Budget Trip to Indianapolis

[SoccerDogWithEars]

You should also maybe check out Rhythm Discovery Museum. I wanna say admission is around $8, but it's really fun. The first part is mainly museum, but they have an entire section of percussion instruments that you're free to play with. We easily spent an hour!

 

[mrsklamc]

There are usually coupons for Rhythm Discovery Center on the visit Indy website as well.

 

[Fab4@disney]

We live in small suburb just outside of Indy on the west side. There is a great water park here called Plainfield Aquatic Center. It is huge and lots of fun for my 2 kids, ages 7 and 11. Here is the link in case you are interested

http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/tripplanner/ListingDetails.aspx?id=8443


Have a great time in Indiana! I love my state

 

[PixiePlanner]

Thank you for all of the tips and recommendations!

DS is a 14-going-in-to-high-school-know-it-all so I wasn't sure about the children's museum. Might have to add it to the list.

Disappointed in the so-so reviews of the zoo. DD is an animal lover and we have never been to a dolphin show. Will have to discuss.

We are seriously thinking of staying at the Caribbean Cove Hotel & Water Park. Any reviews of the hotel & water park?

 

[MacDalt]

Love Caribbean Cove. Love the Children's Museum. Love the Speedway. Love the zoo.

 

[powellrj]

Thank you for all of the tips and recommendations!

DS is a 14-going-in-to-high-school-know-it-all so I wasn't sure about the children's museum. Might have to add it to the list.

Disappointed in the so-so reviews of the zoo. DD is an animal lover and we have never been to a dolphin show. Will have to discuss.

We are seriously thinking of staying at the Caribbean Cove Hotel & Water Park. Any reviews of the hotel & water park?

Its been a few years since I have been to the zoo, but if you have never been to a dolphin show, it would be worth the trip. After Sea Worlds shows, our zoo seemed no so great, but if you have never been to one, you should have a good time!

 

[ICF]

I've never stayed at Caribbean Cove, but it's a former Holiday inn (until a couple of years ago). The kids have been to the water park part of it though and enjoyed it.

It's about 20 mins from downtown, if that's an issue for you-- lots of places to eat within 5 mins or so of there as well as a Target & Walmart near by should you need to pick anything up.

 

[mrsklamc]

The last time I looked into Carribean Cove, the reviews were not great, but I've not actually stayed there like PP.

Agree that if you've never been to a dolphin show, you enjoy the one here. Our zoo IMO is a pleasant, half day distraction, but not amazing. To be fair, I'm from Nebraska and the Omaha zoo is one of the top zoos, if not THE top, zoo in the country, so I'm probably not giving it a fair shot.

 

[dhardawa]

I looked into Caribbean Cove a year or so ago and the reviews were very bad. Apparently, it's really run down. I live about an hour from Holiday World and I don't get the hype. The water park is great, there are a couple of okay roller coasters, and the other rides are very old or carnival type (bumper boats, the scrambler, etc.)

 

[zoo2tycoon]

If you are renting a car and up to driving about 2 hours north of Indy is Fort Wayne. For your animal lover the FW Children's Zoo can't be beat! I have an 18 and 16.5 year old...told them we were going to the FW zoo this summer--I went as a kid when I grew up there and they haven't been in years. I just want to go because of the memories.

Your 14 year old wouldn't get bored at the Children's Museum...it is great and not just geared for 'little kids'. Lots to do and see there. Agree with all the other recommendations. There is also the NCAA Museum===never been but that is downtown.

 

[tinker&belle]

I think the children's museum is a must do for all ages. The zoo is ok especially if you are wanting to see a dolphin show. Just get there early to get a ticket for the dolphin show when you enter the zoo, they do run out.

 

[mrsklamc]

The NCAA HOF would be interesting if you are very into sports, I think...the exhibits were very technology heavy and when I was there they seemed 'glitchy.'

Holiday World 'hype' for me is- clean, reasonably priced, free parking, soda and sunscreen, friendly, something for all ages, and what some consider the #1 water park in the world.

 

[HoosierDaddy71]

We are seriously thinking of staying at the Caribbean Cove Hotel & Water Park. Any reviews of the hotel & water park?

We did a deal through Living Social for a nights stay there back in April and it was so so. The hotel part was fine but the Water Park needed an update. But it was not nearly as bad as the reviews. If the price was right (under $150-175) I would stay there again. My suggestion is to pass on CC this time of year and take advantage of the Plainfield or Carmel water parks.

 

[Chelley00]

Disappointed in the so-so reviews of the zoo. DD is an animal lover and we have never been to a dolphin show. Will have to discuss.

We are seriously thinking of staying at the Caribbean Cove Hotel & Water Park. Any reviews of the hotel & water park?

The zoo is great, especially if you don't have one close to you.

Avoid Caribbean Cove. It used to be fantastic but it has seriously gone downhill the last couple of years.

For a teenage boy, try the Speedway Museum or the NCAA Hall of Champions. Even the Eiteljorg which is in White River State Park near the NCAA museum is fun for older kids.

 

[hrslvr142]

I am not sure CC would be great fun for a 14 y.o...think it may appeal more to the younger crowd. I love our zoo, have been to better ones but still nice in my opinion. Definitely go to the Children's Museum. Also agree about the Indian's Game if they are in town. You might check the Indycoupons.com for food coupons to help with your food budget. Enjoy our city, I love living here.

 

[PixiePlanner]

Thanks everyone!

 

[David 1980]

I also would include a trip to the Indianapolis Speedway.I would also after the zoo visit the NCAA Museum very cheap and can walk to it from Zoo parking lot.