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There are so many exciting new dining options to check out when you visit Indianapolis, Indiana, whether you're looking for an upscale foodie experience or simple, laid-back goodness. Here are some of our favorite options for eating in Indy that cover the gamut. The Eagle Food & Beer Hall The Eagle Food & Beer Hall serves a simple yet delicious down-home fried-chicken meal. All-natural cage-free chicken is brined, dredged, and then fried in The Eagle's custom-built fryers. It's served with a side of house-made hot honey, as well as your choice of traditional, comfort-food sides, including hush puppies, brown sugar bacon, and a Southern spread with house ham salad, pimento cheese, and pickled green beans. Alongside a fried-chicken sandwich and other menu options, The Eagle serves an incredible selection of over 100 craft beers and cocktails made from scratch. Enjoy live blues music in an upbeat yet laid-back atmosphere. more Tinker Street Found in the heart of historic Herron-Morton Place, Tinker Street has a seasonal menu designed to take advantage of the freshest flavors offered by locally sourced ingredients throughout the year. Diners with dietary restrictions will appreciate the plentiful and well-marked vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on the Tinker Street menu. Choose from eclectic dishes such as Korean chicken and waffles, featuring a scallion sesame waffle and kimchi butter, or the Tinker Street burger, which adds a twist to a classic with garlic aioli and ranch-flavored potato chips. To finish off your meal, try the unique s'more pot de creme, a smoked chocolate ganache topped with house-made marshmallow fluff, ash, and hickory. Shapiro's Delicatessen For a classic yet tasty option, check out Shapiro's Delicatessen, which has served sandwiches as well as soups and favorite traditional Jewish dishes for 110 years in Indy. This nationally renowned deli is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and boasts a large, open dining room with a self-serve cafeteria line as well as a grocery store and bakery to pick up some of your favorites to have at home. Shapiro's is particularly well known for its corned beef and pastrami on rye sandwiches, bagels, matzo ball soup, and apricot rugelach, but don't neglect the selection of cakes, cookies, and award-winning cheesecake. St. Elmo Steak House St. Elmo Steak House is an award-winning Old-World style steakhouse that delivers classic dishes and exceptional service. It's regarded as one of America's best steakhouses, and when you come here for dinner, you'll soon see why. Favorite dishes include the shrimp cocktail with a signature spicy cocktail sauce and, of course, traditional steak cuts served with classic sides, as well as chicken and seafood entrees. The early 20th-century vibe of the bar and dining room is accented by glowing wood paneling and exposed brick walls. Enjoy the well-stocked beer and wine menu, or go for a classic cocktail, such as a mule, a martini, or the Elmo Cola, with the perfectly cooked steak. Whether you're craving a quick but delicious sandwich or a five-star dining experience, Indianapolis has a restaurant for you. Check out some of our favorites — they'll soon become yours too! Image via Flickr by Brad Greenlee under use of CC BY 2.0

Whether it's a savory bread, a sweet pastry, a warm pie, or an enticing cake, bakeries produce some of the best foods of all time. However, if you want the best-baked goods around, you won't find them at a grocery store or a gas station. Instead, you should look for a local bakery that bakes all its products fresh that morning. Fortunately for Indianapolis locals, you can find several amazing bakeries throughout the city. Long's Bakery Long's Bakery is an Indianapolis institution. This shop specializes in donuts and other breakfast pastries of every size, shape, and description, although they also have plenty of classic glazed donuts for the breakfast rush. Other pastries include Danishes and German strudels with a variety of fillings, and they have gators in both baby and large sizes. Long's Bakery has two Indianapolis locations, and both open at 5:30 in the morning and close at 10 p.m. All the donuts are cheap, but remember to bring your cash because Long's doesn't accept credit cards or smartphone wallet payments. more Coat Check Coffee Coat Check Coffee sits where Massachusetts Avenue cuts across Michigan Street. It gets its name from the fact that it uses the old coat check area of the Athenaeum, a historic downtown building. As a cafe, Coat Check Coffee is a good place to get a coffee, a tea, or a latte with some detailed foam art, but they also offer some delicious breakfast pastries baked fresh every morning. These include muffins, pigs in a blanket, and some hefty croissants stuffed with sweet or savory fillings. Their weekday hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Gallery Pastry Shop You'll find the Gallery Pastry Shop in the 54th and Monon shopping center. This bakery focuses on high-class pastries and European desserts, making it the kind of place you go to when you want to cater a special event or give