Things to do in Indianapolis?

[mmbrad02]

We are dabbling with the idea of a short fall break getaway, but keeping Covid in mind (our DD10 can't be vaccinated yet, that being the biggest thing we are keeping in mind). We are in Central KY and was considering a 2-3 night adventure .... one night in Casey, IL, to see the Giant things, and then 1-2 nights in Indianapolis.

Tentative idea would be to leave our house around 8am, arrive in Casey early afternoon, check out Giant items, dinner, hotel.... the next morning have breakfast and head toward Indy for the rest of our trip. I would like to do the Zoo (I'm more comfortable doing outside things, BUT not opposed to masking and sanitizing and enjoying inside things as well). I know the Childrens Museum gets rave reviews - would my soon to be 11 year old (only child) still enjoy it you think? Or have we aged out?

Looking for suggestions for places to eat, any unique things to do or see, etc. Any ideas?

 

[HiStitch626]

I can recommend the Rhythm Center especially if your DD is into music. Exhibits about all sorts of percussion instruments and the opportunity to try many of them.

 

[Kitty 34]

Visit granddaughter.

Sorry, I'm not too helpful because that's the only reason I make that drive but I do know there are many things to do, according to my son and DIL.

 

[tinyrip]

I don't think your 10 yr old is too old for the children's museum but the dinospere is closed until next spring. The zoo is great. not sure if your daughter is into cars but there's the indy motor speedway museum and also the dallara indy car factory. the indy museum of art (newsfields) has artwork that kids can climb

 

[indimom]

Is your daughter into history? There is Conner Prairie which is north of Indy. It has a lot of outdoor activities. I don't know if they have any restrictions or limitations right now, but might be worth looking into.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

I have always thought the Indianapolis City Market is pretty cool. https://www.indycm.com

 

[Stargazer65]

This is the world's best deli restaurant...well it's a favorite place in Indy for us:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaur...piro_s_Delicatessen-Indianapolis_Indiana.html

 

[Stargazer65]

Another favorite for us is to get pork loin somewhere, there's lots of good places for that. Lots of good barbecue also.

 

[bsmcneil]

We are dabbling with the idea of a short fall break getaway, but keeping Covid in mind (our DD10 can't be vaccinated yet, that being the biggest thing we are keeping in mind). We are in Central KY and was considering a 2-3 night adventure .... one night in Casey, IL, to see the Giant things, and then 1-2 nights in Indianapolis.

Tentative idea would be to leave our house around 8am, arrive in Casey early afternoon, check out Giant items, dinner, hotel.... the next morning have breakfast and head toward Indy for the rest of our trip. I would like to do the Zoo (I'm more comfortable doing outside things, BUT not opposed to masking and sanitizing and enjoying inside things as well). I know the Childrens Museum gets rave reviews - would my soon to be 11 year old (only child) still enjoy it you think? Or have we aged out?

Looking for suggestions for places to eat, any unique things to do or see, etc. Any ideas?

I'm not sure it would entertain your 10/11 year old DD - but my kids enjoyed Pizza King, some of which had trains that delivered your drinks (https://indywithkids.com/pizza-king-station-a-train-at-your-table/). We did something like this in Kansas City and then we started seeking it out more. I would definitely affirm the zoo (I'm similarly searching for open air stuff - so, a lot of what I'd normally recommend isn't preferable right now).

ETA: my kid(s) (DS8.5 and 5) really enjoy visiting college campuses and seeing stadiums (which I realize may not float everyone's boat). So, you could do a walk around Butler and if you want to stop by IU between Indy and KY, that would work.

 

[sunshine1178]

Case rates are very high statewide in Indiana, and I can’t recommend visiting voluntarily. But, if you are coming… the Children’s Museum is good, and interesting for most 11 year olds. Masks are required. Conner Prairie has some attractions open; masks are required. I visited the zoo recently and was not impressed. Several of the animal habitats (especially the featured alligator/crocodile enclosure) were depressingly small. Kotewi Park in Noblesville has some fun outdoor activities.

