Fun Things to Do in Indianapolis: Ultimate Local's Guide & Hidden Gems

Okay, let's be real. When you first think of Indianapolis, "fun capital of the Midwest" might not be the first phrase that pops into your head. I thought that too before I moved here. Boy, was I wrong. Finding genuinely fun things to do in Indianapolis turned out to be way easier than I expected, and honestly, it blew me away. Forget just the Indy 500 – though that's a blast if you like speed and noise – this city packs punches in museums, food, green spaces, and quirky neighborhoods. Seriously, whether you're dragging the kids along, planning a romantic weekend, or just flying solo looking for a good time, Indy delivers without that overwhelming big-city stress. This guide? It's the stuff I tell my friends about when they visit, packed with the practical details you actually need to know – prices, parking headaches, the best times to go, and which spots might disappoint. Let's dive into the good stuff.

Beyond the Track: Iconic Indianapolis Experiences You Can't Skip

Sure, the Speedway is legendary. But Indy's icons go way beyond racing.

Feel the Need for Speed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Even if NASCAR or IndyCar isn't your usual jam, trust me, this place has an energy you can't ignore. Standing on that massive track is humbling.

Track Tours: The basic grounds tour ($15) is okay, but splurge for the Kiss the Bricks tour ($40) if you can. You actually get ON the track. Worth it for the photo alone. Tours run daily but times vary seasonally. Book online. Parking is $10.
IMS Museum: WAY cooler than I anticipated. Tons of winning cars, trophies, interactive stuff. Adults $15, kids 6-15 $8 (kids under 6 free). Open daily 9 AM - 5 PM (except major holidays). The gift shop? Dangerous for your wallet.
Race Day: If you brave the Indy 500 (late May), plan like it's a military operation. Book hotels a YEAR out. Traffic is biblical. But the atmosphere? Electric. Unforgettable chaos.

Pro Tip: If you visit outside race season, it's surprisingly peaceful. Check the schedule for smaller events or testing days – sometimes you can hear the engines for free from outside!

Get Wowed at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Don't let the name fool you. This isn't *just* for kids. It's consistently ranked among the best children's museums on the planet, and honestly? It lives up to the hype. My knees hurt after five hours there last summer chasing my niece, but I was just as fascinated as she was.

Dinosphere: Jaw-dropping. Real fossils, immersive environments. Dark and a bit loud, but incredible.

Space Quest:

Sports Legends Experience: Outdoor sports complex on the roof? Genius. Great for burning energy.
Cost & Hours: Adults $32.95, Seniors (60+) $30.95, Youth (2-17) $23.95. Open Tue-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM (closed Mondays Sept-May; open daily Memorial Day-Labor Day). Parking is free! That's rare downtown. 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

Honest Take: It gets CROWDED, especially weekends and school breaks. Go right at opening or after 2 PM. Food inside is pricey but decent quality. Packing snacks isn't a bad idea.

Immerse Yourself in Art at Newfields

Formerly the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Newfields is a whole vibe. Stunning gardens (100 Acres Art & Nature Park is free!), a world-class art collection, and cool seasonal events like Winterlights.

Must-See: The Lume – immersive digital art exhibits projected onto massive walls and floors. Currently featuring Van Gogh. Separate ticket required (around $29-$39 combo with museum entry). Book WAY in advance.
General Admission: Adults $20, Youth (6-17) $12, Kids under 5 free. Gardens only: $8. Open Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun 11 AM - 5 PM; Thu-Fri 11 AM - 8 PM (Closed Mon). 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
Parking: Free onsite. Huge plus.

Personal Opinion: The permanent collection is fantastic (love the Turner and Asian art), but The Lume feels a bit pricey for what it is unless you're really into the specific artist featured. The gardens, especially in spring and fall, are absolutely worth the trip alone.

Downtown Delights: Culture, History & Strolling

Downtown Indy is surprisingly walkable and clean. The Cultural Trail bike paths connect almost everything.

History Comes Alive at the Indiana State Museum

Located right in White River State Park, this place surprised me with how engaging it was. It covers Indiana's natural history, cultural history, and science, all under one roof. Not just dusty exhibits either.

Highlights: The massive Ice Age fossils, the simulated tornado experience (weirdly fun?), and the rotating exhibits are usually top-notch. Check their website.
Cost: Adults $17, Seniors (60+) $16, Youth (3-17) $12. Open Wed-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM. 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Combo Tip: Consider the White River State Park Pass if you also want to hit the Zoo or Eiteljorg Museum. Can save a few bucks.

Bonus: The attached IMAX theater is fantastic. Great for rainy days.

