10 Best Things to Do in Indianapolis

There’s so much to do in Indianapolis that it’s hard to take it all in. The following (purely subjective) list of ten of Indianapolis’s top attractions may help you to find a starting point or discover a treasure you hadn’t previously considered.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Address: 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA

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Phone +1 317-334-4000

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The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers an exciting experience not just for kids, but also for adults. The vast array of exhibits means you can continuously discover new attractions on repeated visits. Here, you can explore the worlds of trains and dinosaurs, ride a carousel, and engage in numerous scientific phenomena. The playscapes filled with hands-on activities cater specially to preschoolers, while the Lilly Theater and SpaceQuest planetarium enhance the overall experience. Recognized as the largest children’s museum worldwide, it certainly lives up to its reputation.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Oldfields Estate and Gardens

Address: 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA

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Phone +1 317-923-1331

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The Indianapolis Museum of Art provides everything you would expect from a fantastic art museum. The modern, multi-story building houses artwork from diverse eras, displayed in a serene setting. Situated within the grounds is Oldfields estate, a beautifully restored country estate from the 1930s, where historical facts about Indy come to life. The surrounding Oldfields gardens are breathtaking in bloom, serving as a tranquil retreat throughout the year.

The Indianapolis Zoo

Address: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA

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Phone +1 317-630-2001

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The Indianapolis Zoo is renowned not only for its exceptional conservation efforts but also for its engaging research initiatives. The zoo showcases various biomes that feature animals representing forest, desert, plains, and ocean habitats. Visitors can enjoy interactions with animals in the Encounters Biome, where experiential learning takes place. Additionally, be sure to catch the exciting dolphin shows held at the marine mammals exhibit.

White River State Park

Address: 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

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Phone +1 317-233-2434

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White River State Park not only incorporates the zoo but also offers a plethora of other attractions. Visitors can delve into Old West and Native American culture at the Eiteljorg Museum, explore the Hoosier state at the Indiana State Museum, enjoy a 3-D movie at the IMAX theater, pay homage at the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, catch a minor-league baseball game, or explore the park via bike or boat along the historic Central Canal.

The Monon Trail

Address: Monon Trl, Indianapolis, IN, USA

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The Monon Trail, part of the Indy-Greenways network, is ideal for walking, biking, and roller-blading. Spanning 10 miles from downtown Indianapolis northward and extending another 5 miles into Hamilton County, it presents a variety of landscapes and neighborhoods. The trail meanders along the White River and passes notable spots like the 64th Street Depot and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Rest areas in Nora and Broad Ripple provide convenient amenities such as drinking fountains, parks, restaurants, ice cream shops, and bicycle rentals. A delightful space to enjoy outdoors with family and friends!

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Central Library

Address: 40 E St Clair St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

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Phone +1 317-275-4100

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This new Central Library is an architectural marvel and a central hub for learning and community engagement. Featuring a breathtaking atrium supported by steel arches and a stunning view of the sky, the library offers a cafe, various reading rooms, and specialized collections such as the Nina Mason Pulliam Indianapolis Special Collections Room. With over 2 million books, movies, and music available, it’s a perfect spot for knowledge seekers and families alike.

The Old National Centre

Address: 502 N New Jersey St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

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Phone +1 317-231-0000

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At the Old National Centre, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances ranging from musicals and concerts to comedy shows. The historic venue, originally constructed in 1909, features stunning architecture with Egyptian and Arabian influences. The decorative elements, including arched hallways and exquisite stained glass windows, enhance the captivating experience of attending a live performance.

Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center

Address: 12880 E 146th St, Noblesville, IN 46060, USA

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Phone +1 317-776-8181

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The Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center is the perfect venue to catch your favorite musicians. Hosting a variety of genres, from rock to country, this outdoor venue features both reserved seating under a roof and lawn seating that allows you to bring your blankets or chairs. Enjoy a fantastic view on video screens while still enjoying great sound for a memorable experience.

A Colts Game at Lucas Oil Stadium

Address: 500 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

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Phone +1 317-262-8600

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Experience the excitement of a Colts game at the state-of-the-art Lucas Oil Stadium, known for hosting the 2007 Super Bowl-winning team. With a retractable roof and extensive seating across seven levels, it can accommodate 63,000 fans, making it a premier venue for top-notch sports events and more.

Conner Prairie

Address: 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038, USA

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Phone +1 317-776-6000

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At Conner Prairie, you can experience life as it was in the mid-1800s. Here, the engaging reenactors will transport you back in time as you explore Lenape Camp with its traditional wigwams, the Conner Homestead featuring animal encounters, Prairietown with its historical inn and schoolhouse, and Liberty Corner showcasing a Quaker meeting house and Victorian-era farmhouse. It’s a unique, educational destination suitable for all ages.