19 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.

Morse Park and Beach is the center for summertime activities in Hamilton County. With the surrounding trees, hills, and Morse Reservoir, it is an ideal location to play! This 23-acre park boasts an 18-hole disc golf course.

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

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!

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!

Massachusetts Avenue, known as Mass Ave by Indy locals, is located in downtown Indianapolis and is home to public art, galleries, theater, dining, shopping, and more. This 7-block stretch is a local hot spot that offers casual to upscale dining options, a popular nightlife scene, great local shops and boutiques, and much more. Be sure to stop by on your visit and see everything Mass Ave has to offer!

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.

Holliday Park has a large and impressive playground surrounded by beautiful nature trails, a nature center, outdoor classroom and The Ruins - a massive sculpture in a recently renovated area including a children’s water table, shimmer fountain, benches, trees and gardens.

Dawn Denning said:  My kids love this park and it has one of the best playgrounds in Indianapolis! The playground is huge and includes a playground for the big kids and a smaller one aimed for the 3 & under crowd. There are wooded trails that lead to the White River & around the park. Near the entrance, the Ruins relocated from New York City has a water table, fountain & benches to relax. The Nature Center offers hands on kids activities.

The Indianapolis Zoo, located in White River State Park, is a world-renowned facility that combines a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden in one location. It’s home to over 1,400 animals and is known for its innovative exhibits, including the award-winning Dolphin Pavilion and International Orangutan Center.

Heather Jarrett said:  One of my favorite places in Indianapolis. I prefer to spend time with the animals. My kids enjoy the rides.

On the grounds of the Newfields (formerly the Indianapolis Museum of Art) sits 52 acres of gardens, fountains, art & nature park, and greenhouse. They offer great tours.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  100 Acres sits just west of Newfields and is free. Sculptures are scattered throughout the grounds including a swing set and a massive bone sculpture that is fantastic for kids. Highly recommend!