Stroll, Paddle, or Bike the Canal Walk

This is one of my favorite spots downtown for a dose of calm. Three miles of paved walkway along a *clean* canal. Feels like a mini-Venice without the gondola prices.

Activities: Rent a Surrey bike (fits 4-6 people, kinda hilarious - about $40/hr), paddleboat ($15-$20/person for 30 mins), or just walk. Lots of public art along the way.
Access Points: Numerous, but easiest near the Indiana State Museum or behind the NCAA Hall of Champions. Free to walk!
Food: Limited options directly on the canal. Grab coffee or ice cream nearby first. The restaurants overlooking it (like Osteria Pronto) can be pricey.

Local Secret: Go near sunset. The light reflecting off the water and the city skyline view is surprisingly beautiful.

Pay Respects at the Indiana War Memorial & Museum

This complex is seriously impressive architecturally and deeply moving. Way more than just a monument.

Experience: The Shrine Room is stunningly beautiful and solemn. The museum covers conflicts from the Civil War to present day. Well-curated.
Cost: FREE admission. Seriously. Donations welcome. Open Wed-Sun 9 AM - 5 PM. 55 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Exploring: Allow a couple of hours. The grounds include memorials to different wars. Very peaceful and reflective.

My Take: Sometimes overlooked by tourists, but it's a powerful and free experience. Parking nearby can be tricky (metered spots or garages).

Foodie Adventures & Neighborhood Vibes

Forget chain restaurants. Indy's neighborhoods have killer eats and unique atmospheres.

Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave)

This diagonal street is the heart of Indy's artsy, eclectic scene. Galleries, theatres, boutiques, and SO many dining options.

Food Musts:
- Bazbeaux Pizza: Indy institution. Deep dish meets creative toppings. The "Bazbeaux" (Greek style) is my jam. Pizzas $20-$30. 334 Massachusetts Ave.
- The Eagle: Killer fried chicken and honey. Crazy busy weekends. Get there early or expect a wait. Fried Chicken Plate $17. 310 Massachusetts Ave.
- Tinker Street: Higher end, seasonal New American. Great patio. Perfect for date night. Entrees $25-$45. 402 E 16th St (just off Mass Ave).
Drinks: The Libertine for cocktails, Rathskeller Biergarten (in an old German social club building - awesome ambiance) for beers.
Parking: Street parking (meters) or several paid lots/garages. Can be tough evenings/weekends. Ride-sharing recommended.

Personal Favorite: Just wandering Mass Ave, popping into shops like Silver in the City (quirky gifts), and grabbing coffee at Commissary or Calvin Fletcher's.

Fountain Square

Quirkier, grittier, and packed with personality. Dive bars, vintage shops, live music, and cool public art (look for the murals!).

Must-Dos:
- Duckpin Bowling at Fountain Square Theatre: Old-school, manual scoring, small balls. So much fun! About $15 per person per game. 1105 Shelby St.
- Kuma's Corner: Heavy metal themed burger joint. Burgers named after bands. Massive and delicious (but nap needed after!). Burgers $16-$20. 1127 Shelby St.
- Hi-Fi Concert Venue: Intimate spot catching great touring indie bands. Check their schedule.
Vibe: More hipster/artsy than Mass Ave. Feels less polished, more authentic Indy.

Word of Warning: Some blocks are still developing. Street parking mainly. Feels safe generally, but stick to the main drags at night.

Broad Ripple Village

North of downtown, centered around the Monon Trail. College town meets trendy neighborhood. Loaded with bars, casual eats, and boutiques.

Perfect For: Casual lunches, bar hopping, biking the Monon, people-watching.
Eats & Drinks:
- Broad Ripple Bagel Deli: Best bagels in town (fight me). Grab one and walk the trail. Bagels $1.50-$3. 930 E Westfield Blvd.
- Brugge Brasserie: Belgian moules frites and triple-fermented beers. The mussels are fantastic. Mussels $18-$22/pot. 1011a E Westfield Blvd.
- Kilroy's Bar & Grill: Legendary college bar. Known for massive breadsticks ("Sticky Bread") and potent Long Islands. Divey fun.

Insider Tip: Parking here is notoriously awful, especially evenings/weekends. Park on side streets further out and walk or Uber/Lyft.

Hidden Gems & Seasonal Fun

Beyond the usual suspects, Indy has some cool niche spots.

Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden

An absolute oasis, especially in winter or rainy weather. The conservatory is warm and humid, filled with tropical plants, koi ponds, and butterflies.

