See Circle City: Spring Break Staycation Ideas in Indianapolis

We did it, friends. We made it through another winter in a pandemic! Spring is coming, and though we all know this already, Spring Break may still look different this year. You may have traveled for Spring Break with your family in the past but have decided to stay home, and if so, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to travel far to have a good time – you can explore Indianapolis. Our See Circle City series continues with fun staycation ideas for you and your family this spring. You can have fun right here at home!

Local Parks and Playgrounds

Pack the kids up and make a day of visiting local parks and playgrounds. You could even plan a socially distant picnic outing with friends! Check out our See Circle City post on all of our local parks to enjoy here.

Local Restaurants

Once the weather stays warm, you’ll finally be able to start enjoying your meals outside without having to bundle up. Some restaurants may still have their fun winter igloos and greenhouses available to dine in. Or you can enjoy a meal on their outdoor patio area. Check out our See Circle City posts on the best kid-friendly restaurants here, kid-friendly breweries here, and our round-up of Indy’s best gluten-free friendly restaurants here!

When it Rains, it Pours Fun!

You know the saying “April showers bring May flowers” so there’s no doubt we will experience some rainy days ahead. Here is a post on some rainy day activities to keep you entertained. In 2020, we created the ultimate guide to surviving the quarantine with kids and this roundup is still perfect for indoor family fun! Also, check out this post on building an emergency quarantine play box, perfect for bad weather days.

Birdies

Kill two “birdies” with one stone (see what I did there) and check out Birdies in Westfield! We love taking an afternoon to play miniature golf as a family and then having lunch or dinner at the Birdies Grillhouse and Sports Bar. You do not need to make a reservation to make mini golf. And if you have older children looking for a job, they are hiring.

Escape Rooms

There are now multiple escape room businesses in town that are practicing safe, covid-friendly measures. Instead of sitting in front of your TV or computer to play games this Spring Break, try out these fun adventure games in Indianapolis. Players solve puzzles and locate clues together resulting in great laughs with your teammates while you play. It is a fun activity for all ages, in any weather condition and for any occasion. 

Breakout | Escape the Room Indy | Twisted Room Escapes | The Escape Room 

Indy Fuel

The Indy Fuel is an excellent option for our sports-loving families this spring break. The whole experience is family-friendly, not to mention the affordable ticket prices! Their promotional schedule allows for additional family fun. Check out their full schedule and purchase tickets online here. Also, see how they are handling COVID-19 protocols here.

Selfie WRLD

The first Selfie WRLD is open in Indianapolis and you must experience it during Spring Break! The interactive exhibits allow you and your family to take fun, instagrammable selfies to remember forever. They are open Tuesdays through Sundays and you can purchase your tickets ahead of time on their website.

Conner Prairie

There is plenty of space to explore at Conner Prairie. Some experiences have been altered due to COVID-19, but you can still enjoy all the fun historical experiences they have to offer. New programming will be coming this spring, see here for more information to plan your next visit.

Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo is an Indianapolis staple for family fun and exploration. Even though the White River Gardens is currently under construction and closed, there is still a lot to do! Make sure you check out information about the xZOOberance Spring Festival this year. This spring festival offers 25 days of fun, starting on March 24th.

The Indianapolis Children’s Museum

The Indianapolis Children’s Museum has been open while working hard to keep you safe during the pandemic. Starting March 19th, you can begin playing outdoor again. The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum will reopen, and there is plenty of space to explore with your family. Make a day of it!

Hit the Pool

Though we aren’t exactly ready for outdoor pool time in Indiana yet, there are indoor pools across the city that have family swim times allowing us to feel the warmth in the water this spring break! Check out Indy Parks for some of their offerings, such as the Indy Island Aquatic Center located at Raymond Park. The indoor pool and aquatic center are open and they update their Facebook page often if sessions have reached capacity. For more information, visit the Indy Island Facebook page. Other indoor swimming facilities include the Monon Community Center and Thatcher Park Family Center. 

Defy Indoor Adventure Park

You may feel apprehensive about taking your kids to an indoor play area, but Defy Indianapolis has taken precautions to help you feel safe while having fun. They increased daytime and nightly cleanings as well as established social distancing practices to allow you to jump around safely. 

YMCA School’s Out Camps

The Indianapolis YMCA is offering spring break camps for children in the area. Locations across the city will have fun with classic camp activities both inside and out, like arts and crafts, science and cooking projects, swimming, guest speakers, and field trips. Check out the area locations here and register online. 

Spring Break Art Camps

If your children are art lovers, check out these local options for your creative kiddos. The Indianapolis Art Center is offering spring break camps. The spring break camp is modeled after their popular summer camps and includes painting, drawing, hand-built ceramics, and sculpture. The IKEA in Fishers is once again hosting Kids’ Academy events! Children 12 and under are invited to take part in these free, fun-filled workshops designed for the youngest IKEA visitors, while supplies last. Show your IKEA FAMILY card, or sign up in-store to participate. Various dates and times are available. For more information visit the website here.

Share with us! How do you plan on spending your Spring Break this year?