that special someone an unforgettable gift on a special occasion. They also have a brunch menu filled with French flavors, wines, and locally sourced meats and cheeses. Their most popular item is the French macaron, and they make them in all kinds of colors and flavors. The Flying Cupcake The Flying Cupcake is an expanding franchise with half a dozen locations throughout Indianapolis and its suburbs. As the name indicates, this bakery is all about cupcakes, with a constantly updated list of flavors, colors, and styles. This list includes regular cupcakes, cupcakes with cream or fruit filling, jumbo cupcakes you can share with friends, and both vegan and gluten-free cupcakes for visitors with diet restrictions. They also have a few non-cupcake options such as brownies, snickerdoodle cookies, and the monster cookie sandwich. Hours at every location are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bakeries make some of the best food around, especially when it comes fresh from an oven in the back of the building. If that's the kind of fresh baked goods you want, these bakeries and so many more will have just what you're looking for when you're in Indianapolis.   Image via Pixabay.com

When the days get hot in summer, it's always nice to cool down and have some fun by visiting a water park. Whether you love rushing down the water slides, floating on a lazy river, or just splashing around in a wave pool, these parks offer all kinds of ways to have fun and stay cool without having to hide from the sun. If you live in the Indianapolis area, you can find plenty of fun water parks near you. The Waterpark Keep things simple by spending your day at The Waterpark, a popular destination in Caramel, Indiana just off East 111th Street and North College Avenue. The Waterpark offers a lap pool for general activities, several water slides, a lazy river loop that covers an eighth of a mile, a shallow kiddie pool, and even a climbing wall suspended over the deep pool. However, the park's biggest attraction is the FlowRider, a wave pool with waves so strong that you can surf on them. more Freedom Springs Aquatics Park While The Waterpark is on the north side of Indianapolis, the Freedom Springs Aquatics Park is on the south end in Greenwood. You'll find it just behind Greenwood Middle School on County Road 100 West. Like the park on the north side, Freedom Springs offers several slides, a lap pool, a lazy river, and a children's play area. They also host a great many local attractions such as live music concerts, movie screenings, and private events held in the park's many shelters. Indy Island Aquatic Center The Indy Island Aquatic Center is east of central Indianapolis, and you'll find it on East Raymond Street near the Raymond Park Middle School. Unlike the first two parks on this list, the Indy Island Center is an indoor pool, so it's open year-round instead of only during the summer months. It's not as big as the outdoor parks, but it still has several water slides, a waterfall, and a shallow pool where kids can have plenty of fun. It also has a separate lap pool for visitors who want to exercise or play in the deep end. Splash Island This park is on the west side of Indianapolis, and you can reach it by heading north on Vestal Road from Main Street. Splash Island offers three water slides, a play area for visitors of all ages, two vortex pools, and a 900-foot lazy river with a side path that takes you under a cool waterfall. You can also practice your swimming and diving in the six-lane competition pool with a diving-friendly deep end. Then there's the zero-depth kiddie pool where very young visitors can play in water jets or dump a 500-gallon bucket. When you want to have some outdoor fun and stay cool at the same time, a water park is hard to beat. And while you won't find a big water park in the middle of downtown Indianapolis, you'll certainly find what you're looking for in every other direction. Image via Flickr by Michael Coghlan under use of CC BY-SA 2.0 /cropped from original

Enjoying lunch at a local restaurant is a great way to break up the monotony of the workday, whether you plan to dine alone or with friends. You want something affordable and quick so you can get back to work on time. Here are some great lunch places in Indianapolis worth scheduling in your week when you have the chance. The Eagle The Eagle is located at 310 Massachusetts Ave. The Indianapolis lunch staple serves up large portions of Southern-style entrees such as spoonbread, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken. If you plan to go to the restaurant during its most popular hours, especially on the weekend, you should expect to wait to be seated. It can be better to go slightly before or after the crowds. more Bluebeard Located at 653 Virginia Ave. in Fletcher Place, Bluebeard is a corporate lunch favorite that also hosts holiday parties, corporate events, and weddings. It has a New American-style menu with seasonal ingredients and items such as beet salad and roasted cauliflower. Despite its fancier menu, prices aren't so high that you should rule it out as a lunch spot. If the weather is nice, plan on sitting out on the