This year we aren’t able to travel as much as we use to in previous years due to my teaching and taking classes. However, this family isn’t giving up on a good time. We are planning Operation Staycation Indianapolis. So, whether you are staying in Indianapolis for Spring Break, Summer Break, Fall Break or any break here is what is available for you to do.
Planning Your Indianapolis Staycation
Indianapolis Staycation Hotels
Why stay in your home to cook and clean when you can stay at a lovely hotel. Fresh sheets everyday, someone cleaning up after you and family. You can have breakfast and lunch is included with your stay and you don’t have to think about cooking. Yes, this is a vacation to me.
Here are some of the hotels we love in the Indianapolis area.
JW Marriott
JW Marriott is conveniently located downtown. It’s close to a few family friendly attractions such as the Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens, White River State Park, Victory Field and the IMAX theater just to name a few. There is a lot to do then just those things depending on the time of year you go. Marriott offers great weekend rates, Spring Break rates (book by March 19) and breakfast is included in most packages. They also have a great reward program too!
Conrad
The Conrad is another hotel conveniently located downtown as well. It’s near all the attractions I mentioned earlier (Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens, White River State Park, Victory Field and the IMAX theater). It’s also a beautiful hotel. The added addition to this hotel is the spa is located inside the hotel. Full disclosure, I was a massage therapist there before I had kids. The quality was amazing when I was there. It’s always nice to get a little pampering and taking care of you on a staycation.
Airbnb
If you are not up to staying in a hotel or there is Airbnb. There are homes and apartments for all budgets and properties all around time. So, if you are looking for just a difference scenery in the same town with a home feel Airbnb is where you need to look.
Indianapolis Places to Visit on Your Staycation
Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens
When – Spring, Summer, Fall. The Indianapolis Zoo is just a great place to go with the kids. They enjoy checking out the animals and the exhibits. In the summer they have the splash pad opened. In the fall, you can check special exhibits like Zoo Boo. Just plan ahead and get special pricing online depending on the day. The White River Gardens is a beautiful place to walk around and observe the beauty that nature has to offer. This is included with the price of the zoo, so it is worth checking out before hitting up the zoo.
The Children’s Museum
When – All Year Round. Did you know that the Children’s Museum is the the world’s largest children’s museum? There’s always something for kids all ages – from babies to school age kids. They just added a Sport Legend experience this past year in addition to the Dinosphere and Space Exhibit. Plus, there is a giant slide that cannot be resisted. There is fun and education all in one place. Plan in advance as The Children’s Museum started plan ahead pricing. It’s cheaper in the days in advance, so check out the website while you are planning your trip.
The Canal
When – All Year Round. We did not discover the greatest of the canal until last year thanks to Pokemon Go. The Canal is a great way to get outdoors. You can see tons of people walking, jogging, or playing Pokemon Go. Also, along the canal are the gondolas, cruiser bikes, Segways and pedal boats. If you are looking to spend a little money or no money, then walk the canal and have a picnic. Go by the Indiana State Museum and check out their outdoor exhibits and some days they have kid crafts. Do a picture scavenger hunt for school age kids. You won’t regret hanging out here.
Victory Field
When – Spring, Summer. Victory Field offers family a great time with affordable prices. Join the kids club for a one-time fee of $17 and get all Home Games with lawn tickets. When you join the exclusive Knot Hole Kids Club , you get a t-shirt, and the opportunity for kids to run the bases after any Sunday home game and a chance to be on-field as play ball kid. There are also special days this year including five Super Hero Nights with characters from both the MARVEL and DC Comics universes, a Stars Wars night, 13 fireworks nights (including Independence Day celebrations on July 3 and 4), Bark in the Park and much more. Check out the daily specials – Monday Dollar Menu, Thursday Craft Beer Night and Kids Eat Free Sundays.
Conner Prairie
When – All Year Round. Conner Prairie is an interactive history park or living history museum that recreates part of life in Indiana in the 19th century on the White River. Conner Prairie features several attractions and numerous semi-regular events depending on the time of year. They just added the Treetop – giant 4-story tree-house and fun areas for exploring, playing, building and even playing songs on outdoor instruments.
Take A Hike
When – Fall, Spring, Summer. You can find great local spots to take a hike in Indianapolis. One of our favorite spots is Fort Benjamin Harrison state park. There are other state parks that over family friendly trails to explore. Also, you are looking to save money this is also a great option. You can extend beyond a hike and go camping in the backyard and make some smores too!
Indianapolis Places to Eat
Mug n Bun
This is an iconic Indianapolis place has been around for 50 years. It is a great and fun place to take the kids. It is an old fashion drive up and order food place. If you or your kids enjoy root beer, then try their homemade root beer. Definitely, a fun family experience. Where: 5211 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224
Lincoln Square Pancake House
Looking for a great family breakfast place? Look no further than this pancake house. The food is great, the portions are nothing to sneeze at and there is something for everyone in the family (vegan and those choosing to stay on their weight meal plan). Where: 2330 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Maxine’s Chicken & Waffles
Maxine’s offers a great restaurant experience. Never fails to deliver some good home cooking that satisfies. The food is great, the atmosphere and restaurant is very family-friendly. They also welcome vegetarians with a vegetarian dish, so really something for everyone. Where: 132 N East St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Need more ideas of things to do in Indianapolis but without kids? Check out our Date Night Ideas in Indianapolis and our quarantine date night ideas for date night in ideas.
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