Visiting Indianapolis with toddlers and little kids: the plan.
Indy works for a family trip because the big stops are close together and most are built for kids. The Zoo and the State Museum are both downtown, the Children’s Museum and Newfields are a short drive north, and under-2s get in free at several of them. Here’s how we’d spend one or two days with a nap in the middle.
Top 5 can’t-miss spots
On the chimpanzee complex
“21 chimpanzees, by the way, 19 of those 21 regularly work on touch-sensitive computers where people can see them working”
On the 100-acre art and nature park
“That's all free and open to the public”
One day or two in Indy
A couple of big stops, a real lunch and a nap in the middle. Tap a stop for the full listing.
MORNINGIndianapolis ZooGo early · White River State Park · $22.75–$32.75 kids, $25.75–$35.75 adults
LUNCHCafe PatachouCloses mid-afternoon · Downtown · Kids’ meal $10AFTER NAPIndiana State MuseumWednesday–Sunday · Downtown, White River State Park · $17 kids, $23 adultsDay 1 is the one-day plan above. Day 2:
MORNINGThe Children’s Museum of IndianapolisArrive at opening · Near North Side · $30–$34 kids, $34–$38 adultsAFTER NAPNewfieldsGardens and café · Near Northside · $15 kids, $23 adultsKid-friendly areas near the big attractions
Pick the area by the stops you’ll make most, then plan around nap.
Easy restaurants near the big stops
Kids’ menus, quick service and a short drive from the attractions. Prices come from each restaurant’s own menu.
Rainy-day backup plan
If the forecast turns, swap the outdoor stop for one of these. More options: indoor play places in Indy.
Near North SideThe Children’s Museum of IndianapolisEverything is indoors, so it’s the best bad-weather bet in town.Kids $30–$34Adults $34–$38Under 2 freeIndoorDowntown, White River State ParkIndiana State MuseumA full indoor afternoon downtown, open Wednesday through Sunday.Kids $17Adults $23Under 3 freeIndoor
DowntownIndianapolis Public Library, Central LibraryFree and warm, a few blocks from Monument Circle.FreeIndoorPractical tips
Parking, strollers, changing tables and the best times to go.
Indianapolis Zoo: $10 for non-members. Buy parking online ahead to skip the line.
Newfields: Free on site.
Indiana State Museum: $4 validation with admission.
Holliday Park: Three lots: by the playground, west of the Ruins and by the Nature Center.
Newfields: Free wheelchairs and rollators are available at arrival.
Holliday Park: Restrooms in the Pavilion, with more in the Nature Center (Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm).
Santa and Christmas lights in Indy
If your trip lands in the holiday season, these two pages have the dates, prices and booking links.
Free and cheap wins for visitors
Spend less without skipping the good stuff.
Near North SideThe Children’s Museum of IndianapolisPick a cheaper date on the calendar. First Thursday evenings are the lowest price of the month.Kids $30–$34Adults $34–$38Under 2 freeIndoorDowntownIndianapolis Public Library, Central LibraryFree, with books, a children’s library and no ticket to buy.FreeIndoorNorthsideHolliday ParkPlayground, trails and the Ruins at no cost, from dawn to dusk.FreeDowntownMonument CircleFountains and the monument at the center of downtown, with nothing to buy.FreeAcross the cityIndy Parks splash padsOver 20 free splash pads, open in summer.FreeSummerDowntownCircle of LightsA free holiday tradition on Monument Circle.FreeWinterHappening while you’re here
This week’s top events in Indianapolis. The full list, with hours and the forecast, is on the this-week page.
Visiting Indianapolis with toddlers: the FAQ
Is Indianapolis kid-friendly?
For a family with kids under 6, yes. Our Indianapolis guide lists 20 places we checked for little kids, plus 6 free places and 6 picks for babies and toddlers. This page adds 3 easy restaurants near the big stops and free storytimes at 4 library systems. This week’s list has 32 dated outings for ages 0–6. See free things to do in Indianapolis and this weekend’s list.
What’s the best area to stay in Indy with toddlers?
Downtown is the easiest base. The Zoo and the State Museum are in White River State Park, and Monument Circle is in the middle. The Children’s Museum and Newfields are a short drive north, so a Near North Side hotel saves driving on those days.
How many days do you need in Indianapolis with little kids?
Two days covers the big four: the Zoo, the State Museum, the Children’s Museum and Newfields. With one day, do the Zoo in the morning and the State Museum after nap, as in the one-day plan above.
Do you need a car in Indianapolis with a toddler?
For downtown stops, no: the Zoo, the State Museum and Monument Circle are close to downtown hotels. The Children’s Museum and Newfields are on the north side and are easiest with a car or a rideshare.
What’s the cheapest way to see Indy’s top family attractions?
Free entry by age helps most: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (under 2 free), Indiana State Museum (under 3 free) and Newfields (5 and under free). Visit Indy also sells a 1-day or 3-day Indy Attraction Pass that bundles top attractions.
Other cities
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