beautiful patio, where you can enjoy being outside and watching passersby. Goose the Market Ready for a delicious sandwich from a meat shop? Check out Goose the Market at 2503 N. Delaware St. Depending on where you work, you could even enjoy some wine or beer with your meal. It's a traditional neighborhood butcher shop, but it's also a specialty food and wine market, and many of the sandwiches have cult-like followings. The Batali sandwich features coppa, soppressata, capicola, provolone, romaine lettuce, marinated red onions, spicy giardiniera, mayonnaise, and tomato preserves. The Cameron has tarragon mustard, ham, blue cheese, mayonnaise, apple slices, and radishes. Love Handle Looking for a brunch place for lunch? Open to new and exciting flavors? The Love Handle at 877 Massachusetts Ave. offers delicious food such as spicy biscuits and gravy, pineapple fritters, and Tinker coffee. While you won't be able to get traditional lunch favorites such as a plain hamburger with french fries, don't let that dissuade you from trying something new. Fitzgerald's Lunch House If you have a little extra time, Fitzgerald's Lunch House is located at 9130 Otis Ave. in the Fort Benjamin Harrison Historic District, across from Cafe Audrey. The restaurant serves sandwiches. One popular sandwich is called the Rooster. It has chili lime chicken topped with avocado, chipotle cream cheese, and slices of white cheddar cheese on a French-style baguette. It's a very small restaurant, with only six tables. You can typically find a table, or you can ask for your meal to go so you can eat it in a nearby park or at your desk. All the lunch spots on this list have great online reviews from other locals. You may find several of your favorite restaurants that you go to regularly on this list or have ideas for new restaurants to try. Some people like to try out new restaurants at every lunch. Image via Flickr by Ann Larie Valentine under use of CC BY-SA 2.0 /cropped from original

Indianapolis is near several other big cities, small towns, and beautiful scenery. Many highways go through the area, so it's easy to reach a great place for a relaxing weekend. You can go on a fun trip without having to use your vacation days. Here are some of the best weekend getaways near Indianapolis. Santa Claus Santa Claus, Indiana, is about two and a half hours south of Indianapolis. The Christmas theme makes this city ideal for kids, and it's open all year. Holiday World has an exciting wooden roller coaster, and TripAdvisor called Splashin' Safari one of the top three water parks in the nation. Visitors to both parks can enjoy free soft drinks, Wi-Fi, sunscreen, and parking. Kids can also look at more than 2,800 specialty items at Santa's Toys. At the Santa Claus Museum & Village, you can write a letter to Santa, learn about the history of the town, and see a variety of antique toys and dolls. There's also a 22-foot Santa statue. Adults will enjoy visiting the Monkey Hollow winery and distillery. You can explore the vineyards and sample a variety of wines and spirits. more Columbus Columbus, Indiana, is about 45 minutes south of Indianapolis. It has a three-story children's museum, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and a variety of interesting buildings. You can take a guided tour of some of the city's most beautiful homes, or you can use your smartphone to find impressive architecture on your own. There are lots of places to eat in the area, including Taku Japanese Steakhouse, Fresh Take Kitchen, and Lucabe Coffee Co. You can even see hundreds of varieties of popcorn at Not Just Popcorn, Etc. Mill Race Park is a 65-acre waterfront park with an 84-foot observation tower, a covered bridge, and a playground. It's a great place to go fishing or take some scenic photos. Madison Madison, Indiana, is about an hour and a half away. It has scenic roads, antique shopping, art galleries, wineries, and historic sites. Clifty Falls State Park is a popular place for speed boat tours. At the Overture Center for the Arts, you can see family entertainment, opera, musicals, dance, art exhibitions, and more. You can also relax at one of the many spas in the area or go for a peaceful hike or bike ride. Michigan City Michigan City is on the shores of Lake Michigan, about three hours away from Indianapolis. It's the location of Indiana Dunes National Park, and there are more than 50 miles of trails. You can explore beautiful dunes, sandy beaches, scenic wetlands, peaceful forests, prairies, and more. It's an excellent place for bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, biking, and more. The area has lots of shopping, breweries, wineries, and restaurants as well. These are just some of the great places to visit near Indianapolis. Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure, an educational outing, or some relaxation, you can find it close by. Something new and interesting is available in any direction. Image via Pixabay

