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Maybe you’re planning to spend a couple extra days in Indianapolis when you come for the Reset Conference. Or perhaps you’ll have the family in tow and need something for them to occupy their time while you’re getting your learning on. We’ve compiled a list of family-friendly activities in Indy that we think you’ll enjoy!
Indianapolis Zoo — The Indy Zoo is one of the best in the midwest, and is accredited as not only a zoo but also an aquarium and a botanical garden (White River State Park). The exhibits include animals from the following biomes: plains, forests, oceans, deserts, and flights of fancy. There are more than 1,400 animals on display!
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis — Honestly, I would go here just to see the dinosaur climbing through the roof!! 😉 Here you can drive a race car, dig for dinosaurs, explore a shipwreck, discover a mummy’s tomb, travel by train, meet a warrior, and go out of this world! There’s definitely something for everyone!
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum — If you’re a racing fan, you definitely don’t want to miss this museum. And in the off-season and non-race/test days, you can take a 1-lap narrated bus tour around the track. How cool is that?!
Monument Circle — At last year’s Reset, some of us got to experience Monument Circle up close and personal during our shootouts. If you want a bit of Indianapolis history, be sure to take a closer look at the monument and all the engravings around it. There is also an observation deck at the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Admission is Free if you walk the stairs or $2 to take the elevator ($1 for kids age 6 – 18). The Soldiers & Sailors Monument also houses the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum (currently closed for construction) on the lower level and a small gift shop at promenade level.
Victory Field — The Indianapolis Indians have a home series the weekend of Reset, so grab a jacket and head out to the ballpark for some peanuts, Cracker Jack, and America’s favorite pastime.
Circle Centre Mall — SHOPPING. Need we say more? 😉
Lucas Oil Stadium — Any NFL or Colts fans here??? Tours of the stadium are offered M-F.
Indianapolis Museum of Art (now called Newfields) — This world-renowned museum offers a rare combination of art with nature in a traditional art museum and an expansive garden. There’s also a special Picasso exhibit that runs through the end of April.
Rhythm! Discovery Center — The Rhythm! Discovery Center is dedicated to advancing the understanding of percussion and its role in world cultures through interactive educational experiences. If you have a musically or rhythmically inclined family member, this would be a great place to visit and maybe burn off some steam!
Hinkle Fieldhouse — Anyone remember the movie Hoosiers?? This arena is where it was filmed! When built in 1928, Hinkle was the largest basketball arena in the United States, a distinction it retained until 1950. The film is loosely based on an actual high school championship game that took place there in 1954. It has been called “Indiana’s basketball cathedral.” There is a rich sports history here — go check it out on the Butler University campus, where Butler athletics still compete today.
Greattimes Family Fun Park — My family has actually visited here before on one of our many trips to see family in southern Ohio. This place is awesome in the summer, but has plenty of things to do in the spring as well! Go carts, arcade games, snacks, an indoor fun park, bumper boats, and miniature golf.
Photos in this post by Holly Birch Smith.