List of attractions and events in Indianapolis facts for kids

Indianapolis is a vibrant city in Indiana, known for its exciting events and cool places to visit. It's a hub for sports, arts, history, and fun activities that people of all ages can enjoy. From thrilling car races to amazing museums and beautiful parks, there's always something interesting happening in Indy!

Exciting Sports and Events

Indianapolis is famous for its love of sports, especially racing!

Racing Capital

• Indianapolis 500: This is one of the biggest car races in the world! It happens every May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It's often called "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" and draws huge crowds.
• Brickyard 400: Another big race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, featuring stock cars.
• Grand Prix of Indianapolis: A road course race that also takes place at the Speedway.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: You can visit this museum right at the track to see historic race cars and learn about the history of racing.
• 500 Festival Mini-Marathon: A huge running race that takes place before the Indy 500.
• 500 Festival Parade: A colorful parade with floats, bands, and celebrities, celebrating the Indy 500.

Other Sports Venues and Events

• Lucas Oil Stadium: This huge stadium is home to the Indianapolis Colts, the city's professional football team. It also hosts many other big events.

Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts

• Gainbridge Fieldhouse: This is where the Indiana Pacers (basketball) and Indiana Fever (women's basketball) play. It's also a popular spot for concerts.
• Hinkle Fieldhouse: A historic basketball arena at Butler University, known for its classic design and exciting games.
• NCAA Hall of Champions: Learn about college sports history and see trophies and exhibits from various NCAA championships.
• Victory Field: Home to the Indianapolis Indians, a minor league baseball team. It's a great place to catch a baseball game.
• Big Ten Football Championship Game: A major college football game held in Indianapolis each year.
• Drum Corps International World Class Championship: A big competition for marching bands and drum corps from all over the world.

Awesome Museums and Learning Spots

Indianapolis has many museums where you can explore history, art, science, and more.

• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: This is the largest children's museum in the world! It has five floors of amazing exhibits, including dinosaurs, space, and cultural displays.

"Bucky," a juvenile Tyrannosaurus specimen at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The museum is the largest of its kind in the world.

• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art: Discover the art, history, and cultures of Native Americans and the American West.
• Indiana State Museum: Explore Indiana's natural and cultural history, from ancient times to today.
• Indianapolis Museum of Art: Part of Newfields, this museum has a huge collection of art from around the world. It also has beautiful gardens.
• Indiana Historical Society: Learn about Indiana's past through exhibits, stories, and historical documents.
• Indiana Medical History Museum: Located in an old hospital, this museum shows what medicine was like a long time ago.
• Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library: Dedicated to the famous author Kurt Vonnegut, who was from Indianapolis.
• Rhythm! Discovery Center: This museum is all about percussion instruments and the science of sound. You can even try playing some instruments!
• Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum: Learn about Indiana's role in the American Civil War.
• Crispus Attucks Museum: Located at Crispus Attucks High School, this museum celebrates the history and achievements of African Americans.
• Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium: Look at the stars and planets through telescopes and learn about space.
• Museum of 20th Century Warfare: Located at Fort Harrison State Park, this museum focuses on military history.

Beautiful Parks and Outdoor Adventures

Indianapolis has many green spaces perfect for outdoor fun.

• Eagle Creek Park: One of the largest city parks in the United States, with trails, a reservoir for boating, and a nature center.
• Fort Harrison State Park: A large park with trails for hiking and biking, and a golf course.
• Garfield Park: This historic park has a conservatory with beautiful plants, sunken gardens, and a performing arts center.
• White River State Park: This park is home to several attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indiana State Museum. It's a great place to walk or bike along the Indiana Central Canal.
• Indianapolis Zoo: See animals from all over the world and learn about conservation efforts.
• Monon Trail: A popular paved trail for walking, running, and biking that stretches across the city.
• Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A beautiful urban trail that connects Indianapolis's cultural districts and attractions.
• Crown Hill Cemetery: A historic cemetery that is also a beautiful park with impressive monuments and views of the city.
• Skiles Test Nature Park: A peaceful park with trails and natural areas.

Historic Landmarks and Cultural Hotspots

Discover the history and unique culture of Indianapolis.

• Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument: This iconic monument stands in the center of the city and is a symbol of Indianapolis. You can climb to the top for amazing views.

Dedicated in 1902, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument has become the city's de facto symbol.

• Indiana Statehouse: The beautiful building where Indiana's government works. You can take tours to see its impressive architecture.
• Madam Walker Legacy Center: A historic theater and cultural center named after Madam C. J. Walker, a famous entrepreneur.
• James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home: The preserved home of the famous poet James Whitcomb Riley.
• Union Station: A historic train station that has been repurposed for events and businesses.
• USS Indianapolis National Memorial: A memorial dedicated to the brave sailors who served on the USS Indianapolis during World War II.
• Indianapolis Catacombs: Explore the underground tunnels beneath the Indianapolis City Market.
• Athenæum (Das Deutsche Haus): A historic building with German architecture, hosting cultural events and a restaurant.
• Central Library: A beautiful and modern library where you can find books, resources, and quiet spaces.
• Indiana State Library and Historical Bureau: Another important library with a vast collection of books and historical documents.

Arts, Entertainment, and Festivals

Indianapolis offers a wide range of arts and entertainment options.

Cultural Districts

Indianapolis has several official cultural districts, each with its own unique vibe:

• Broad Ripple Village: Known for its lively atmosphere, shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
• Fountain Square: A historic neighborhood with a retro feel, known for its art, music, and duckpin bowling.
• Indiana Avenue: A historic district with a rich African American heritage, known for its jazz music.
• Mass Ave Cultural Arts District: A vibrant area with theaters, art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
• Wholesale District: A downtown area with historic buildings, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Market East: A growing downtown area with new developments and attractions.

Performing Arts and Venues

• Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre: Enjoy a meal and a live theater performance.
• Clowes Memorial Hall: A major performing arts venue at Butler University, hosting concerts, Broadway shows, and more.
• Hilbert Circle Theatre: Home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, this beautiful theater hosts classical music concerts and other performances.
• Indiana Repertory Theatre: Enjoy professional theater productions.
• Phoenix Theatre: Known for its unique and often thought-provoking plays.
• The Cabaret: A venue for live music and cabaret performances.
• Old National Centre: A historic theater that hosts concerts and other events.

Festivals and Events

• Gen Con: One of the largest tabletop gaming conventions in North America, attracting thousands of gamers.
• Heartland International Film Festival: A festival showcasing independent films from around the world.
• Indy Pride Festival: A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade and festival.
• Indy Jazz Fest: A festival celebrating jazz music with performances by local and national artists.
• Indiana State Fair: A huge annual fair with rides, food, animal exhibits, and concerts.

Indiana State Fair in 2015

• Historic Irvington Halloween Festival: A fun and spooky festival with a parade, costume contests, and haunted attractions.
• Circle of Lights: A festive event where the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is decorated with thousands of lights for the holiday season.
• BUTTER (art fair): An art fair that highlights works by Black artists.
• Broad Ripple Art Fair: An outdoor art fair featuring many artists and their creations.
• Penrod Art Fair: One of the largest outdoor art fairs in the country, held at Newfields.
• Harvest: A fall festival at Newfields celebrating the season.
• Winterlights: A magical display of lights at Newfields during the winter holidays.
• FDIC International: A large conference and exhibition for firefighters and emergency services.
• Circle City Classic: A football game and celebration of historically Black colleges and universities.
• Italian Street Festival: A festival celebrating Italian culture with food, music, and entertainment.
• PopCon Indy: A convention for fans of pop culture, including comics, movies, and games.
• Starbase Indy: A convention for fans of science fiction, especially Star Trek.
• Indy Film Fest: A festival showcasing independent films.
• Indy Irish Festival: A celebration of Irish culture with music, dance, and food.

Images for kids

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  "Bucky," a juvenile Tyrannosaurus specimen at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The museum is the largest of its kind in the world.

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  The Indianapolis 500 is known as the world's largest single-day sporting event

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  Indiana State Fair in 2015

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  Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts

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  Dedicated in 1902, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument has become the city's de facto symbol.