There's nothing that satisfies a voracious appetite quite like a juicy burger topped with cheese, with a side of fries. Fortunately for us Hoosiers, Indianapolis features a number of spots to grab a burger, from upscale dining to down-home places that cook a burger just right. Check out 5 of our favorite burger joints in Indianapolis. Workingman's Friend Tavern George Motz, touted as America's burger expert, recommends Workingman's Friend for a traditional, blue collar cheeseburger. Workingman's Friend serves up a unique burger that is thin and crispy. The signature dish is the giant double cheeseburger, which makes up the bulk of orders on the average night. Add crispy onion rings, homemade chili, or fries on the side. The classically all-American atmosphere at Workingman Friend's Tavern is topped off by glass block and Formica counter accents. Workingman's Friend celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Check out this piece of history in person. more Burger Study Burger Study serves up burgers that blend USDA Prime Black Angus brisket, shortrib, and chuck. Beef burgers are sourced from local Midwest farms. Add tater tots, fries, potato salad, a cup of soup,  side Caesar salad, or a number of other items on the side. The Homecoming is a classic, thick-cut patty topped with root beer-glazed bacon, smoked Gouda cheese, and lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. For an elevated take on the burger, the Waygu burger is made with locally-sourced Waygu beef from Joseph Decuis Wagyu Farm, topped with triple-crème whipped brie, LocalFolks blueberry jam, and arugula. Top off your meal with a bourbon salted caramel shake, root beer float made with Triple XXX Root Beer, or a classic chocolate or vanilla shake. BurgerHaus BurgerHaus features a smorgasbord of creative appetizers and salads and "Haus Specials," served with craft beer and fine wines. Check out the Baton Rouge, a Jambalaya burger with andouille sausage, shrimp, white cheddar, and house-made cajun creole topping. We also love the unique Cozumel, which features grilled pineapple, guacamole, American cheese, onions, jalapenos, butter lettuce, and beefsteak tomato. Burherhaus' gourmet burgers are served with a choice of Haus fries, southwest coleslaw, or a side salad. Tinker Street Restaurant & Wine Bar For something a little different, check out the high-end Tinker Street burger, topped with bacon jam, raclette, and garlic aioli, served on a brioche bun with "Ranch" potato chips. For the members of your party with different culinary inclinations, Tinker Street also serves up vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options in a cozy, urban-cottage setting on 16th street. Is there anything better than a cheeseburger served with a cold beer? Tinker Street also serves up craft beers, as well as a selection of high-quality international wines. Punch Burger Founded by two Indiana guys, Punch Burger is a hip spot that serves burgers sourced from 100 percent Angus, Midwestern-raised beef, alongside waffle fries, wine, and beer. The "burnt cheese" is a classic burger topped with a ring of burnt cheese around the patty. If you're feeling lucky, order the "burger of the moment" to get the kitchen's latest concoction. Image via Flickr by khawkins04

A classic treat, donuts are the delicious breakfast food you can also have for dessert any time of day. Lucky for us, Indianapolis is stocked with some of the best donut spots that the country has to offer. Whether you prefer jelly or creme filling, frosting and sprinkles, imaginative flavors like maple bacon, or plain old cake or yeast donuts, Indianapolis has something to offer you. Check out our five favorite places to grab a donut and cup of coffee in Indy. General American Donut Company General American Donut Company, affectionately known as GADCO, serves up hand-made donuts alongside the legendary Stumptown Espresso, with beans fresh from Portland. Innovative donut flavors include raspberry key lime, French toast with maple syrup, maple bourbon bacon, coffee and cream, and the s'more, a delectable take on the campfire favorite. more The industrial vibe in GADCO's interior, including an exposed barrel roof architecture and movies projected on the cement block wall, give this Indy favorite a modern twist. Long's Bakery Over on Southport Road, Long's Bakery is another long-time Indy favorite. This donut spot is admired by Food Network star Alton Brown and Martha Stewart, among others. Long's Bakery is known for its warm glazed yeast donuts, as well as its long johns and cinnamon fries. There are a few tricks. The line tends to get long during rush hour, so try to stop by before 7:40 a.m. to get a good spot. It's also cash only, so stop at the ATM beforehand! Afternoons are also slower, but in order to make sure your favorites aren't sold out, call ahead and pre-order a box to pick up the next day. Rebellion Doughnuts With its original location in Noblesville, Rebellion Doughnuts just opened up a second shop right here in Indianapolis at The City Market. Rebellion Doughnuts serves up traditional donut fare like original yeast, lemon, and chocolate iced, as well as more creative, rebellious flavors, like maple glazed bacon and espresso shot donuts. This shop can also be busy on weekends, so get there early to grab your spot in line. Circle City Sweets Circle City Sweets serves up all of the usual bakery fare, including