26 Things To Do in Indianapolis With Kids (Parent Reviews)

Kings Island is the largest amusement and water park in the Midwest. With a combination of thrill rides, attractions and shows, there's plenty for all ages. Big kids can experience the thrilling roller coasters, and little ones won't want to miss the Snoopy-themed attractions. A daily admission to the park also allows access to Soak City Water Park with over 50 water attractions.

Come enjoy a 40-mile scenic river tour and experience one of America’s great rivers. Cruise the Ohio River where it can not be seen from a road. Your Captain and crew will point out historic locations, share river stories, and help spot wildlife like Bald Eagles, Blue Heron, Deer, and maybe even a Bobcat.

Step back in time to the 1800's and experience what life was like back then. Explore and interact throughout a variety of amazing outdoor and indoor exhibits: 1836 Prairietown, 1863 Civil War Journey, 1859 Balloon Voyage (take a ride!), Lenape Indian Camp, Animal Encounters, William Conner House, Treetop Outpost. Craft Corner, Discovery Station and more. Conner Prairie offers family fun and learning for visitors of all ages. Conner Prairie offers special events for visitors so be sure to check their calendar of events.

Families swimming at Morse Beach can bring their own chairs, pool noodles, life jackets and floaties. Concessions are available.

Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens is located within the 136 acre Garfield Park, on Indianapolis' near south side. The 10,000 sq. ft. Conservatory is open year round and houses hundreds of orchids, fruiting trees, and koi ponds. The outdoor Sunken Garden blooms with tulips in the spring and an annual display in the summer.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  This is a lovely place to visit for $4/person as of 12/2020. They do a few kid friendly things like a gnome scavenger hunt. Our littles love the koi ponds and it’s nice seeing greenery in the middle of winter

Does your child want to become a firefighter when they grow up? Be sure to visit the Indianapolis Fire Fighters Museum & Memorial Plaza. This museum is dedicated to Indianapolis Fire Department history and firefighting history in general. Visitors can see a hand pumper, horse drawn hose cart, horse drawn steam pumper and more.

Cool Creek Park is one of Hamilton County's most popular parks, as it offers a wide variety of features and activities. Members of the entire family are sure to enjoy this beautiful 90-acre park year-round. The park includes 4 miles of wooded trails - perfect for hiking, jogging, and bird watching. Scenic paved roads that wind through the park are ideal for those who cycle and rollerblade.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  The natural play space that is just past the nature center is beautifully put together and an awesome space for open ended play!

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an 8-mile pedestrian and bicycle path in the downtown area. You can see neighborhoods, cultural districts and entertainment sites. No need to pack your bikes, you can rent them through Indy's bike share program!

Beth Wood said:  Broad Ripple Village is a charming and well-known neighborhood north of downtown Indianapolis settled along the White River that is known for its mix of restaurants, bars and clubs. It is also home to art galleries and great local shopping. Broad Ripple Village is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening exploring!

Beth Wood said:  Gainbridge 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 Gainbridge Fieldhouse to attend a concert or entertaining family-friendly events like Disney on Ice or Cirque Du Soleil. See site for events schedule.

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.

The Indianapolis Children's Museum is the largest children's museum in the world, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. It features five floors of interactive exhibits covering science, history, art, and culture. Popular attractions include the Dinosphere, a recreated Cretaceous environment with real dinosaur fossils. The museum is designed to make learning fun and engaging for children and families of all ages.

This impressive downtown Indianapolis playground looks like a work of art! Located next to the canal, you'll find a sprawling horizontal climber, a fast metal tunnel slide, and plenty of Colts blue.

The Indianapolis Canal Walk is a scenic, 3‑mile waterside promenade through White River State Park and downtown, offering families access to paddle‑boat and surrey rentals, public art, fountains, memorials—and the adventurous Colts Canal Playspace playground. Ideal for stroller walks, scavenger hunts and casual biking, it connects kid‑friendly museums and green spaces in a lively, educational setting.

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!

Victory Field offers fixed seating, lawn seating, picnic areas, concessions and more. Special family events occur throughout the season.

Beth Wood said:  My family loves to go to an Indianapolis Indians Minor League Baseball game at Victory Field in downtown Indy each season. There is a great kid-friendly activities area with speed pitch, basketball shot and other games.