Indianapolis

A Family Adventure in the Crossroads of America

Known as the Crossroads of America, Indianapolis is a city where Midwestern warmth meets big-city attractions. From racing history to world-class museums, and from lush green spaces to vibrant downtown streets, Indy offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a motorsport fan, a lover of interactive museums, or simply seeking a relaxed family getaway, Indianapolis delivers a perfect blend of excitement and charm.

Stay: Hilton Indianapolis

Travel Month: July

Day 1 – First Impressions of Indy

Arriving just after noon, we headed straight to the Indianapolis Zoo—a beautifully maintained space combining animal habitats, an aquarium, and a botanical garden. Highlights included watching dolphins glide effortlessly during the dolphin presentation, seeing orangutans swing through their towering habitat, and spotting flamingos gathered in a pink cloud of feathers. The zoo is compact enough to explore in an afternoon but packed with memorable encounters.

As evening fell, we strolled through Monument Circle, the city’s iconic centerpiece. The historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument stood tall against the twilight sky, surrounded by a lively mix of restaurants, shops, and street performers. The soft glow of the fountain and the hum of evening activity set the perfect tone for our Indy adventure.

Day 2 – From Play to Pit Stops

We kicked off the day with a hearty brunch at a cozy local café before heading to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis—the largest children’s museum in the world. It’s a paradise for curious minds, with hands-on exhibits ranging from a life-sized dinosaur encounter to a space exploration wing. The museum’s interactive nature kept both kids and adults engaged, making it easy to lose track of time.

After lunch, it was time for a completely different kind of thrill at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Walking through the storied halls, we saw legendary Indy 500 cars, learned about racing’s evolution, and even stepped onto part of the famed track. The mix of nostalgia, engineering marvels, and sheer speed was exhilarating, even for those who aren’t die-hard racing fans.

Day 3 – A Scenic Send-off

Our last morning began with a stroll through downtown Indianapolis, weaving past historic buildings, boutique shops, and hidden murals that added bursts of color to the streetscape. The slower pace let us soak in the city’s friendliness and charm.

The highlight of the day—and perhaps the entire trip—was our gondola ride along the Downtown Canal Walk. With the gentle splash of oars and the skyline reflected in the water, it felt like a romantic slice of Venice transported to the Midwest. It was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Indy before heading home with happy hearts and full photo albums.

Top Tips for Indianapolis

1. Transportation – Downtown is walkable, but consider using a rental car or rideshare to reach attractions like the Speedway and Zoo.
2. Book Tickets in Advance – The Children’s Museum, Zoo, and Speedway Museum can get busy, especially during summer weekends and race season.
3. Where to Eat – Try local favorites like St. Elmo Steak House for a classic Indy dining experience, or grab casual bites along Massachusetts Avenue (“Mass Ave”).
4. Downtown Canal Walk – Plan your gondola ride or pedal boat rental in the morning or early evening for cooler weather and fewer crowds.