brownies, muffins, scones, and croissants. But once every month, Circle City takes their already-delicious sweets to the next level, serving up their signature "doissant." A cross between a donut and croissant, the doissant comes both plain and with a cream filling. However, doissants can sell out by 9 a.m. when they are on offer, so head there early and check Circle City Sweets' Facebook page for updates on "doissant day." The Dancing Donut The Dancing Donut serves up delicious treats, but it's also the place to go to get an Instagram-worthy shot. The "plain Jane" cake donut, John dough donuts in plain or chocolate yeast, Kevin Bacon maple bacon, long john, Lemony Snicket, and peanut butter jelly time are just some of the fun, funky flavors on offer at the Dancing Donut. Don't just take our word for it. Stop by these and more great donut places in Indianapolis to get your sweet fix. Image via Pixabay

Spring is just around the corner, and Indy is ready to celebrate. With all kinds of events from street fairs to sporting events and everything between, there is something to do this spring no matter what you enjoy. Here are a few of the upcoming Indianapolis events. The 500 Festival The annual 500 Festival takes place in May with a calendar of events packed with over 50 different things to do. It all starts on May 1 with the 500 Festival & IMS Kickoff to May and then the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 4. May 11 brings the Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day, along with the Rookie Run. Come by on the 24th for the Memorial Service, and then the 2019 IPL 500 Festival parade will take place on the 25th. The 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 ends the month of celebrating on the 26th. more Talbot Street Art Fair On June 15 and 16 you can head to the Talbot Street Art Fair. This is Indiana's longest running juried art fair, and it takes place on North Talbot Street in the historic Herron Morton Neighborhood. The fair brings over 250 artists from across the country and is one of the finest fairs in the nation. Admission is free, and it gets started on Saturday the 15th at 10 a.m. Spring Blooms The Spring Blooms event at Newfields is beautiful to see and a sure sign of spring. The team planted over 100,000 bulbs for the outdoor exhibit this year, and it will soon burst with color. As the weather starts to warm up, you can see the perennial wildflowers and thousands of netted iris, hyacinth, and daffodils. Spring Blooms starts on March 22 and runs through May 26. Newfield's members get in for free, and nonmembers can purchase tickets right on the Newfields website. Freedom Festival The Freedom Festival in Greenwood draws over 50,000 people each year and is just a short drive from Indianapolis. Celebrate the American spirit at Craig Park with a parade, food, craft beer, and activities for the kids. There will be live music on three different stages and over 200 booths with crafts, local business, and food from local eateries. This event takes place on June 29 starting at noon with the annual parade, and it ends at 10:30 p.m. with the area's best fireworks show. You can make the whole day even more fun by reserving a VIP spot for the festival. This allows you access to a catered space on the tennis courts at Craig Park. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for the kids, and it includes dinner, craft beers from Oaken Barrel Brewing Co, and dining under a private tent. There is always something going on in Indianapolis, but the springtime is even more special. From the running of the Indy 500 and all the events leading up to it to festivals celebrating the warmer weather and the American spirit, you can always find something to do. Image via Pixabay

When most people think about Indianapolis, they think about the Indy 500, but it's also known for its bookstores. If your idea of the perfect afternoon includes scouring through shelves of books and curling up on a comfy chair among the stacks, then Indianapolis is your city. Here are some of the best bookstores in town. Indy Reads Books Indy Reads Books is a local favorite not only for the charming store and thousands of new and used titles, but also because this store helps promote literacy in the community for both kids and adults. The owner supports local literacy programs and has a program where you can either donate books or become a volunteer. The staff at Indy Reads is friendly and helpful, and the store offers a diverse selection of reads. more Bookmamas Bookmamas is a locally owned store on Johnson Avenue in Indianapolis. This bookstore has over 30,000 new and used books with a focus on Indiana and worldwide environmental issues. The store sponsors book clubs, hosts book signings, and hosts the Underground 9 Studio. This includes musical performances, bring-your-own vinyl nights, and open mic nights. Bookmamas provides its customers with information about the benefits of supporting local businesses on an environmental and community level. Wild Geese Bookshop Just a few miles away in Franklin, you'll find the Wild Geese Book Shop. This independent shop sits in a cozy little blue cottage and sells new