Where else can you touch a dinosaur bone, see a show, steer a pedal car, make art, “board” the space station, and ride a historic carousel in one visit? Only at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Founded in 1925, the museum is a nonprofit with a mission to ignite joy, wonder, and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults.

The Indianapolis Zoo is a 93-acre non-profit institution. Opened in 1988, it is one of the largest privately funded zoos in the country, and was the first institution in the country to receive triple accreditation as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden.

The Eiteljorg Museum explores the intersection of the arts, histories and cultures of the past and present by sharing the diverse stories of the American West and the Indigenous Peoples of North America.

The Indy Art Center campus is always free with endless things to see and do. Explore the galleries. Study or work in the Ruth Lilly Library. Enjoy the Art Center’s Michael Graves-designed building.

Outside, ARTSPARK is where art and nature harmonize. Meditate. Have a picnic. Explore. This 9.5-acre park is open from dawn to dusk and accessible from the Monon Trail, as well as the Art Center parking lot. There’s no gate, no fence, and no admission charge.

Newfields is a 152-acre cultural campus featuring the IMA art galleries, lush gardens, two historic homes, performance spaces, a nature preserve and sculpture park located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

General Admission is free during operating hours on the first Thursday of every month year round, including Thursday, November 6, 2025 (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Advanced ticketing is required. Tickets are available for reservation free of charge.

Founded in 1863, Crown Hill Cemetery is the nation’s 3rd largest cemetery with 555 acres of beautiful rolling hills that are home to and sanctuary for many species of trees and local wildlife. Take an award-winning guided tour, or enjoy the peaceful beauty, sculptures, trees, and rich history of the 200,000+ people buried there on your own time. Notables include President Benjamin Harrison, poet James Whitcomb Riley, Col. Eli Lilly, three U.S. Vice Presidents, and numerous others, including the infamous bank robber John Dillinger.

Crown Hill Cemetery is located across the street from Newfields.

At 3,900 acres of land and 1,400 acres of water, Eagle Creek Park is one of the nation's largest city parks. Trails beckon hikers and bird watchers, the lake welcomes fishermen and sailors, and picnic benches encourage relaxing meals in the great outdoors. Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, pontoons, and pedal boats are available for rent. Eagle Creek Park is also home to the Earth Discovery Center and the Ornithology Center. At these centers, visitors learn about nature and the environment through fun, hands-on experiences.

One of Indianapolis’ oldest parks, Holliday Park is located just six miles north of downtown and encompasses 94-acres of beautiful green space. Visitors can explore the nature center, play on one of the city’s best, hard-to-leave playgrounds, hike more than 3.5 miles of picturesque trails or take a stroll around the one-of-a-kind Holliday Park Ruins.

Yats serves Cajun & Creole cuisine and is an iconic food staple of the Indianapolis area. Although Yats has multiple locations throughout the Midwest, the restaurant at 54th & College Avenue is the original and has the most authentic personality. The menu is a rotating list of diverse sauces and stews, reflecting the founder’s New Orleans roots. There is a daily menu of seven to ten dishes, all served on rice with a slice of Cajun buttered baguette.

Mama Carolla's, established in 1997, is an upscale Italian restaurant in a 1920s Mediterranean-style villa. Tasteful decor, an extensive cocktail menu, and Old World ambience make this charming establishment an extremely pleasant place to dine. Soft music sets an intimate atmosphere, and the menu offers a wide range of reasonably priced dishes.

Established in 1894, The Rathskeller is the city’s oldest restaurant still in operation today and is regularly voted the best German restaurant in Indy. Located in the basement of the Athenaeum, The Rathskeller is reminiscent of both a quaint inn tucked in the Bavarian hills and a lively beer hall in Munich.

St. Elmo Steak House has been a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902. It is the oldest Indianapolis steakhouse in its original location, and has earned a national reputation for its excellent steaks, seafood, chops and professional service.

Established in 2003, Ripple Bagel & Deli is a quick and casual dining establishment offering over 50 choices of steamed bagel sandwiches in a friendly atmosphere. The sandwiches have quirky names and delicious ingredients—Evie's favorite is the Ned's Gold, and Zack's favorite is the Jeopardy.