 

[bsmcneil]

We are dabbling with the idea of a short fall break getaway, but keeping Covid in mind (our DD10 can't be vaccinated yet, that being the biggest thing we are keeping in mind). We are in Central KY and was considering a 2-3 night adventure .... one night in Casey, IL, to see the Giant things, and then 1-2 nights in Indianapolis.

Tentative idea would be to leave our house around 8am, arrive in Casey early afternoon, check out Giant items, dinner, hotel.... the next morning have breakfast and head toward Indy for the rest of our trip. I would like to do the Zoo (I'm more comfortable doing outside things, BUT not opposed to masking and sanitizing and enjoying inside things as well). I know the Childrens Museum gets rave reviews - would my soon to be 11 year old (only child) still enjoy it you think? Or have we aged out?

Looking for suggestions for places to eat, any unique things to do or see, etc. Any ideas?

I'm assuming that living in Central KY, this is something you've done or decided you don't want to do - but my kiddos enjoyed Mammoth Cave area stuff last year (we camped at a campground, visited some outdoor attractions). We're relatively new to the area - so it was new for us (and yet, my kids want to go back all.the.time.).

 

[low-key]

Go look at the little green apples

 

[momz]

Give the escape room a try, they have options for smaller groups. It’s located downtown in the same building as the spaghetti factory. Also for outside, there is horseback riding at Fort Harrison State Park, is fun and surprisingly not expensive. A short drive southwest of town is an apple orchard for pick your own, climbing the trees is always fun for kids. There is a park called The Hundred Acres, it is associated with Newfields museum of art, but there is no cost to wander the acres. This is where Funky Bones is and some walking trails, might be pretty in October.

 

[bsmcneil]

Here's a list of some relatively close things that are possible (https://getoutpass.com/locations/indianapolis). If you all are hikers, etc - great places to do that around here!

 

[CBMom01]

The Indy zoo is fantastic.

 

[mikehn]

The monon trail if you guys are into biking/hiking

 

[mamaanna]

Fort Harrison (about 20-30 minutes northeast of the Children's Museum) has musical swings!! It is a State Park, but it's only $9 for an out-of-state vehicle to get in. There's also horsebackriding there and lots of trails if you want to be outside.

I definitely recommend the Children's Museum! They've been great at keeping covid restrictions up. The Indiana State Museum is also interesting, if your kiddo likes learning about some history.

 

[persnickity]

I have done many, many day and weekend trips to Indianapolis, so I may be a little burned out. But. The Cincinnati, Columbus, and St. Louis zoos are all so much better. And I honestly find the Children's Museum pretty boring (and my kids had aged out of most of it by 10).

 

[K and K's Mommy]

11 is perfect for the Power of Children exhibit at the Children’s Museum. I love it, and I am 50. The sports exhibit also has areas for older kids, plus there is an area that highlights different countries. That is always good for all ages.

 

[mmbrad02]

Thank you everyone for your responses! It's finally Friday and I'm going to spend the evening researching the things you have mentioned

I'm assuming that living in Central KY, this is something you've done or decided you don't want to do - but my kiddos enjoyed Mammoth Cave area stuff last year (we camped at a campground, visited some outdoor attractions). We're relatively new to the area - so it was new for us (and yet, my kids want to go back all.the.time.).

Not opposed at all, we did an extended family trip there when DD was two, even stayed in the Wigwams (that I think have since closed). We have also made a day trip with my inlaws and did Kentucky Down Under.

I have done many, many day and weekend trips to Indianapolis, so I may be a little burned out. But. The Cincinnati, Columbus, and St. Louis zoos are all so much better.

Let's see, I went to Columbus Zoo when I was 7 , Cincy several times but last time when DD was 3, and St Louis in my 30's. I don't remember much about Columbus but my SIL just told me last weekend how wonderful it was. I loved the St Louis Zoo, and free entry certainly didn't hurt!

If anyone has any other suggestions I would love to here! Does anyone have any lodging recommendations?