Our state’s capital, Indianapolis, has all kinds of fun
things to do year-round. Because of its size, I’m going with an extra 5 items
on my list this week. This list will not contain any sporting events
(Pacers/Colts/Fever/Indians), shopping at large malls like Keystone and Circle
Centre, or the Indy Zoo (already mentioned in another entry).
1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
This is one of the most iconic
spots in Indy and one of the largest landmarks that defines the city. It is the
host of multiple races throughout the year, the most famous of which is the
Indy 500. While I have never been to a race here, several of my friends have
been and talk about the loud, crazy atmosphere of the races. Apart from races,
the Speedway hosts other events throughout the year. For the rest of the month
of December, there is an event called Lights of the Brickyard, which is a 2
mile stretch of lights that weaves its way through the site. The Indy Mini
Marathon also brings its runners into the Speedway for a lap around the track.
I can tell you firsthand, this place is enormous! They also have a museum
onsite that gives a fun look at the history of the place.
2. Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Don’t let the name fool you, this
museum is enjoyed by people from all ages. Indianapolis contains all sorts of
museums, but this one sets itself apart from the others due to the cool look of
it and the fun exhibits that it contains. Being a children’s museum, the museum
has plenty of exhibits that are hands-on and engaging. It contains all sorts of
exhibits, ranging from glass blowing to dinosaurs to locomotives. The
five-floor museum contains over 120,000 artifacts and has over a million
visitors each year. Reviews online are overwhelming positive, highlighting how
enjoyable it is for all ages.
3. Escape Rooms
Escape rooms continue to be great
pastime, especially in winter months when options on things to do become more
limited. This is a great team-bonding activity or a great activity to do with a
group of friends. While not every escape room location produces quality rooms,
there are several in the Indy area that boast great reviews. The Escape Room
Indianapolis is one that contains no “Easy” level rooms, which can either turn
people off or be more intriguing. I have done the Art Gallery room there
(Intermediate level) and had a blast! Further north of that place is Escape
Indy, which has rooms of every level. I have done Mr. Dupree’s Office there
(Easy level) and enjoyed myself. The workers at both places were very
communicative and helpful. Escape the Room Indianapolis is further north, but I
have no personal experience there.
4. The Indy Canal Walk
The Canal Walk is a great outdoor
activity that is also FREE. This 3 mile walking loop feels so different than
walking the streets of downtown Indy, but it is just a couple blocks away. The
city has done a great job in making the Canal Walk a peaceful place. Plenty of
people utilize this area for exercising, and there are some fun activities on
the water as well, such as riding in a gondola, kayaking, and pedal boats.
5. Eagle Creek Park
This park is the largest in the
city, covering 5,300 acres (3,900 being land). Eagle Creek contains over 16
miles of hiking, including at least 20 exercise stations. The large lake inside
it is used for swimming, fishing, and boating, while a golf course also takes
up residence inside of it. The most exciting part of the park is the area used
by Go Ape, a treetop adventure company that operates a zipline course in the
park. The course only has 5 ziplines, which is smaller than other places in
Indiana, but it makes up for it in other things going on while in the trees,
like Tarzan swings and wood bridge crossings. The park does cost $5 to enter,
and there are costs to other activities there as well.
6. Garfield Park Conservatory
Botanical gardens are fun places
to visit year-round. What is fun about places like this is that they often have
seasonal displays that run anywhere from a week or two to over a month. The
conservatory is one main building that houses all kinds of cool plants and
greenery. Currently, Garfield Park Conservatory has a holiday seasonal display
out that contains model trains and toy villages. Admission here is $2 when
there is no special display, and $4 when there is a special display. There
hours are 10am-5pm Mon-Sat and 1pm-5pm on Sundays.
7. Sun King Brewery
This brewery and tasting room
occupies 3 buildings in downtown Indy and is an extremely popular venue. Sun
King is a brand of beer that grown in popularity quite a bit over the last few
years, and many people flock to the original location. Here you are able to get
growlers and sample flights at very reasonable prices. For $10, you can take a
tour of the main brewing facility, sample up to 5 beers, and get a souvenir
tasting glass. Hours are as follows: Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 9pm, Thursday -
Friday: 10am - 10pm, Saturday: 11am - 10pm, Sunday: 11am - 8pm (No keg sales).
8. Mind Tripping Show
The Mind Tripping Show is one of
Indy’s highest rated “Things to do”. The show takes place in one of the Hilton
downtown and has been going on for 7 years! It’s the longest running live
theatre show in Indy, and is self-described as “good, clean fun”. It’s a
husband and wife act that take pleasure in interacting with the audience to put
on a fun display of optical illusions and mind-reading. The show lasts about 90
minutes long, and a schedule can be found online on their website. Tickets are
$40 for front row, $30 general admission, $25 for seniors and military.
