Where to Stay and Play in Indianapolis

The Crossroads of America, Indianapolis is a Midwest destination that deserves a spot on your family’s summer travel itinerary. With its wealth of family-friendly, educational opportunities and its affordable hotels and dining, you can’t go wrong.

What to Do

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world and could easily act as the reason for your family’s entire visit. With nearly 500,000 square feet of indoor space, plus another 7.5 acres of outdoor fun, you could spend days exploring all the museum has to offer and, of course, since this is a children’s museum, every single exhibit gives you the chance to play, learn and use your imagination.

Don’t think this is a museum you can drop by for a few hours and then leave. Do it some justice and take your time exploring the brand-new “Take Me There: Greece” exhibit, opening June 15, and giving your family an immersive look at modern-day life for an average Grecian child in a way no other children’s museum has done before; the hugely popular and ever-expanding “Dinosphere,” where you’ll touch real dino bones, talk to real paleontologists and see some rare dino finds; and the huge “Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience,” where you can get active and try your hand at tons of sports, from football to tennis, basketball to golf.

Wildlife at the Indianapolis Zoo. Photo: Kaylee Brendel | Dreamstime.com

Conner Prairie Living History Museum is another family attraction that could easily take up an entire day during your visit to Indianapolis. Step back in time to 1800s Indiana and roam more than 1,000 acres of recreated towns and camps, all filled with characters highly knowledgeable about their roles and setting, further immersing you in this unique experience. Curious, talkative kids will have a ball chatting with these friendly strangers in their period clothing. From the 1836 Prairietown, with its general store, blacksmith’s shop, residential homes, inn and more, to the Lenape Indian Camp, with its trading post and tomahawks, you’ll truly get a glimpse of life by White River. Don’t miss a stop by the working barn to pet some sheep, goats, pigs and more.

Zoos are a staple in family travel, and the Indianapolis Zoo is a can’t-miss, receiving rave reviews from visiting families. With more than 60 acres of indoor and outdoor animal attractions, 1,200 animals; 230 species, 47,000 plant specimens, an aquarium and even some family-friendly rides, you’ll want to spend a good day or so here, too. This is especially the case when you look at all the awesome new things happening at the Indianapolis Zoo. In May, the zoo opened MISTery Park, a South American rainforest with misters, lush plants and a sloth or two; the sloths are completely out in the open, no fences or walls. The Deserts Dome also hosts some new habitats and zoo residents, including the black mamba.

Where to Stay

Families visiting Indianapolis really should pick one specific hotel for their stay: The Crowne Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Downtown Union Station. This historic property is situated within a National Register-listed train station and 26 of the guestrooms are, in fact, Pullman train car sleepers, still sitting on the original tracks. The super-cool experience is a must for families just looking for something unique beyond your average hotel stay, but definitely for those with a train fanatic among their children. The large hotel is also situated downtown, with plenty of dining nearby, as well as its own on-site restaurant.