Sunken Garden: Formal European-style garden. Stunning when in bloom (peak late spring/summer). Free to wander!
Conservatory Cost: Cheap! Adults $3, Seniors (62+) $2, Youth (3-17) $2. Open Tue-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM. 2505 Conservatory Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46203.
Parking: Free and plentiful onsite.

Personal Experience: This is my go-to escape in February. Sitting in the warm Palm House when it's freezing outside is pure bliss.

Explore Vintage Finds at Midland Antique Market

Massive multi-dealer antique mall. If you love browsing vintage furniture, records, jewelry, weird knick-knacks – this is paradise. Get lost for hours.

Location: 3071 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46201. Open Mon-Sat 10 AM - 6 PM, Sun 11 AM - 5 PM.
Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes. It's huge. Prices vary wildly. Haggle respectfully.

My Find: Scored an amazing 1950s lamp here for $35. Bargains exist if you dig!

Seasonal Events You Shouldn't Miss

Indianapolis Indians Baseball (April-Sept): Minor league team (Pirates affiliate) at Victory Field downtown. Huge fun, cheap tickets ($10-$30), great family atmosphere. Fireworks nights are awesome. indyindians.com
Indy Irish Fest (Sept): Massive Celtic music and cultural festival at Military Park downtown. Great energy, dancing, food, beer. Tickets ~$25/day. indyirishfest.com
Winterlights at Newfields (Nov-Jan): The gardens transformed into a magical light wonderland. Timed tickets required (often sell out). Adults ~$25-$30. Worth bundling up for. discovernewfields.org

Planning Your Indy Fun: Practical Stuff You Need to Know

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Making sure your search for fun things to do in Indianapolis is smooth.

Getting Around Indianapolis

Car: Most folks drive. Downtown parking garages run $10-$25/day. Street parking has meters (use the ParkIndy app!). Traffic is generally manageable except rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) and major events.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are plentiful and generally affordable within the downtown/neighborhood core.
Public Transit (IndyGo): The bus system exists. It's improving (especially the new Red Line). Fares $1.75. Can be slow. Okay for specific routes (airport to downtown, Broad Ripple to downtown) but not ideal for complex hopping. indygo.net
Biking: The Cultural Trail is fantastic! Pacers Bike Share has stations downtown ($1 unlock + $0.20/min). Great way to explore.

Honestly? For maximum flexibility exploring fun things to do in Indianapolis, having a car is easiest. But downtown/core neighborhoods are very walkable once you're there. Park the car and walk/bike/Uber.

Where to Rest Your Head: Accommodation Choices

Area	Pros	Cons	Avg. Price/Night	Best For
Downtown	Walkable to many attractions (Canal Walk, Museums, Mass Ave), lots of dining options	Most expensive parking ($25-$40/night!), can be noisy during events	$150 - $300+	First-time visitors, couples, business
Broad Ripple	Vibrant nightlife, Monon Trail access, unique shops/eats, more local vibe	Parking is a nightmare (especially weekends), can feel noisy/rowdy late nights	$120 - $200	Younger travelers, nightlife lovers, longer stays
Near Airport (I-70 West)	Cheaper rates, easy airport access, free parking, chain restaurant convenience	Need a car/Uber for everything (15-25 min drive downtown), generic suburban feel	$80 - $150	Budget travelers, short overnight trips, road trippers
Carmel/Fishers (North Suburbs)	Very safe, clean, newer hotels, good family restaurants	20-30 min drive to downtown attractions, less "Indy" character	$100 - $180	Families, business travelers near suburbs, quieter stays

My Suggestion: Stay downtown if it fits the budget for convenience. The Crowne Plaza Union Station (rooms in old train cars!), Bottleworks Hotel (on Mass Ave), or Le Meridien are solid choices. If budget is tighter, look near the airport or consider an Airbnb in Fountain Square or Irvington.

When to Visit Indianapolis for Maximum Fun

Best Weather (Most Fun): Late April - Early June & September - October. Pleasant temps, lower humidity, lots of festivals. Ideal for exploring outdoors.
Peak Season (Busiest & Priciest): May (Indy 500), Summer (June-Aug). Book WAY in advance for Indy 500 month. Expect crowds and higher prices everywhere in summer.
Value Season (Cheaper, Cooler/Colder): November - March (excluding major holidays). Can be gray and cold, but hotel deals are great. Perfect for museums and cozy restaurants. Snow can disrupt plans sometimes.
Events to Chase or Avoid: Indy 500 (late May - massive crowds, book a year ahead!), Gen Con (early Aug - huge gaming convention, hotels scarce downtown), Big Ten Basketball Tournament (March). Check the Visit Indy calendar!

I personally love Fall. The weather is crisp, the leaves are changing in the parks, and the vibe is relaxed.