9. Bad Axe Throwing
If the name doesn’t give you a
clue, Bad Axe Throwing gives people a chance to throw axes at targets. Similar
to a shooting range, you have a lane and a target at the end that you’re aiming
for. The bets way to take advantage of this unique experience is to book an
event (minimum of 6 people), which gives you 2.5 hours of throwing, 2 targets,
and a throwing coach to show you how to do it right. The price for that is
$39.25 each. However, they do have walk in hours where you can come in and
throw for $20 an hour, but your target is just in a common area and there isn’t
a coach to help you out. They are open 7 days a week from 8am-11pm, but walk in
hours are only on certain days and only from 5pm-9pm, so be sure to check
online for availability.
10. Fast Times Indoor Karting
This indoor go-cart track is 900 feet
long and has two levels to it. Adult carts go up to 40mph and “junior” carts go
up to 30mph. It costs $22 for an 8-minute race, plus an extra $2 if you don’t
bring your own helmet. The cost does seem high, but there are often promotions
for 2-for-1 prices. Many reviewers say 2 sessions is plenty for them because
afterward you are hot, tired, and sweaty. Because this isn’t your average
go-cart race, you must bring a government issued ID to race, and you need
close-toed shoes. Their hours are as follows: Monday - Thursday ~ 11 AM - 10
PM, Friday & Saturday ~ 11 AM - 11 PM, Sunday ~ 11 AM - 8 PM.
11. Beef and Boards
This dinner theatre has been
around since the 1970’s and hosts more than 155,000 people per year! The shows
here are usually very well-known ones such as Elf, The Little Mermaid, A
Christmas Carol, Grease, and Hairspray. The shows run for about 5 weeks each
and usually last about 2 hours each (plus intermission). There are 3 sections
facing the stage, which cause prices to range from $45-60 on Tue-Thu nights,
$55-70 on Fri-Sat, and $50-65 on Sundays. The venue opens 2 hours before
curtain, and the buffet starts 30 minutes after opening. Check the website for
showtimes, as they vary by day.
12. Rhythm! Discovery Center
If music is an interest or hobby
of yours, I highly recommend the Rhythm! Discovery center. It is a drum and
percussion museum that is very interactive and highlights how percussion and
rhythm has helped shape the world. They have many artifacts as well as
educational programs that help visitors learn how to play certain instruments.
Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for students, $8 for seniors, and $6 for
children. Their hours are as follows: Mon:
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tues: CLOSED, Wed-Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm –
5:00 pm.
13. Action Duckpin Bowling
Modeled after 1930’s duckpin
bowling, Action Duckpin bowling is a throwback to when bowling was considered
just a “winter” sport. Duckpin bowling uses smaller pins and balls, giving
players 3 tries in a frame to knock all of the pins down. It is housed in the
basement of the Fountain Square Theatre Building and contains 8 lanes and a café
that serves basic food options like sandwiches, burgers, and pizza. It costs
$40 to reserve a lane for an hour, and reservations are highly recommended.
Their hours are: Monday 11am-4pm, Tuesday 11am-9pm, Wednesday & Thursday
11am-10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-12am, Sunday 11am-6pm.
14. Indianapolis City Market
This city market is a highlight of
Indianapolis for the amount of local food vendors in one place. There are over
25 vendors here, some of which sell their own boutique goods, while many other
sell delicious food. There is also a taproom on the 2nd floor that
serves 19 different Indiana craft beers on tap. What’s nice about the city
market is the variety of food available there; you can stop by and grab dessert,
a light snack, or a full meal! Starting May 1st, there is also a
farmer’s market that sets up shop just outside the front doors of the building.
The market hours are Mon-Fri from 7am-9pm and Sat 8am-9pm.
15. Murat Theatre
The Murat, or Old National Centre,
is a fascinating venue because it houses multiple rooms where concert and plays
can be held. The largest room can hold 2,500 people, and it is the room where plays,
bigger name comic acts, and larger concerts are held. The next room is the
Egyptian Room, which is just one level and can hold up to 2,000 people. The 3rd
room is the Deluxe Room, which can hold 250 people or 500 if you also add the
Deco Lounge next to it. The Old National Theatre does a great job of balancing
different types of artists and performers to grave their stages, keeping all of
the rooms clean and well kept up. I have seen Wicked, Pentatonix, and The Piano
Guys in the main room and have enjoyed all 3 experiences.
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