The start of summer is just around the corner and there’s no better season to experience everything that the Downtown community has to offer. Get out and have fun in your own neighborhood with our favorite places to stay active in Downtown Indy!

1. Get to Know Your Neighborhood with ActiveIndy Tours

If you’re new to the City or want to know more about Downtown Indianapolis’ rich history and culture, take advantage of ActiveIndy’s walking, biking, and running tours. Designed to accommodate all fitness levels, ActiveIndy Tours are great for residents to explore their own neighborhoods and all over Downtown. See where nature meets urban jungle while walking White River State Park and Central Canal, or take in the beauty of Downtown’s Cultural Trail on a biking tour. For the ultimate Downtown fitness experience, the historic Downtown 5k offers unparalleled views of White River State Park, the Central Canal and the Indiana War Memorial Plaza.

2. Stay Relaxed with Yoga on the War Memorial

Get away from the weekday hustle and bustle by joining the Invoke Studio crew on the Indiana War Memorial promenade at the cross streets of Meridian and Michigan. This hour-long Vinyasa flow class is suited for all levels and takes place once a month and is a convenient walk or bike ride from almost all Downtown neighborhoods. The next session will be held on Sunday, July 19 and the full schedule is available here. The program is donation based, with proceeds benefitting the Indiana War Memorial.

3. Get your blood pumping at Downtown Indy’s weekly Workout Wednesday

Hump day slump? There’s no better cure than a quick, fun cardio session on Georgia Street! Hosted by a registered YMCA instructor and frequented by local celebrities (I hear Boomer likes to get his Cardio Hip-Hop on!), Workout Wednesday is a great way to energize yourself mid-week. The hour-long Zumba and Cardio Hip-Hop sessions take place every Wednesday during the summer from 12 – 1 p.m. on the Georgia Street boardwalk – super convenient for Downtown residents and employees! All fitness levels are welcome, and access to showers is provided by the YMCA Bike Hub.

4. Ride Around in Style Using Pacers Bikeshare

Pacers Bikeshare is one of the most successful bike sharing programs in the country – outpacing Denver, Colorado by over 5,000 all-day passes – and it’s not difficult to see why. At just $8 per day or $80 annually, Pacers Bikeshare makes it easy for both residents and visitors to grab a bite to eat, run errands, or simply enjoy the fresh air. Find out what all the hype is about by picking up a bike at any of the program’s many stations throughout Downtown.

5. Take in the View on the Downtown Canal Walk

You haven’t seen Indy if you haven’t taken a stroll down the Downtown Canal Walk at sunset. The venue, which has also become a destination for joggers and bikers, was once a purely utilitarian method of shipping goods across the state. Now, it’s a place to get away from the street noise and heat and feed ducks, sip coffee, or pass the time by people watching. Take advantage of this little piece of paradise just steps from your door!

6. Achieve Your Fitness Goals at the National Institute of Fitness and Sport (NIFS)

Whether you like group exercise in the morning, jogging at lunch or personal training in the evening, NIFS offers a multitude of classes for all fitness levels and at all times of the day. As the only indoor option on this list, NIFS is perfect for year-round activity. In addition to the state-of-the-art machines and equipment, NIFS provides personal wellness coaching, diabetes prevention, and many other programs designed to help you feel your best. Whether you work out alone or stay motivated in a group, NIFS is a great place to get your sweat on. Membership is discounted for IUPUI students and many companies in the Downtown Indy area partner with NIFS to provide discounts to their employees. If you live or work Downtown, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity available year-round!

7. Get Closer to Nature at White River State Park

If you prefer outdoor activity, the green spaces around White River State Park are perfect for walks along the White River Promenade, picnics in Military Park, or playing fetch with your furry friend. In addition to these gorgeous green spaces, be on the lookout for events with the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg and the Indiana State Museum. A full calendar of events can be found here. White River State Park is a fantastic way for City dwellers to take a break from the concrete jungle and get back to nature.

8. Enjoy the Outdoors with Wheel Fun Rentals

Take the whole family out for an afternoon of adventure using kayaks or peddle boats from Wheel Fun Rentals! Stop in front of Firehouse #13 on Downtown’s Canal Walk from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. from June to July or 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. during August to explore one of Downtown Indy’s favorite waterways.

9. Take a Trip Back in Time at Action and Atomic Duckpin Bowling

Try your hand at one of Babe Ruth’s favorite games: duckpin bowling in Fountain Square! The only duckpin bowling location in the Midwest featuring vintage duckpin alleys, delicious food, and drinks makes Action and Atomic Duckpin Bowling one of our favorite Downtown Indy hotspots.

10. Eat Well at the Original Farmer’s Market

There’s no better way to top off your day of activity than with farm-fresh produce right in your urban Downtown neighborhood. Stop by the Original Farmers’ Market every Wednesday from May through October on Market Street between Delaware Street and Alabama Street from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. for the tastiest fruits, veggies, meats and cheese that Downtown Indy has to offer. Find out what yummy fruits and veggies are in season using this harvest calendar!

Blog by Grace Hankins, real estate development intern