Three Best Family Activities in Indianapolis

Children's Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, Conner Prairie Top the List

May 12, 2009

There are world-class attractions for the entire family to enjoy in the capital city of Indiana, where kids can have fun on vacation, and even learn a little, too.

Families who are road-tripping through Indiana or planning an urban vacation to Indianapolis this summer can expect some top-notch activities and attractions for kids. Here is a peek at just three top spots for family travel in Indiana's capital:

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Touted as the world's largest children's museum, this incredible facility delights children of all ages. Just a few of the popular exhibits include Dinosphere, with a phenomenal collection of real fossils and a hands-on "dinosaur dig"; All Aboard, featuring a 19th-century steam engine; ScienceWorks interactive experiments area; and Star Wars: The Clone Wars for fans of the LucasFilms Animation project, which is on display through January 2010.

A very special temporary exhibit opens June 27, 2009: Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs. This will present more than 130 treasures from the tomb of King Tut and will run through October 2009.

Indianapolis Zoo

This popular zoo, in downtown's White River State Park, is home to the world's first completely submerged dolphin-viewing experience; visitors watch dolphins while they are inside a 30-foot-diameter acrylic-domed underwater room. The in-water dolphin program allows visitors to get up close and personal with these interesting creatures (for an additional fee, outside of the zoo admission). Feeling bold? Actually put your hands in the shark touch pool.

Of course, there are many other animals that can be viewed at the Indianapolis Zoo, from bugs to birds, giraffes to elephants, gazelles to zebras. Two orphaned Alaskan bear cubs are the newest addtions. And opening Memorial Day weekend is a temporary exhibit of Komodo Dragons from Southeast Asia.

Technically, the hands-on living history experience Conner Prairie is located in Fishers, Indiana, just six miles north of Indianapolis proper – and well worth a visit. Period actors (aka costumed interpreters) take you back to time in the 1800s as they plow fields, sing songs and play musical instruments. Visitors can see what it was like to work the farm, live in a pioneer town or be a fur trader. Hands-on activities for kids include a pottery station, wagon-making shop, carpentry shop, and crafts and puppet making.

Discovery Station is a permanent indoor exhibit designed for children ages two to eight, where they can play dress up with period costumes. Another highlight is the Follow the North Star program, where families can learn about the Underground Railroad in the 18th century. This summer, for an additional $10, visitors can board a helium-filled balloon for a tethered flight up to 350 feet. The experience marks the 150th anniversary of the launch of the first manned balloon intended for cross-country flight, from Lafayette, Indiana, to New York City. (Unfortunately, pilot John Wise faced strong winds the blew him in the wrong direction, and he didn't make it out of the state; still, a historic moment.)

For more information about family travel in Indianapolis, check out the Visit Indy website.

The copyright of the article Three Best Family Activities in Indianapolis in Indiana Travel is owned by Kara Williams. Permission to republish Three Best Family Activities in Indianapolis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.