You may have heard of the Indianapolis Colts or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or maybe you have never heard anything about Indiana. I was born and raised a Hoosier, but only truly fell in love with Indianapolis when I graduated college and moved to Indy with my husband. Since becoming a stay-at-home mom and having my son, I have only grown to love the city more. I truly love how Indy gives off a “small town” vibe while being a big city. In my opinion, it is the best of both worlds! This city has a lot to offer so check out some of my favorite local spots to visit in Indianapolis with kids.
Where to PLAY
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The world’s largest children’s museum is located in Indianapolis and it is a stop you don’t want to miss! The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis features five different floors of fun learning experiences and exhibits, one of my favorite’s being the Dinosphere. Children are sure to love the Playscape area where they can play and create with water, sand, musical instruments, art supplies, and more!
Mulberry Fields Park
In every area of Indianapolis you can be sure to find incredible parks and splash pads. One of our favorites is located in a suburb northwest of downtown (Zionsville) at Mulberry Fields Park. It has a park play area, picnic tables and shelters, paths, a skate park, and a splash pad. The best part, however, is the man-made creek that the splash pad water trails off into. You can splash around in the splash pad area and play in the creek! My little guy spends all of his time exploring the creek and collecting rocks and I can’t really blame him.
Monon Trail
Indianapolis has a lot of fabulous trails. In fact my entire suburb is connected by them. However, the Monon Trail definitely tops the list. Connecting downtown Indy to northern suburbs, it is great for walking, cycling, jogging, or whatever you prefer! There are multiple unique restaurants and attractions that line the trail, making it easy to hop off wherever.
Where to EAT
Bru Burger Bar
Bru Burger Bar is my favorite place to grab a burger! Dare I say the BEST burgers in Indianapolis? There are countless burger options on Bru’s menu made fresh and cooked to order, and you cannot go wrong with any of them. This is a great spot to stop and eat if you are exploring the Mass Ave. Arts District downtown.
St. Elmo Steak House
St. Elmo’s is my very favorite restaurant in Indianapolis. Known for their famous spicy shrimp cocktail sauce and delicious steaks, it is absolutely worth dropping in for a night out. It is Indy’s oldest steakhouse in it’s original location and it is located right in downtown Indianapolis.
Scotty’s Brewhouse
Scotty’s has several locations located throughout Indiana and you can find serval in the Indy area alone. They have a huge selection of food and a very impressive menu. Scotty’s Brewhouse is very family-friendly and kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays at all locations! If you have any picky eaters in your family, they are sure to find something on the menu they will enjoy.
Where to EAT and PLAY
Traders Point Creamery
Come visit and explore Indiana’s first organic dairy farm at Trader’s Point Creamery! You can enjoy delicious hand crafted ice cream from The Dairy Bar or grab a nice meal at the rustic and unique restaurant, The Loft. The Loft features on-site fresh farm-to-table food. You can tour the farm and watch the cows get milked daily.
Where to TREAT
The Flying Cupcake
Treat yourself to the most delicious cupcakes in Indy! With a couple of locations around Indy and tons of amazing flavors you can be sure to cure your sweet tooth. “Here Comes The Bride” is always my go-to flavor because who doesn’t love wedding cake? The Flying Cupcake has an adorable atmosphere and you can often find their food trucks around town.
This post was contributed by Amy Gene of O’Leary Love.
