The Indianapolis skyline grows more impressive every day. Still, the number of adult AND kid-friendly venues, events, and affordable activities available all over the city may be even more amazing. The White River State Parks are home to more than 250 acres of beautiful green lounging areas, along with many other remarkable attractions that are both educational and inspirational.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, the major branches of the White River State Parks are worth the visit. Between outdoor activities, sports, and museums, "Indianapolis's Backyard" is sure to bring you back for multiple visits.
1. Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum leaves us more intrigued and impressed with each visit. Both permanent and rotating exhibits seek to educate visitors on Indiana's history and culture and impressively engage both young and old minds alike.
One of the most recent exhibits to join the museum, "Good Night Forest", is sure to delight young minds as they are invited to explore the dark Indiana woods in a safe and curious environment. After picking up their explorer supplies, they are free to let their imaginations go wild and discover all the forest offers. The exhibit caters to children 1-8 but if the younger ones are a bit frightened by the shadows, they can remain comfortably in the light of the campsite and make shadow puppets in the safety of their tent.
If the firefly forest doesn’t impress you, although we don’t know why it wouldn’t, the colorful and whimsy illustrations throughout the exhibit created by Penelope Dulligan are sure to make you feel like you’re back in your favorite children’s book.
Grab your explorer’s pack at the entrance, and don’t forget to stock it with your field guide, bandana, flashlight, compass, and map before wandering into the forest to wish the forest's nocturnal animals a good night.
The new exhibit is included with general museum admission through the end of October, and tickets can be purchased here.
2. Indianapolis IMAX
Those who didn't have the budget to fly all the way to France had the opportunity to watch the Opening Ceremony Live in all its IMAX glory right inside the Indiana Museum's IMAX theatre. The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony was marvelous and an impressive addition to the "IMAX Live Experience" collection.
Did you miss the Opening Ceremony? The Indianapolis IMAX offers not only educational documentaries but also full-length Hollywood features. As one of the few IMAX theatres left in the world with the capability to use real film, you’re definitely in for a “full-screen” treat.
Movie fanatics may also be delighted to find themed cocktails and snacks going alongside many big Hollywood premieres!
Click here to learn about future screenings and buy tickets.
3. Victory Field
Home to the Indianapolis Indians, Victory Field offers not only a family-inclusive evening of sportsmanship and baseball but also a scenic backdrop of the Indianapolis skyline. The league offers 75 home games and a variety of events throughout the summer season. Bring your furry friend along for “Bark in the Park” or travel back in time to the 1930s for “Swing” for a night you’ll be sure to remember, all to support Indianapolis Indians charities.
Newly renovated suites are available for purchase throughout the season, offering air conditioning and weather-resistant viewing.
4. NCAA Hall of Champions
Although some collegiate sports tend to draw bigger crowds than others, you may be impressed to learn that the NCAA oversees 24 collegiate sports over three divisions for both men and women.
The NCAA Hall of Champions, located in the heart of White River State Park, seeks to educate the public on the variety of sports represented in the league and how hard the athletes work to make the cut. It also offers interactive exhibits for all ages to get a feel for the game.
Take a moment to read the “Wall of Dreams,” where children from all over have shared their dreams by writing them on Post-its and leaving them behind. Some dream of becoming NCAA athletes, while others dream of becoming superheroes, having their own families, and more!
5. Indianapolis Zoo
Chimpanzees have come to the Indianapolis Zoo and are ready to play! The communal animals are slowly adapting to their new environments and in time will be allowed access to the entire zoo through a system of crisscrossing skywalks.
As one of the nation's largest privately funded zoos, the Indianapolis Zoo is highly decorated with awards, including a Nobel Peace Award for conservation. Even though you'll be eager to see the animals above and below water, make sure to take a visit through the gorgeous Hilbert Conservatory where you'll enter into a tropical paradise. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for one of the brightly colored butterflies that inhabit the space.
If you're already excited for more spooky fall activities make sure to mark down a date to visit during "Zoo Boo" for trick-or-treating, and activities for both kids and adults including goolish goodies and creepy cocktails. For more information visit here.
Whether you come to see the kangaroos, the beautiful Hilbert Conservatory, or the award-winning Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, supporting the Indianapolis Zoo directly supports conservative efforts worldwide.
6. Eiteljorg Museum
For over three decades, the Eiteljog Museum has shared the stories of Indigenous people and Western America through colorful art, permanent and rotating history exhibits, and a growing collection of interactive exhibits.
The impressive collection of art is recognized nationally and includes many renowned artists. It also continues to highlight today's Indigenous culture right here in the Midwest.
Make sure to join the Eiteljorg Museum on Dia de los Muertos on October 26th for a free celebration while educating yourself on the history and festivities of Mexico's Indigenous people and traditions. Live music and lots of colorful flowers will also be in attendance. Click here to learn more.
7. Everwise Amphitheater
Seating 16,000 people between covered seats and lawn space, the Everwise Amphitheater hosts a variety of shows arching over many different music genres. With an easy walking- or scootering- distance from the Indianapolis Zoo or any other of the White River's museums and parks, the music venue hosts the perfect ending to relaxing as the sun sets after a long day and eventful day in the park.
For the full list of the season's remaining shows, click here.
As Indianapolis expands, more community events, attractions, and museums are getting their moment in the spotlight. We'll definitely be making another trip before the summer sun is over! What part of White River State Park are you most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments below, and follow White River State Park on Instagram for more great things to do during your Indianapolis visit.
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Sending love from Indiana,
Kaitlyn
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