Driven to Distraction
Indianapolis is racing with enthusiasm for visitors of all ages!
From dinosaurs to duck pin bowling and Dali, it’s an easy drive to explore family fun, fine art, and the fastest sport around.
FAMILY OUTING
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (3000 N. Meridian St.), the largest children's museum in the world, provides a combination of educational and entertaining experiences, carefully developed to engage and captivate young minds. This 472,900-square-foot interactive wonderland covers science, history, art, and culture. The SpaceQuest Planetarium, which transports guests on a cosmic voyage, and the Dinosphere, which features lifelike dinosaurs roaming around, are just two of its numerous highlights. Immersive activities at the museum promote physical activity and emphasize the value of leading a healthy lifestyle, including the redesigned Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience. With more than a million visitors a year and more than 120,000 objects, the museum is a gold mine of knowledge and entertainment, making every visit an unforgettable experience for families alike. Admission is $6 the first Thursday of each month, 4-8 p.m., with daily admission is $19.50 to $38.
For families visiting the Children's Museum, the Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel (9625 N Meridian St.) is a great option. This family-friendly hotel, just a short drive from the museum, provides spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities. Every morning, guests enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast and in the evening they can indulge in free snacks and drink at the 5:30 Kickback reception. The hotel also has an adult fitness facility and an indoor/outdoor pool. The hotel offers a warm and inviting home base for discovering all that Indianapolis has to offer.
After settling in at your hotel, the night doesn't have to end there! Check out Pins Mechanical Co., (856 Carrollton Ave), a trendy and lively entertainment venue in the heart of the city. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Pins Mechanical Co. features a variety of activities, including duckpin bowling, pinball machines, arcade games, and foosball, providing endless entertainment for visitors of all ages. The venue's industrial-chic decor, with exposed brick walls and vintage inspired furnishings, creates a cool and relaxed setting. In addition to the games, Pins Mechanical Co. boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, cocktails, and a rotating menu of street food-inspired bites, such as sliders, pretzels, and nachos, perfect for snacking while you play..
SPORTS FAN
The Indianapolis Speedway (4790 West 16th St.), offers a number of fan experiences, including the chance to walk on the famous Yard of Bricks, enjoy pre-race concerts, and participate in interactive displays and activities. There are numerous hospitality packages available, ranging from premium seating and VIP experiences to general admission. Fans can enjoy excellent views of the race from various points around the track. The next major event is the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks, held Sept. 20–22.
After you enjoy the race, speed over to the Ale Emporium (11501 Geist Pavilion Drive), to find a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere with a focus on providing a comfortable place for patrons to enjoy a game, good food, and craft beers. The décor is simple and unpretentious, geared toward creating a welcoming environment for sports fans and beer enthusiasts. Famous for their wings, which come in a range of flavors , the menu also includes a burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare that pairs well with their beers. Fan favorites include cheese fries, pretzel bites, and stuffed jalapeños.
Cool off your engines and wind down at The Westin Indianapolis (50 S. Capitol Ave). Approximately eight miles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the hotel features well-appointed rooms with plush bedding, a work desk, and modern amenities. Many rooms offer city views and upscale finishes. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, The North End Bar & Grill, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A fully equipped fitness center and an indoor heated pool/hot tub are also available. Besides being close to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the hotel is also convenient for visiting the Indianapolis Zoo, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and various restaurants and shops.
ARTS LOVER
A thriving art gallery and studio, Studio Alchemy (1116 E North St.) encourages artistic expression and camaraderie among artists of all ages and abilities. This vibrant facility, which is nestled in the center of the city, provides a range of inspiring and instructive art lessons, such as mixed-media, painting, and sketching. Whether you’re an experienced artist wishing to learn new methods or a beginner looking to explore your artistic potential, Studio Alchemy offers individualized teaching in a supportive setting. Their programs frequently have interesting themes that encourage experimentation with many techniques and methods, like landscape painting, abstract art, and portraiture. Furthermore, Studio Alchemy organizes workshops and special occasions that bring together art enthusiasts for group projects and exhibitions.
If all that artistic inspiration has you you hungry for culinary innovation, make a trip to Newfields (Corner of 38th and Michigan). This campus is home to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Fairbanks Park, The Garden, Lilly House, and the Elder Greenhouse. The Café, located inside the IMA serves contemporary fare. Hand-crafted soups, seasonal salads, and artisan sandwiches are great for a quick lunch or a leisurely meal.
Nestled in the heart of The Garden, Garden Terrace offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a sustainability-minded menu created with shareable spreads, rotating seasonal sandwiches and salads, and giant Bavarian pretzels. The beverage menu, curated by Certified Cicerone, Lindsay Jo Whirley, features a selection of favorite local beers and hard-to-find options from Belgium, Germany and beyond.
Newfields is also home to The Lume, the only immersive digital experience in the world where you will see original artworks by world-famous artist, with Dalí Alive now on view. Featuring brand-new digital content in all three digital gallery spaces, it also offers a new café concept, El Mercado Surreal, with a selection of Spanish-inspired small bites by Newfields’ culinary team.
After freeing your creative expression, look no further than the Bottleworks Hotel (850 Massachusetts Ave Suite 100) for your stay. This hotel, which blends architectural beauty with modern comfort, is in the beautifully restored Coca-Cola bottling facility in the revitalized Bottleworks District. The carefully planned rooms and suites of the Bottleworks Hotel have high ceilings, authentic architectural characteristics, and luxurious facilities. Visitors can take advantage of the hotel's excellent restaurant, unwind at the spa, or stroll through the lively neighborhood, which is overflowing with places to eat, shop, and enjoy entertainment. With its unique charm, the Bottleworks Hotel provides a perfect blend of history and modern luxury, making it the great choice for art lovers and visitors looking for a unique stay in Indianapolis.
– Kennedy Penn