, allowing them to bounce around dodging balls.
SkySlam is another attraction offered at SkyZone Trampoline Park. The attraction features basketball hoops catering to all ages and skill levels.
Another great attraction is Ultimate Volleyball. This attraction allows for a fun game of volleyball.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a great way to spend time with family and friends. The facility offers hours of entertainment for everyone in the family. Come check it out today.
Zip City Indy
Zip City Indy provides hours of fun with family and friends. The facility offers a variety of unique attractions that provide new experiences. Attractions include a Rock Wall, Rope Courses, Indoor Ziplining, Trampoline Park, and a Sky Lounge.
The Rock Wall allows indoor rock climbing up the 30-foot wall. It’s an excellent way for the kiddos who have never been rock climbing to learn about a new sport. Furthermore, the facility has guides to assist those new to rock climbing.
Another great attraction at the Zip City Indy is the Rope Course. This is an obstacle course that is in the air. The course features bridges, cable rockaways, climbing walls, and more.
Then there’s the Indoor Zipline Park, which features four ziplines that go up to 20 miles per hour! The Zipline Course is three stories high, allowing an adrenaline rush for those afraid of heights.
In addition to the attractions listed above, Zip City Indy also features a Trampoline Park with over 10,000 feet of Trampolines. In addition to the open jump, there is also a basketball court. The basketball court is a fun way to shoot hoops while bouncing on the trampoline.
Another activity within Trampoline Park is the Dodgeball Court. Jumping around on the trampoline and dodging balls is fun and challenging. The Trampoline Park is perfect for getting needed energy out and is a great workout.
The Zip City Indy also has Toddler Town, perfect for two-year-olds and younger. It’s an excellent way for parents to keep their younger children entertained while their other kids play. Adults must accompany their children in Toddler Towns.
In addition to the various attractions offered, there is a seating area for adults. Sky Lounge features tables and chairs to sit, relax, read a book, or do office work. The Sky Lounge is located on the second floor and overlooks the different activities below—a great way to check on your child from time to time.
Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
Spend the day filled with family fun. The Indiana Beach Boardwalk and Resort feature a theme park and waterpark.
The amusement park has over 40 different rides. Rides include five roller coaster rides, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and many more. Each ride is unique in its way. Rides cater to all ages, from children to adults, allowing fun for the whole family.
In addition to a theme park is a waterpark. The waterpark offers a variety of different attractions. The waterpark includes a splash pad, slides, a beach pier pool, and a lazy river, allowing for hours of fun in the water! It’s a perfect way to stay cool during those hot summer days.
Another significant aspect of the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort is the “seaside” style park. Since the park is next to Lake Shafer, there are excellent views of the lake from the various rides, giving the feel that you are on a beach pier. This is a must-visit destination in Monticello, Indiana.
Top Family Attractions Around Indianapolis
- 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 hope you enjoyed our article. Let us know in the comments below if you have been to Indianapolis, Indiana, what your favorite attraction is.
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!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of any organizations mentioned or affiliated with. The information provided in this blog is accurate and up-to-date to the best of the author’s knowledge, but readers are advised to do their own research and confirm any information before making travel plans or decisions. The author is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by readers while traveling based on the information provided in this blog. Travel at your own risk and always prioritize your safety and well-being. Any reviews or comments written are the subjective opinion of an Amora V Lifestyle member and not Amora V Lifestyle. Amora V Lifestyle performs occasional checks on commentary left by users. It’s worth mentioning that we may also use comments in our articles. By posting a comment, you are giving us permission to use it in our content. Please check out Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for full disclosure.
