Things to do in Indianapolis

The city honors its heroes with fine memorials and welcomes your family with lively recreational sites, including the world's largest children's museum. Of course, your trip wouldn't be complete without at least driving by the speedway that made the Indiana state capital a hot spot for racing fans. Whether you're visiting Indianapolis on the weekend or during the week, you'll find plenty of unique attractions to explore.

1. White River State Park

The 250-acre White River State Park combines pleasant greenery, trails and trees with some of Indianapolis’ most interesting cultural attractions. Let the kids get lost in the Children’s Maze or spend time with the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo. Then walk over to the park's Indiana State Museum to see quirky exhibits ranging from full mastodon skeletons to a 17-foot-tall clock powered by steam. For some culture, visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art to see works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol, as well as a world-class contemporary Native American art collection. At the end of the day, rock out at the Governor’s Lawn, a delightful venue for outdoor concerts.

2. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Got kids? Take them to the world's largest children’s museum—there’s no way they can be bored here! You won't have any trouble finding it—look for the life-size dinosaurs that smash through its outside wall. Inside, go 65 million years back in time at the Dinosphere exhibit, cross the globe to learn about contemporary China and ancient Egypt, or even visit 1890s Indiana and the heyday of the steam engine. Get interactive at the Health House with a hopscotch or jump-rope challenge, while learning about healthy lifestyles. After a show at the planetarium, the kids will feel like they’ve explored galaxies without ever leaving the city.

3. Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

If you’ve got a history-loving family, check out the home of President Benjamin Harrison. The 23rd president was a son of Indianapolis, and his home on Delaware Street is now the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Wander 10 rooms over three floors to see the Harrison’s political memorabilia, furniture and personal belongings. After your tour, spend a little time in the property’s serene, manicured gardens, which include the Harrison Oak, designated as the Millennium Landmark Tree in Indiana.

4. Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Experience a century of hallowed racing history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a National Historic Landmark. If you’re ready to take a break from the race, pay tribute to the legends of motor racing in the Hall of Fame Museum, located at the speedway. Imagine revving the engines of the race cars from NASCAR, Formula One and of course the IndyCar Series that are permanently parked inside the hall. If you’re a golfer, bring your clubs to take advantage of the unique opportunity to play a round at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, located on the grounds of the speedway and featuring four holes inside the oval.

5. Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Stretch your legs and take in some of the top sights in the city along the 8-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which connects six districts. You'll find pleasantly quirky public art all along the way. The gyrating, LED-lit "Ann Dancing" installation welcomes you to the artsy Mass Ave district. Here you’ll find the renowned Chatterbox Jazz Club, Glick Peace Walk featuring a glow-in-the-dark Abraham Lincoln head, and a sunken vault filling an alleyway that smells floral via a hidden scent machine. Check out wheels from the bike-share program, which allows you to borrow a bike from any station along the route for a fee. Take a guided tour, or print a self-guided pamphlet.

6. Indianapolis Museum of Art

Think the Indianapolis Museum of Art is just another art museum? Think again. Among the nation's oldest and largest art museums, it's a must-see for all ages. Your kids can try paper weaving, put on African masks and use a loom at special activity spaces. You'll all love the 100-acre art and nature park. Sculptures sit amid meadows, woods and wetlands, including the climbable "Funky Bones" benches that are painted to resemble the bones of a giant skeleton. Swings and benches are suspended from "Chop Stick," a 100-foot tulip tree felled in an Indiana forest and set horizontally in the park. Avoid crowds by visiting the park for free on a Monday, when the main museum is closed.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Indianapolis and check out our Indianapolis travel guide.