Indy was made for family fun 🦕

Kid-friendly activities in Indianapolis, IN

INDYtoday: Indy_Childrens Museum Dinosaur 4_AUG2023

These Alamosauruses may look a little intimidating up close, but fear not — they were herbivores. | Photo by @blissfulburgoss

We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like The Children’s Museum to hidden gems like the Children’s Maze in White River State Park, there’s something in Naptown for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 15 kid-friendly activities around the 317.

🎨 All about the arts

Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
If you have a toddler or preschooler, be sure to bring them to Wee Wonders — a noontime program that encourages kids to sing songs, go on an Art Hunt, and make their own creations. Kids will remember climbing on “Funky Bones” at The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park afterward.

Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Spring break camps and special youth and teen classes are offered at this north side art destination off the Monon Trail, including lessons on wheel throwing and how to make key chains and movies. Kids will remember exploring the hallways full of art.

City Editor Anna petting a goat — Conner Prairie’s Animal Encounters is a great way to interact with farm animals — no matter your age. | Photo by INDYtoday team

🦁 Animal encounters

Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Youth will have the opportunity to “step into the story” at this live history museum and talk to specialists about several different farm animals at Animal Encounters. Kids will remember learning about how much a hog eats every day.

Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Put your little one on the White River Junction Train and let them sit in the splash zone at the dolphin show at this city zoo. Kids will remember feeding the giraffes.

Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.

11 MORE ACTIVITIES

Kid-friendly bars and breweries are:
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B. A fun place to gather with a group of friends
C. Places I actively avoid

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Thursday, March 2

Chair Aerobics | Thursday, March 2 | 11 a.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Southport Branch, 2630 E. Stop 11 Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Bring a water bottle to this low-impact seated exercise and brain fitness class.
NFL Scouting Combine | Thursday, March 2-Sunday, March 5 | 1-9 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Witness future football talent up close as prospective NFL athletes demonstrate their skills to scouts.

Friday, March 3

Harrison Center First Friday Gallery Opening | Friday, March 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis | Free | Check out this First Friday opening featuring work from local artists like Alicia Zanoni, Donna Shortt, and Shaunt’e Lewis.
Hillbilly Happy Hour with Biscuit Junction | Friday, March 3 | 7-9:15 p.m. | The Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis | $5 | Enjoy traditional country music at this “world famous” happy hour.

Saturday, March 4

3D Printing Expo 2023 | Saturday, March 4 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St., Carmel | Free | Learn more about 3D-printing and VR technology as you explore a variety of booths from local businesses and hobbyists.

Sunday, March 5

Indianapolis Royal Princess Ball | Sunday, March 5 | 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Marriott Indianapolis North, 3645 River Crossing Pkwy., Indianapolis | $20-$35 | Meet and greet your favorite characters and enjoy performances, dancing, and photo ops at this event geared toward kids ages 3-7.

Monday, March 6

Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers | Monday, March 6 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $11-$300 | Cheer on the Blue and Gold as they continue their playoff push.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

54º | Partly cloudy | 4% chance of rain

Number

$10 million. That’s how much CVS Health is investing in Indy’s St. Lucas Lofts, projected to be finished in early- to mid-2024. Indy DMD has also committed $2 million to the project, which will be located at 2810 E. New York St. and include affordable units available for low-income Hoosiers and those exiting homelessness. 🏘️ (IBJ)

Coming Soon

A new steakhouse is moving in downtown. Son of a Butcher — a sister brand to recently opened Agave & Rye — will serve up fresh seafood, Wagyu beef, shaved truffles, and scratch pasta in early 2024. Follow its social media account for updates. 🥩 (IndyStar)

Open

Recovery Café’s grand opening in Fishers is today (Thursday, March 2) from 3-5 p.m. The shop will serve Hoosiers struggling with substance use issues, housing instability, and mental health challenges, with a goal of empowering them to thrive. It has a free membership program that requires members to follow a few guidelines. Learn more. ☕ (WISH)

Development

Property management firm INC Investments LLC has acquired two neighboring buildings in the Mile Square: the Morrison Opera Place and Meridian Center for $4.1 million and $3.74 million, respectively. The firm’s plan is to move into part of the Morrison Opera building and lease most of the Meridian Center building. 🏢 (IBJ)

Health

Indy-based Eli Lilly is lowering the price of its most common insulin by 70% and will cap out-of-pocket costs at $35 for those with private insurance and some uninsured folks. Starting on Monday, May 1, its nonbranded insulin will become the lowest list-priced mealtime insulin on the market at $25 a vial. Get the details. 💉(WISH)

DYK

Did you know several Indy statues were crafted by a full-time Indy firefighter? Ryan Feeney spends his free time as a metal worker and has crafted a statue out of seized weapons from Indy streets, which currently lives at the Central Library. He was also hired to create the Peyton Manning statue outside Lucas Oil. ⚒️ (WRTV)

Try This

Is experiencing the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on your 2023 bucket list? Because it should be. City Editor Anna recently spent an evening at the (stunning) Hilbert Circle Theatre for a performance — read more about her experience (and all the pro tips). 🎼*

Wellness

Our go-to product to relieve tension and decrease under eye puffiness: an ice roller. Not to mention, it’s the perfect way to cool off your face after an intense workout or morning run. These ice globes are also a great skincare addition to help soothe and depuff. *

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Meet Black Circle’s new neighbors 🤝

Owners of GoldLeaf to open second spot on 46th Street

Soon, this cafe will have a sister spot down the road. | Photo by INDYtoday team

The owners of popular coffee and snack spot GoldLeaf Sweet & Savory are moving into a second location — and it’s going to be just down the road.

John-Christian and Kristine Bockman announced that they will be opening a new eatery called Beacon, which will be a nighttime concept that can accommodate the later shows of its new neighbor, Black Circle. It will be moving into the spot recently left by Grump’s Slice Stop in the Refinery46 building.

For those still mourning the loss of Grump’s, the pizzeria said it’s looking to buy a building and resume operations soon. Plus, don’t forget — you can support Grump’s mother biz, Futuro, for Detroit-style slices on the near east side.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anna.

Editor’s pick: In case you need another reason to visit the Children’s Museum, it’s opening a new exhibit dedicated to MineCraft starting on Saturday, March 11. Get an inside look before you go.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Your guide to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Anna Bowman, Nicole Hernandez, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Nicole Fancher | Advertise with us.

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