Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and the host city for the Indianapolis 500 and the Allstate 400. The races and the city's many sports teams are attractions for families looking to do something together. For families looking for things to do beyond spectator sports, the city offers many indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages.
Indianapolis Trails
Taking to the trails around Indianapolis presents many activities for all ages. Bikers, walkers, runners and cross-country skiers can be found at different times of the year sharing trails as diverse as the Monon Rail Trail, Town Run Trail Park, the Canal Walk, the Central Canal Towpath, the Eagle Creek Trail, the Pleasant Run Trail, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the Pogues Run Trail, the Town Run Trail Park and the White River Trail.
Water Activities
The waterways around Indianapolis offer a variety of activities suitable for families of any age. In addition to the trail, Discover Canal credits the Canal Walk as being a three-mile loop along the downtown waterfront that is dotted with pedal boats and gondolas. White River State Park also has access to the canal and provides the option to rent kayaks as well as the pedal boats. Swimming is available at the Monon Community Center, Carmel Clay Parks and Province Park.
Parks and Gardens
Families looking for slower activities can look to Indianapolis' parks and gardens for things to do. Garfield Park is over 125 years old, making it the oldest park in Indianapolis. In addition to its trails and swimming areas, it offers visitors walking through the park access to the Sunken Garden, the Conservatory and the MacAllister Center for Performing Arts. Indianapolis also hosts a number of other regional, community and neighborhood parks offering many family-friendly activities.
Indoor Activities
When the weather is not cooperating, there are plenty of indoor activities open to families around Indianapolis. There are a number of bowling facilities in the areaas well as an indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course. The Carmel Ice Skadium is open for a number of activities including public ice skating. At the Roller Cave, in-line skating is available as well as indoor batting cages and an indoor miniature golf course.
Adventurous Activities
For families with older children, Indianapolis offers a variety of more challenging physical activities. The city features a number of indoor rock climbing as well as indoor paintball locations. For those up for a small drive, Rising Sun, Indianapolis, is home to the state's first zip line course. There are also many public golf courses in the area. At the White River State Park, a Segway tour is offered as a unique way to tour the area.
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