Fun Things to Do in Indianapolis: Your Burning Questions Answered (FAQs)

What are some free fun things to do in Indianapolis?

Plenty! Walking the Canal Walk, exploring the Indiana War Memorial & Museum, strolling through the gardens at Garfield Park (Sunken Garden part), checking out public art downtown and on Mass Ave/Fountain Square, wandering the Indiana State House (free tours weekdays), browsing the Central Library (stunning architecture), hiking in Eagle Creek Park ($5/car entry fee, but huge and worth it). Don't underestimate just walking around vibrant neighborhoods like Mass Ave or Broad Ripple – people-watching is free!

What are the best fun things to do in Indianapolis with kids?

Hands down, the Children's Museum is #1. Also fantastic: Indianapolis Zoo (especially the dolphin pavilion!), Rhythm! Discovery Center (interactive percussion museum downtown), duckpin bowling in Fountain Square, exploring the dinosaurs at the State Museum, riding surrey bikes on the Canal Walk, catching an Indians baseball game (affordable!), or swimming at one of the city's great family aquatic centers in summer (like the Sarah T. Bolton or Rhodes Park pools).

What are fun things to do in Indianapolis for adults (no kids)?

Mass Ave bar/restaurant hopping, catching a show at the Hilbert Circle Theatre (symphony) or Old National Centre, brewery tours (Sun King, Metazoa, Guggman Haus), boutique shopping in Broad Ripple or Fountain Square, high-end dining on Georgia Street or Mass Ave (like Bluebeard or Vida), exploring the speakeasy vibe at The Inferno Room (Tiki bar) or The Commodore (cocktails), live music at the Hi-Fi, or a leisurely stroll through Newfields galleries and gardens.

What unique fun things to do in Indianapolis are off the beaten path?

Digging for treasures at Midland Antique Market, catching a flick at the historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin (just south, $4 tickets!), touring the Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library downtown (quirky and cool), kayaking on the White River downtown (check out White River Canoe Company), exploring the catacombs under City Market (guided tours only, book ahead!), or visiting the quirky Medical History Museum at the old Central State Hospital grounds.

Where can I find fun things to do in Indianapolis tonight?

Check visitindy.com/events for daily listings. Otherwise: Catch a Pacers game (NBA season), see what concerts are at TCU Amphitheater or Old National Centre, check comedy shows at Helium or Crackers, see what's playing at the IndyFringe Theatre, grab tickets for a performance of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, or just head to Mass Ave or Fountain Square – there's always live music somewhere, cool bars, and good eats open late.

What fun things to do in Indianapolis are good for rainy days?

Museums are your friend! Children's Museum, Indiana State Museum, Newfields, Eiteljorg Museum (Native American/Western art), Indiana Medical History Museum, Rhythm! Discovery Center. Duckpin bowling in Fountain Square, catching an IMAX flick at the State Museum, exploring the huge Central Library, coffee shop hopping (Bee Coffee, Calvin Fletcher's, Provider), or browsing the Circle Centre Mall (though honestly, it's just okay).

Is Indianapolis a walkable city?

Downtown and the immediate neighborhoods connected by the Cultural Trail (Mass Ave, Fountain Square, Canal area) are VERY walkable. Exploring Broad Ripple Village on foot is easy too. For getting between these distinct areas, however, you'll need wheels (car, Uber, bus). The Cultural Trail itself is 8 miles connecting key spots – great for biking!

How many days do I need for fun things to do in Indianapolis?

Honestly, a long weekend (3-4 days) is perfect to hit the major highlights without rushing. You could easily fill a week exploring deeper, hitting more neighborhoods, catching shows, and relaxing. If you're just doing downtown icons, a packed 2 days is possible but tiring.

Biggest Mistake Visitors Make: Trying to cram the Speedway, Children's Museum, and downtown all in one day. It's too much driving and sensory overload. Pick one "big" thing per day and build around it geographically. Indy rewards a slower pace.

Go Forth and Have Fun in Indy!

Look, Indianapolis isn't trying to be New York or Chicago. And that's its charm. It's genuinely friendly, surprisingly cultured, packed with unexpected gems alongside its world-famous icons, and honestly, pretty easy to navigate. Finding fun things to do in Indianapolis isn't a scavenger hunt – it's everywhere you look, from those roaring engines at the track to the quiet beauty of a canal sunset or the buzz of Mass Ave on a Saturday night. Pack comfy shoes (you'll walk more than you think), maybe a rain jacket (Indiana weather is... indecisive), and an appetite. This city might just surprise you with how much fun it delivers without the fuss. Hope this guide helps you uncover Indy's best bits!