books along with literary-themed gifts. Owner Tiffany Lauderdale Phillips aims to provide customers with the perfect experience by hand-selecting books to fill floor-to-ceiling shelves. You can find almost every genre of books here from poetry to young adult, fiction, and nonfiction. You'll also find novelty gifts such as literature-themed T-shirts, cooking accessories, coffee mugs, and many locally made products. Porter Books and Bread On a cold winter day or rainy spring day, head to Porter Books and Bread to curl up on one of their comfy chairs with a hot drink and a good book. The focus at this shop is locally sourced and handmade food, but there are also hundreds of used books on the shelves lining the walls. You can grab one of the books to read while you are there, or bring one of your own. You can even bring a book from home and trade it for one you see there. Half Price Books Half Price Books buys and sells anything printed or recorded. Inside, you'll find stacks upon stacks of used and new books, DVD's, CD's, vinyl, and much more. This store is the place to start a search for a rare book or hard-to-find recording. You can stop by the Indianapolis store, or search the website to see what you can find. Check out these Indy book stores to find your next read to bring home, or grab a coffee and stay to enjoy the atmosphere. Images Via Pixabay

The Indianapolis Zoo, which sits downtown in White River State Park, is home to more than 1,600 animals and 23,000 plant species. The 64-acre zoo, botanical garden, and aquarium offer plenty of places for you to see while visiting with your family. Find out why the Indianapolis Zoo is a favorite among the more than one million annual visitors. Burn Off Some Energy The Indianapolis Zoo has several spots where your little ones can burn off some energy. The zoo's playground has play structures and climbing areas, while its tree house and play area have oversized equipment geared toward smaller children. Both areas are accessible for children with disabilities. Check Out the Animal Chat If you're interested in learning more about specific animals, stop at one of the daily animal chats and presentations. Included with the price of admission, these chats and educational training demonstrations occur throughout the zoo. The knowledgeable zookeepers talk with you about the animals, so be sure to ask for a schedule at the front gate as all chats vary depending upon the season. more Discover the Animals The Indianapolis Zoo is divided into five biomes to help you navigate through the sprawling acreage. Visit the Oceans to see penguins, sharks, and other marine life. You also have a chance to have a personal encounter with dogfish sharks at the nation's largest shark touch pool. Stop at the Deserts to see lizards sunning on rocks and the dynamic new snake exhibit. The Plains features lions, zebras, elephants, and rhinos, while the Forest is home to tigers and bears. The animals at the zoo are typically more active during moderate temperatures, such as spring and fall. If you plan to go to the zoo during warmer months, animals should be active, but you should visit in the morning when temperatures are cooler. Gaze Upon the Butterflies The Butterfly Kaleidoscope at the Hilbert Conservatory is a perfect spot to watch more than 40 species of butterflies and moths freely float around you. You can also witness metamorphosis happening every day as well as newly hatched butterflies taking flight. This exhibit runs from March through early September. The price for this exhibit is included with zoo admission. Visit the Dolphins One of the most popular areas of the Indianapolis Zoo is the daily dolphin presentations. The price for the dolphin show is included with the cost of regular admission, but keep in mind that seating is limited in the St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion. Make sure to pick up your free dolphin passes once you arrive. Also, if you sit in the Splash Zone, you most likely will get wet, so put away your camera and cell phone before the show begins. When visiting the Indianapolis Zoo, know that admission fluctuates depending upon the day. Typically, admission is $10 for adults with children between the ages of 2 and 12 costing $8. Parking is $8 per vehicle all year for non-members. In addition, hours changed based upon the season, but the zoo is usually open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until at least 4 p.m. The summer features extended hours. Image via Pixabay

