Come check out the fun activities in Indiana!
Indiana is super close to where we live, so it’s one of those states we’ve visited many times over the years. We’ve spent a few weekends in Indianapolis, and it always ends up being an easy, fun getaway with a mix of sports, museums, and family activities.
Here are some of our favorite stops around the state:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was way more fun than I expected — and I’m not even remotely into racing.
We booked a tour that takes you around the entire track on a golf cart, which alone makes it feel a bit surreal. One of the highlights is stopping at the finish line to “kiss the bricks,” which is exactly as fun (and slightly cheesy) as it sounds.
The museum on site is also really well done, with interactive exhibits that make it interesting even if you’re not a big motorsports fan.
Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is one of the best children’s museums we’ve ever visited — hands down.
We haven’t been in a few years now since the kids have gotten older, but when they were the right age, it was a must-do stop. It’s huge, interactive, and has a mix of science, history, and hands-on exhibits that keep kids busy for hours.
Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo is another really well-done stop in the city.
It’s not overwhelming in size, which actually makes it perfect for a weekend visit. We’ve paired it with other downtown activities like the Speedway in the same trip before.
One of the highlights is the stingray touch pool, which was a big hit with the kids.
NBA – Pacers Game
We’ve also been to a couple of Indiana Pacers games, and both times had a great experience.
The atmosphere is fun, and there are often giveaways and in-game entertainment that keep things lively. If you stay downtown, it’s easy to walk to the arena, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby to make it a full evening out.
Hall of Champions
The Indiana State Museum and White River State Park area is a nice spot to explore, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
There are a few interactive exhibits and VR-style activities, plus open space along the river that makes it a good place to walk around and stretch your legs between museums and downtown stops.
Hoosier’s Gym
Visiting the Hoosier Gym was a big moment for my husband.
It’s free to visit, and you can actually go inside, walk onto the court, and even see the locker rooms. It’s small, but it has a really nostalgic feel and is especially fun if you’re a basketball fan!
Perfect North Ski Area
Our local ski area, Perfect North Slopes, isn’t a mountain by any means, but it’s a great option for winter weekends close to home.
The tubing here is actually one of the better experiences we’ve had compared to other small resorts — fast, organized, and fun for all ages.
Clifty Falls
Clifty Falls State Park makes for a really nice weekend getaway.
There are a ton of scenic hiking trails, good local food nearby, and a generally peaceful atmosphere. We once stayed in an Airbnb cabin near a small river, which made the whole trip feel even more relaxed and nature-focused.
South Bend
Driving through the area, we also took time to walk around the campus of the University of Notre Dame.
It’s obviously very historic and well-known, so it was fun to see landmarks in person that we’d only ever seen on TV before. Even a short walk around campus makes it worth the stop if you’re passing through.
Indiana might not be a “bucket list” destination for most people, but it’s one of those places that really surprises you with how much there is to do once you start looking.
For us, it’s become a great mix of easy weekend trips, sports events, and family activities that don’t require a lot of planning or travel time.
And honestly, those kinds of places end up being some of the most useful when you just want to get out and explore without going too far.