Top Spots to Visit in Indianapolis with Kids

Beth Wood said:  The Indianapolis City Market originally opened in 1886 and is listed on the National Register of Historical places. Located in downtown Indianapolis, visitors can shop from over 25 locally-owned and operated small businesses. With ethnic eateries, from-scratch snacks, boutique goods, and more - there's something for everyone!

Beth Wood said:  Bankers Life Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis is the home of the NBA Indianapolis Pacers and the WNBA Indianapolis Fever. Besides catching a basketball game, you can also visit Bankers Life to attend a concert or entertaining family-friendly events like Disney on Ice or Cirque Du Soleil. See site for events schedule.

Beth Wood said:  The Cake Bake Shop in Broad Ripple is a place that will fill up your senses. Endorsed by so many (including Oprah!), visit the Cake Bake shop for a cup of tea or coffee, slice of homemade cake or pie, salads, sandwiches, and quiche in a beautifully decorated tea room setting. Celebrate something special, make reservations for afternoon tea, and more.

Kristy Pepping said:  If you're looking to expose your kids to a little bit of history while on a visit to Indy, head to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The 23rd president built the home in 1874-1875. Except for his U.S. Senate and presidential years, he lived in the home until he died in 1901. The site rotates exhibits often so there is always something new to see.

Beth Wood said:  In the heart of downtown Indianapolis, The Soldiers and Sailors Monument houses the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum and a gift shop on the lower level. Walk up 331 steps (or take the elevator) to the Observation Level to see an all-around view of the city from 275 feet up.

Beth Wood said:  Conveniently located in downtown Indianapolis, Circle Center Mall is a four story indoor mall that offers over 125 stores, restaurants and entertainment options. You can shop, grab a bite to eat at the food court or in one of the numerous fine dining establishments and catch a movie at the movie theater located within the mall.

Kristy Pepping said:  At Omni Severin Hotel their youngest guests are given special treatment; making this a great place to stay for the whole family! The Omni Kids Crew program caters to children in several ways. Upon check-in, kids pick up a backpack filled with fun items designed with their needs in mind. Kids will also enjoy the milk and cookies delivered to the room on the first night of their stay. There is also an Omni Kids Crew coloring menu available in the restaurants, with crayons and an Omni Kids Crew cup.

Beth Wood said:  St. Elmo Steak House is an Indianapolis tradition. It has been a downtown landmark since 1902 and is the oldest Indianapolis steakhouse in its original location. Well known for their steaks, chops, seafood and infamous shrimp cocktail; St. Elmo is an upscale restaurant where kids are always welcome.

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Beth Wood said:  Rhythm Discovery Center is the world’s foremost drum and percussion museum. It was founded by the Percussive Arts Society in 2009. Rhythm features interactive exhibits highlighting a rich collection of historic artifacts and hands-on percussion instruments.

Beth Wood said:  It doesn't get much cooler than staying overnight at a hotel for little kids! Add staying overnight in a room that's in an actual train car and you might become the coolest parents ever! The Crown Plaza Indianapolis is located within Union Station in downtown Indianapolis. Union Station was the first union station in the world, opening in 1853, but now houses a hotel, restaurants, banquet halls and more. The Crowne Plaza features 26 rooms in old train cars that sit on the original train tracks as well as an indoor swimming pool in the old train station area.

Dawn Denning said:  Take a 75-minute tour of all the great sights around Indianapolis! An authentic trolley allows your family to see all that Indy has to offer in a fun way. The tour includes many museums, parks and memorials around downtown Indianapolis. You will also visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana Repertory Theater and more!

Beth Wood said:  The Eagle's Nest sits atop the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis. It is the only revolving rooftop restaurant in Indianapolis where you and your family can dine on classic American cuisine made from fresh local ingredients while getting 360° views of the downtown skyline. This upscale dining experience has a business casual dress code.

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Beth Wood said:  Lucas Oil Stadium is home to the Indianapolis Colts NFL team. This multi-purpose state of the art stadium with a retractable roof was the home of Super Bowl XLVI and plays host throughout the year to big-name concerts and sporting events. If you can't grab tickets to one of the many events held at Lucas Oil Stadium, but still want to experience the stadium you can catch one of their public tours.

Beth Wood said:  Voted one of the top Children's Museums in the nation several years in a row, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is definitely a MUST do. The museum features five floors of exhibits and interactive learning activities in the arts, world cultures, sciences and humanities. They offer over 120,000 artifacts that help kids learn in extraordinary ways.

Beth Wood said:  If you're in the downtown area, be sure to stop by Indianapolis Canal Walk. This 3-mile loop is a popular spot where you can find pedal boats and gondolas available for rent or rides, bicycles for rent, surreys and Segways as well as fitness enthusiasts out for a walk or jog. You'll also find several museums, public art, restaurants, worship and more which make it the hub of things to do in the Canal and White River State Park Cultural District!