Established in 1925, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis houses 13 permanent exhibits, features 130,000 artifacts, and sees 1.2 million people walk through the door each year. With 472,900 square feet of space found on five floors, the museum is the largest children's museum in the world. Keep reading to learn about five fun activities that you can experience at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Be One with the Dinosaurs Found on the lower level, the interactive Dinosphere exhibit transports you to a time more than 65 million years ago. You can dig for dinosaur bones, see dinosaur skeletons up close, and touch an authentic Tyrannosaurus Rex bone belonging to a dinosaur named Bucky. Bucky is the sixth most complete T. Rex found and the first teenage T. Rex put on display in a museum. Check Out the Playscape When the Playscape area first opened in 1981, it was the first such area designed exclusively for preschoolers. With a motto of "play is a child's work," the exhibit features water and sand play stations, a spot to try musical instruments, and a dress-up spot. Geared for children under the age of 5, space underwent a massive renovation in 2013, and now families can enjoy additional interactive elements and creative activities. more Get Active A recent addition to the museum is a 7.5-acre outdoor health and fitness area that encourages activity. The Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience has space for golf, baseball, tennis, basketball, football, soccer, football, and pedal car racing. It also includes the National Art Museum of Sport as well as the World of Sport and History of Hoops. Take a Spin on the Carousel As one of the favorites at the museum, the carousel features hand-painted animals. The original ride dates back to 1917 when it was used in Board Ripple Park in Indianapolis. Rides are free for members and children under the age of 2, while non-members must pay $1 per ride. Visit the All Aboard! Exhibit An 1868 locomotive that operated on a steep hill outside the southern Indiana town of Madison takes up residence in the center of a gallery dedicated to railroads. The 35-foot-long, 55-ton locomotive became part of the museum's collection in 1968. The gallery also features a simulated train station where you can send a telegraph message and design your own railroad via a computer application. You and your family can also sit in a tool car and pretend like you're really riding the rails. Open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. March through Labor Day, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is closed on Mondays Labor Day through March. Tickets for adults cost $19.75, while youth age 2 through 16 are $16, and children 2 years of age or younger are free. Seniors age 60 and older pay $19. Members and donors receive a 10-percent discount on tickets, and if you order tickets up to two weeks in advance, you can save up to 25 percent off. Stop in today, and experience these activities for yourself. Image via Pixabay

Indianapolis is filled with every major hotel chain you can think of. Why not pick a unique boutique hotel to make your stay in the city a memorable experience? Try staying at one of these hotels, and you won't regret it. Ironworks Hotel Indy The Ironworks Hotel Indy can be found at 2721 E. 86th St. in the Keystone Crossing area of Indianapolis. The interior of this hotel sets it apart from others in the area since it is in an old mill building. The rooms are filled with exposed brick and ductwork, which give it an industrial feel. All of the rooms include 60-inch televisions, luxury bedding, and bath products, safes, minibars, and room service. The Ironworks Hotel even includes 15,000 square feet of retail shopping located just outside of your room. If you need to work out, there is a full fitness center there too. more Conrad Indianapolis The Conrad Indianapolis boutique hotel is located at 50 W. Washington St. in the Mile Square area of downtown. The bathrooms in this hotel set it apart from all of the others. They all have marble floors and feature televisions built into the bathroom mirror. You even get bathrobes and slippers to wear after you get clean in the luxurious shower. If you want to do some shopping after you are all cleaned up, the hotel is connected to the Circle Center Mall by the skywalk. The Evan and Todd Spa & Salon is located inside the hotel if you want to pamper yourself with a full-service treatment. If you want to sightsee, Monument Circle is located only a block away. Stone Soup Inn The Stone Soup Inn is a cozy boutique hotel located inside a historic guest house. It is located at 1304 Central Ave. in the Old Northside area. Visitors who stay at this guesthouse can enjoy continental breakfast on weekdays and a full breakfast on weekends, which is served at either the historic dining room or on the outside porch. The house is decorated with detailed woodwork on the walls and ceiling and hardwood floor below. Take advantage of the sitting room on the second floor so you can enjoy a view of the lily pond and garden from the overlooking balcony. The Alexander, A Dolce Hotel The Alexander, A Dolce Hotel is located at 333 Delaware St. in the downtown area. This hotel features a modern design touch which can be seen in the art in every room. Every bathroom has a walk-in shower with an overhead rain showerhead. Each room even has a fully stocked minibar and tea and coffee machines. There is a fully updated fitness center on-site if you get the urge to keep up your workout routine. The hotel boasts multiple dining options like Plat99 and Cerulean Restaurant, so you won't have trouble deciding on a place for dinner. Next time you are in Indianapolis, check out one of the above hotels. Your stay will be more memorable when you choose a unique location. Image via Pixabay