5 Great Kid-Friendly Activities for Families in Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis, IN, known colloquially as Indy, is the seat of Marion County. There is no city more populous in the state, and there is plenty to do in the area. If you're not sure what in the area is worth your time, keep reading to learn about four of the best tourist attractions in the area. Make the Drive to These 4 Tourist Attractions Near Indianapolis, IN 1. Children's Museum of Indianapolis Conveniently located in downtown Indianapolis at 3000 North Meridian Street, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the world's largest children's museum, featuring an astonishing 15 exhibits. The indoor exhibits are open year-round, and the outdoor exhibits are open from March to October. One of the most popular sports experiences is the racing experience. more You and your kids can race on the Drag Strip or Oval track, and you can get a photo to commemorate the experience. One of the most popular indoor exhibits is the Dinosphere: Now You're in Their World exhibit. This one-of-a-kind exhibit features five immersive experiences, including Giants of the Jurassic and Creatures of the Cretaceous. There is so much to explore that your kids may beg you to take them back again. 2. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum at 4750 West 16th Street is also well worth visiting. This is one of the most iconic automobile museums in the world, and it is located inside the 2.5-mile oval. Whether your passion lies in motorcycles, drag or American short-track racing, NASCAR, or Formula One, there is plenty for you to learn about at this museum. 3. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Once you're done at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, put your 2023 Dodge Challenger to the ultimate test on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's iconic oval track, located at 4790 West 16th Street. After that, you can take part in kissing the bricks that make up the start and finish line, a tradition that legendary racers have kept alive since 1996. 4. Indianapolis Zoo The Indianapolis Zoo is located at 1200 West Washington Street, and it is a great place to spend the morning. It features a 64-acre non-profit zoo, botanical garden, and public aquarium. The whole family will love the 90-minute Dolphin In-Water Adventure program, including half an hour poolside and in the water with the dolphins and their trainers. The Indianapolis Zoo also features several rides and attractions, including the ability to feed birds and giraffes. Indy has a lot to offer, including the largest children's museum in the world, one of the world's most iconic automobile museums, and a 64-acre non-profit zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. Once you're done exploring some of Indy's most popular attractions for tourists, swing by Tom O'Brien CJDR to browse our selection of new cars and trucks.

Looking for some beautiful natural areas to satiate your wanderlust craving this weekend without venturing too far from home? Check out this list of hiking trails near Indianapolis, IN we put together just for you and the family to get out there and enjoy quality time with mother nature. 3 Amazing Hiking Trails in Driving Distance of Indianapolis, IN South Overlook Waterfowl Sanctuary - A Trail the Whole Family Will Love Located at 6485-6243 Delong Rd, just 20 minutes west of the city, this 2.4-mile loop trail is an easy route that every member of the family can enjoy during a weekend outing, including the family dog as long as he/she stays on a leash. Look out for diverse wildlife and birds to snap photos of or show the kids, especially near the edge of the lake. Birdwatching is popular here and diverse species abound including redheaded woodpeckers. Be prepared to pay the $5-$6 fee to get into the park. more Schoen Creek - A Moderate-Level Adventure That Still Gets You Home at a Decent Hour It takes about an hour to complete this 3.1-mile loop located at Lawrence Creek Trailhead Parking, VX8G+JG in Fort Harrison State Park. This trail is also kid-friendly, and popular with hikers and mountain bikers so expect to encounter other nature enthusiasts enjoying the outdoors during your trip, unless you venture out in the evening when it's less popular. Schoen Creek trail is rockier and holds up to moisture better when it rains ​compared to other trails in the area. Fort Benjamin Harrison MTB Loop - For a Longer More Vigorous Hike This 7.7-mile loop takes about 2 and a half hours to complete on average and is a great choice for those looking to spend a longer chunk of time outside, to cover more distance or those training for a thru-hike who don't want to drive too far outside the city. The scenery is lovely and green with many patches of wildflowers to be found May through September. Just look out for muddy conditions after it rains or make sure you have hiking shoes with enough tread to prevent slips. Whatever your level of hiking experience, one of the spots listed above will be a perfect fit for a short day trip out in nature and all 3 are close enough to get you back in time to enjoy an evening with loved ones or prepare for the work week ahead. If you're looking for the perfect vehicle to transport you from city-dwelling to the outdoor adventures that await, come visit us at Tom Obrien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - Indianapolis and test drive the 2023 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux 4X4, with heated seats for winter hikes and a cooled driver's seat for those sweltering summer months.

Known as the racing capital of the world, the city of Indianapolis, IN features many local attractions, historical landmarks, and sprawling parks and green areas. If you are driving around the city in your 2023 Jeep Renegade and are searching for nearby places to take a break from the urban bustle, here are three spots you should visit. Drive on Over to These 3 Local Parks in Indianapolis, IN 1. White River State Park Although you might think that a state park should be located far away from the city center, this is not the case of White River State Park. Encompassing nearly 270 acres and created in the late 1970s, this expansive green area is located at 801 W Washington Street in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, making it a popular gathering spot among locals and visitors alike. more Home to numerous tourist attractions, including the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, and White River Gardens, White River State Park is one of the local landmarks you should not miss while exploring the city. Open every day between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm, this beautiful green area draws nearly three million visitors every year. 2. Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park Located at 1850 W 38th Street and less than five miles north of the Indianapolis downtown area, Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is another well-known local park that features not only sprawling green areas, but also plenty of art installations, museums, and education centers. With an area of a little over 100 acres, this place opened its doors to the public in 2010 and is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Sitting right along the banks of the White River and featuring a 40-acre lake, Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park offers beautiful landscapes and excellent opportunities for picnicking. Additionally, this public recreation area features a footbridge across the Indiana Central Canal, a pavilion, as well as numerous nature trails. Driving here from the Indianapolis city center takes less than 10 minutes via route I-65. 3. Riverside Park Established in the late 1890s and open Monday through Saturday, Riverside Park covers an area of about 860 acres and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. This place features not only plenty of open grounds and picnic spots, but also several golf courses, a sports complex, a fitness park, and a canoe club. This park is located at 2420 E Riverside Drive and just three miles northwest of the downtown area. No matter what type of vehicle you're looking for, if you are searching for a trusted, family-owned dealership with decades of experience, you've come to the right place. Hit the road and visit us today at Tom O'Brien CJDR – Indianapolis! One of our team members will be happy to show you around our extensive inventory.