8 Family Activities in Indianapolis for ages 8 to 80

Whether you are at the Indiana Convention Center for an event like Gen Con, planning a school or family trip to Indiana’s capitol, organizing a reunion for your friends, or looking forward to a couple’s weekend getaway in Indianapolis, we have compiled a list of our favorite attractions that you’ll want to see and do while you’re in Marion County. The best part? All of these attractions can be found within just a few square miles of the city’s downtown. Even local Indianapolis residents should not miss this “must-do” list of the top things to do in Indianapolis. 

1. Start Your Trip with an Adventure
We may be biased, but our #1 recommendation for families and groups visiting Indianapolis is to start with a unique, lively, and challenging walking adventure game from Get Beyond the Walls. Set right in the heart of the city at the corner of Washington St. & Capitol Ave., the app will guide you on a 1.4 mile route past some of Indianapolis’s most iconic points of interest including the Indiana State Capitol, Georgia Street, Gainsbridge Fieldhouse (home of Indiana Pacers), the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, and more. You’ll have a blast challenging your skills and making awesome memories with your favorite people. Even people who have lived here all their lives report seeing places and learning things they never knew about their city. It’s an energetic way to start your adventure, plus it will help you become familiar with the area so you can make the most of the rest of your trip!

2. Enjoy Indy’s Most Popular Eateries
There are excellent local food options for your group in the area where your Get Beyond the Walls adventure in Indianapolis begins and ends. Grab breakfast at Café Patachou just across from the game’s starting point, or reserve a table at Harry & Izzy’s upscale steakhouse just a few blocks away to recharge after your adventure. Not in the fine dining mood? A few blocks North is “Mass. Ave.” where you can find some excellent pizza at Bazbeauz, comfort food at The Eagle, or burgers at BRU Burger Bar. Or book an evening Taste Indy Food Tour to get a little bit of everything this city has to offer.

3. Visit the Indianapolis Zoo
For animal lovers, you’ll want to check out the Indianapolis Zoo. This 64-acre non-profit zoo and public aquarium is among the largest privately funded zoos in the United States. It houses more than 1,400 animals and 200 species, and is among the city's most visited attractions with over a million guests annually.
 
4. Discover Your Love of Music
If you are traveling with kids, you’ll want to take them to the Rhythm! Discovery Center where they can explore the history of percussion, with drum exhibits where they can actually play. Music lovers should check out Indy’s music scene. There is something for everyone from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to live music bars like Howl at the Moon and Tin Roof.

5. Take a Break with Nature
Did you know Indianapolis has a state park in its downtown? White River State Park is home to many cultural venues and offers bike rentals, gondola rides, and Segway tours. Families looking for things to do with kids will especially enjoy the Children’s Maze in the north part of the park.

6. Check Out a Museum
The top-rated family activity in Indianapolis must be The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. This huge, interactive kids' museum includes a planetarium, carousel, science labs, library, and much more. Other museums in this city that you might check out while you’re here include the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American art and culture, the Indiana State Museum with an IMAX theater and historical exhibits from prehistoric times to the present day, or the NCAA Hall of Champions three building interactive sports complex.

7. Stroll Along the Canal
You’ll find many favorite things to do along the Indianapolis Canal Walk, such as paddleboating, kayaking and enjoying murals by local artists. Kids love the Indianapolis Colts Playspace, which is a beautiful (and free) place to spend time with your family.

8. Find More Places to Play
After challenging your skills and making awesome memories with a Get Beyond the Walls adventure game, here are several other Indianapolis activities your group will likely enjoy. For more puzzles and problem solving games like Get Beyond the Walls, check out The Escape Room Indianapolis. For more interactive activities like Get Beyond the Walls that you can enjoy with your family, try Tilt Studio Indianapolis. And if you are looking for another fun activity for a group, consider Bad Axe Throwing in downtown Indianapolis. 

Of course, continue to check out our Get Beyond the Walls app or sign up for our newsletter to be notified when we make more Indianapolis adventure games —we’re adding new games in new cities all the time!