Indianapolis

Indianapolis is a fantastic city with a rich blend of culture, history, and fun activities that are perfect for families. Here’s a 10-day itinerary that balances exploration, education, and entertainment. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival and Settling In

• Morning: Arrive in Indianapolis and check into your family-friendly hotel. The Indianapolis Marriott Downtown or Drury Plaza Hotel are great options with family amenities.
• Afternoon: Head to White River State Park. It’s a beautiful area to stretch your legs after traveling. Enjoy a picnic lunch and let the kids run around.
• Evening: Visit The Indianapolis Zoo. It’s open until 7 PM, and you can see the animals and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Grab dinner at the zoo’s café or head to The Eagle for some delicious fried chicken.

Day 2: Museums and Learning

• Morning: Start your day at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It’s the largest children’s museum in the world and has tons of interactive exhibits.
• Afternoon: After lunch at the museum’s café, head to the Indiana State Museum. It’s a great place to learn about Indiana’s history and natural resources.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at Buca di Beppo for some hearty Italian food. The family-style servings are perfect for sharing!

Day 3: Sports and Outdoor Fun

• Morning: Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Take a tour of the iconic track and check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
• Afternoon: Head to Fort Harrison State Park for some outdoor fun. You can hike, bike, or even rent a canoe.
• Evening: Have dinner at The Rathskeller, a German restaurant with a great outdoor beer garden. Kids will love the pretzels!

Day 4: Arts and Culture

• Morning: Explore the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. The museum has a fantastic collection and beautiful gardens.
• Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at the museum café, then let the kids explore the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park.
• Evening: Catch a family-friendly show at the Children’s Theatre of Indianapolis. Check their schedule for performances.

Day 5: History and Heritage

• Morning: Visit the Indiana War Memorial and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Climb to the top for a stunning view of the city!
• Afternoon: Explore the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. It’s a unique museum that showcases Native American culture.
• Evening: Dinner at Shapiro’s Delicatessen for some classic deli fare. Their sandwiches are huge and delicious!

Day 6: Day Trip to Brown County

• Morning: Take a day trip to Brown County State Park (about an hour away). Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or just soaking in the beautiful scenery.
• Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch in the park, then explore the quaint town of Nashville, Indiana. Check out the local shops and art galleries.
• Evening: Return to Indianapolis and have a relaxed dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory. The kids will love the fun decor!

Day 7: Science and Exploration

• Morning: Visit the Indiana Science and Technology Museum. It’s filled with hands-on exhibits that are perfect for curious minds.
• Afternoon: After lunch, head to the Statehouse for a guided tour. It’s a great way to learn about Indiana’s government and history.
• Evening: Dinner at The Slippery Noodle Inn, Indiana’s oldest bar, which has a family-friendly atmosphere and live music.

Day 8: Parks and Play

• Morning: Spend the morning at Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden. It’s a beautiful place to explore and take photos.
• Afternoon: Head to Broad Ripple Park for some outdoor fun. There’s a playground, a pool, and even a small lake for paddle boating.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Boathouse Kitchen & Swan Dive in Broad Ripple, which has a great view of the water.

Day 9: Shopping and Relaxation

• Morning: Visit The Fashion Mall at Keystone for some shopping. There are plenty of family-friendly stores and a play area for kids.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at The Cheesecake Factory in the mall, then head to Conner Prairie, an interactive history park where kids can learn about pioneer life.
• Evening: Dinner at Pizzology for some delicious pizza. They have great options for kids!

Day 10: Farewell Indianapolis

• Morning: Take a leisurely stroll through Monument Circle and grab some last-minute souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Visit the Indianapolis Public Library for a fun family reading session. The library often has events for kids.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at St. Elmo Steak House (make a reservation!). It’s a classic Indianapolis experience, and the shrimp cocktail is a must-try!

Tips for Your Trip:

• Always check the opening hours and any special events at the attractions you plan to visit.
• Consider purchasing a CityPASS if you plan to visit multiple attractions; it can save you money.
• Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for all the walking!

I hope this itinerary helps you have a fantastic family adventure in Indianapolis! Enjoy your trip! 🌟