School is out for a week… now what? No need to stress about the expensive flights, large crowds and long itineraries. Take a staycation in Downtown Indy. Here are 10 things to do in the Circle City without breaking the bank.
10: Museum Adventure Camp
Museum Adventure Camp gives campers a behind the scenes look into the Indiana State Museum. Campers can explore different collections, learn about artifacts and check out the paleontology and archaeology labs. At the end of the week, campers create their own museum-worthy exhibition. The camp runs from March 28 – April 1 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The camp targets ages 8 – 13 and costs $125 for members and $150 for non-members.
9: Get active at Tourney Town
The 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to Downtown Indy April 1 – 5. Families can get in on the action during Tourney Town – a free fan festival at the Indiana Convention Center celebrating the best in women’s college basketball. Be at the epicenter of women’s basketball with activities for the entire family: fun exhibits and games, interactive displays, basketball clinics, entertainment, food, merchandise and more. Tourney Town runs April 1 – 3.
Tourney Town is a FREE fan fest for fans of all ages.
8: Free fun at Central Library
There are plenty of free activities at the Central Library. Listen to Indy’s leading jazz musicians at Hot Jazz for Cool Kids! on March 13 at 3 p.m. Discover facts about composting and planting and plant seeds to take home at Conservation and Green Thumb Class for Kids on March 28 at 1 p.m. Learn about pets and pet ownership at the Dog Communication Class on April 1 at 1 p.m.
Central Library hosts many free events perfect for kids.
7: Explore Lucas Oil Stadium
The home of the Colts is one of the most majestic buildings in Downtown Indy. Lucky for us, they offer public tours. Tours take place every Tuesday and Wednesday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and include visits to the playing field, an NFL locker room, Lucas Oil Plaza and the press box. Tours cost $10 for adults and $7 for seniors ages 65 and over, children ages 4 – 12 and military. Children ages three and under are FREE.
6: Stay the night
Because everyone likes saving money, White River State Park has partnered with the Conrad to offer a Spring Break discount on hotel rooms. Rooms at the Conrad will be discounted 15 percent between March 17 – April 10. The Conrad offers an indoor pool and a convenient location for visiting family-friendly attractions all over Indy. Make reservations online or by calling 317.713.5000 and mentioning promo code WRP.
5: Put your game face on
It wouldn’t be a trip Downtown without catching at least one game. Come catch a Pacers game as they wrap up their regular season with the last home game on April 12. Luckily, when one season ends another begins. The Indians home opener is on April 14. Psst… the fireworks at the end of the game are an added bonus.
Attend the Indianapolis Indians home opener on April 14.
4: Indianapolis Zoo
A visit to the Indianapolis Zoo is always a hit with the kids. There are several zoo babies that will be introduced this spring. See the trio of lion cubs, baby meerkats or the newest arrival of a baby giraffe. Sign up the kids for a Family Overnight Adventure or just stretch your legs and enjoy 64 acres of fun. Purchase tickets in advance on the Zoo website to save money or become a Dwell member to receive $2 off adult admission and $2 off children admission.
Zoo babies (including lion cubs) are ready to experience their first spring.
3: Circus Day
Enjoy a fun day at the Indiana Historical Society’s FREE Circus Day on March 26 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Try your hand at carnival games to win great prizes and see the Hampel Family Circus. Children of all ages will experience jugglers, magicians, live animal shows and more.
2: A Grand exhibit
Be ready for a great adventure with your kids when the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon come to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art on March 28. This much-anticipated exhibit will include on-going programming: create your own work of art inspired by the Grand Canyon; catch a film; quiz an Eiteljorg Park Ranger and share your Canyon memories.
The Eiteljorg’s Grand Canyon exhibit will inspire and instill a sense of wonder in visitors.
1: Take a walk, have a picnic and explore White River State Park
White River State Park has enough attractions to keep you busy all day. Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors as you wander along the White River Promenade, a half-mile walkway lined with flowering trees and evergreens that offers unique views of the White River and the Downtown skyline. Look for the hand-carved “rose window” and renderings of famous buildings using Indiana limestone blocks along the way. While you’re there, purchase a Park Pass which includes admission vouchers into six attractions with more than 25 percent off the regular adult prices.
Kids will love exploring the Canal and White River State Park.
Post written by Sarah Pelko, marketing intern.
