A Family Guide to Visiting Indianapolis

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With so many kid-friendly attractions in Indianapolis, your family is sure to find something everyone will enjoy in The Circle City! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite places to eat, things to do, and where to stay to make visiting Indianapolis that much easier. If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected]!

Things to Do

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis If you are visiting Indy with kids, your going to want to stop in at the world’s largest children’s museums. With five floors of interactive fun, your sure to find something for kids of all ages, including a Playscape section specifically geared toward babies, toddlers and preschoolers. (317) 334-3322 childrensmuseum.org

Indianapolis Zoo Feeding the giraffes, wandering the gardens, marveling over the Butterfly Kaleidoscope, and hanging at the incredible orangutan exhibit are just a few of the many ways to enjoy yourself at the Indianapolis Zoo. (317) 630-2001 indianapoliszoo.com

White River State Park Along with green spaces, trails, trees, and waterways that you’d expect at any state park, at White River State Park you’ll also find cultural, educational, and recreational attractions and events in this urban getaway’s 250-acres, including the Indiana State Museum and the NCAA Hall of Champions. If your the little ones get tired of walking, you can rent a Segway or a pedal boat to cruise the canal and take in the downtown skyline. (317) 233-2434 inwhiteriver.com

Indianapolis Motor Speedway When you think of Indianapolis, the Indy 500 probably comes to mind. Check out the race cars within the Hall of Fame Museum, take a bus around the race track, and be sure to kiss the Yard of Bricks, as all the racing champions do. (317) 492-8500 indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Indianapolis Museum of Art The adults will enjoy the many floors of beautiful galleries, but the Indianapolis Museum of Art also offers plenty for the little ones, including art-making and other drop-in activities in their Star Family Studio, seasonal Art in the Park activities, and the 100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, where kiddos can run and play with a dozen large-scale sculptures and installations. (317) 923-1331 imamuseum.org

Rhythm! Discovery Center Located downtown, the Rhythm! Discovery Center is the world’s foremost percussion museum providing interactive, educational exhibits where guests are invited to fulfill their dreams of being a percussionist. (317) 275-9030 rhythmdiscoverycenter.org

Where to Eat

There are more amazing places to eat in Indianapolis than we could ever hope to name, but here are a few of our local favorites!

Patachou Patachou Inc. operates multiple restaurant concepts in the Indianapolis area, including Cafés Patachou (breakfast and lunch), Petite Chou Bistro & Champagne Bar (classic bistro fare), Napolese Artisanal Pizzeria & Wine Bar (pizza and stone hearth baking), Public Greens Urban Kitchen Greens & Grill (urban, farm-market inspired cafeteria and microfarm). With multiple locations around Indy, a focus on local foods, and incredible customer service, you’re sure to enjoy your experience. patachouinc.com

BRU Burger Bar (Burgers, pub food, sandwiches/subs) Located on Mass Ave, Bru is an ode to the burger, and boy do they do it well. Their burger options are sure to please, but don’t overlook the amazing apps, salads, sandwiches, and classic desserts, including root beer floats and hand-dipped shakes. (317) 635-4278 bruburgerbar.com

Local Eatery & Pub (American/gastropub) Local is a farm to table driven restaurant focusing on families, but also offers options for the more adventurous diners, which means that there’s something for everyone at this Westfield staple. (317) 218-3786 localeateryandpub.com

Mama Carrolla’s (Italian) If your looking for an Italian experience that the whole family will enjoy, you’ll find it at Mama Carrolla’s in Broad Ripple. From antipasti to dessert, their extensive Italian menu will not disappoint. (317) 259-9412 mamacarollas.com

Izakaya Japanese Bar & Grill (Hibachi grill and sushi) Izakaya’s hibachi grill & sushi Bar provide the Northeast Side of Indianapolis with the fresh, quality steak, sushi, and seafood, along with a friendly, personable staff in a great and comfortable atmosphere. (317) 915-8988 indyizakaya.com

Harry & Izzy’s (Steakhouse) Harry & Izzy’s is an upscale American Grill with two locations in Indianapolis- downtown and the Northside. Its atmosphere is fun and classy in a comfortable setting with excellent service. Whatever you do, don’t forget to try the shrimp cocktail! Downtown: (317) 635-9594; Northside: (317) 915-8045 harryandizzys.com

Cerulean (American cuisine) Cerulean’s contemporary cuisine in a casual fine dining environment makes it the perfect place for a date night. For special occasions, let their head chef customizes a nine-course experience with wine pairings and snag a table in the nest if you can. (317) 870-1320 ceruleanrestaurant.com

Shopping

The Fashion Mall at Keystone The Fashion Mall is home to high-end retailers, such as Sacks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and more, and boasts an incredible food court as well as a vintage toy area, where you can enjoy lunch while the littles play with some old school toys.

Circle Center Right in the center of downtown, Circle Center has fun views of the city life and over 100 stores to shop.

Mass Ave You’ll find some smaller, independent boutiques and local favorites on the charming strip known as Mass Ave.

Fountain Square Southeast of downtown, you’ll find Fountain Square, a cultural district of antique shops, art galleries, music stores, and more

Clay Terrace A mix of local boutiques and national retailers, the Clay Terrace outdoor shopping center in Carmel has something for everyone, including a playground and many great restaurants as well.

Castleton Square Mall As the largest mall in the state, Castleton Square Mall boasts over 130 specialty shops and plenty of dining options

Zionsville Walking through the streets of this charming little town almost feels like walking back in time, with several local boutiques and restaurants to choose from.

Where to stay

When visiting Indianapolis, where you will want to stay will largely depend on your reason for visiting and attractions you wish to see. Thanks to our friends at Visit Indy, you can find the right Indy hotel for your family at the right price: visitindy.com