Things To Do
Indy Attraction Pass
Purchase a 1-Day or 3-Day Indy Attraction Pass for half-priced access to many of the recommendations below (and more!).
Experience the "Racing Capital of the World" at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Every May, 350,000 people travel to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to watch thirty-three cars go real left, real fast in the United States' premier racing event. Start your engines and visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to learn how the race has developed since its first running in 1911. Book an accompanying track tour to walk the famous Yard of Bricks and stand on the elusive Victory Podium. The Nascar Brickyard 400 Battle takes place on Sunday July 26th at 1:00 pm for anyone interested in attending a race!
Kick-Off the Fun Behind the Scenes at Lucas Oil Stadium
Step into game-day mode with a behind-the-scenes tour at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts! Public tours typically run on Fridays at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m., with occasional extra dates added to the lineup. During this 60-minute experience, you’ll walk the field, peek into the locker rooms, and climb to the press box — all spots usually reserved for the pros. And if you happen to visit on a lively weekend, you might catch some extra action: concerts, conventions, and big games mean the stadium is always buzzing, giving you a chance to score more than just a touchdown on your adventure. From field to stands, every corner is packed with fan-tastic sights!
Unleash Your Curiosity on a Visit to the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo has triple accreditation as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden — talk about earning its stripes! Go wild exploring the zoo-spanning International Chimpanzee Complex, make a splash at a Dolphin Presentation, or waddle over to a Walrus Chat. Don’t miss the International Orangutan Center, where the stars really rise to new heights, or the White River Gardens, where every path blooms with life. At sixty-four acres and home to more than 1,400 animals, the Indianapolis Zoo is a place where curiosity roams free and every visit is paws-itively unforgettable.
Enter a World of Wonder at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world, where imagination and discovery come to life on every floor. Kids (and kids at heart) can dig into the Dinosphere to uncover prehistoric wonders, take a spin on the Carousel Wishes and Dreams, or blast off into space in the Beyond Spaceship Earth exhibit. From hands-on science experiments to world cultures, art, and outdoor adventures at the Sports Legends Experience, every visit invites families to learn through play. With exhibits that grow minds, spark creativity, and inspire curiosity, the museum is a place where learning feels like an adventure waiting around every corner.
Discover, Explore, and Be Inspired at Newfields
Discover Newfields, where the Indianapolis Museum of Art meets 152 acres of gardens, woodlands, and outdoor gallery spaces. Its collection spans over 50,000 works, from Old Master paintings to contemporary design. Highlights include LOVE by Robert Indiana, Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait, and treasures from the Clowes Collection. Outside, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park features major site-specific sculptures like Funky Bones, where art and landscape intersect. Whether you’re wandering the galleries, strolling through the gardens, or pausing to admire a sculpture, Newfields offers a rich, immersive experience for art lovers of all kinds.
Sweeten Your Day at Long's Bakery
You can’t visit Indianapolis without sinking your teeth into a yeast donut from Long’s Bakery! Light, fluffy, and perfectly golden, each donut is coated in a classic glaze that’s just sweet enough to make your day. Famous with locals and visitors alike, these donuts practically melt in your mouth, making them the perfect stop for a quick treat—or two. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for another—you might end up calling it a sweet little tradition! Long's Bakery is cash only.
Raise a Glass at Sun King Brewery
Sun King Brewery is the perfect spot to soak up some summer in Indianapolis. Located downtown, it offers a vibrant lineup of award-winning beers—from Sunlight Cream Ale to seasonal small-batch brews—served in a lively taproom or on the sunny patio. Join a guided brewery tour to see how the magic happens, or simply grab a flight and sip your way through their inventive offerings. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just looking for a refreshing summer pint, Sun King is the place to raise your glass.
Dine Like a Legend at St. Elmo Steakhouse
Step into St. Elmo Steak House, a legendary Indianapolis institution since 1902, and follow in the footsteps of Peyton Manning, a regular during his Colts years. Famous for its bold flavors and the city’s iconic horseradish-spiked shrimp cocktail, St. Elmo offers a truly memorable, though splurge-worthy, night out. Whether you’re savoring a perfectly cooked steak or sampling the famous shrimp, you’re enjoying a taste of Indianapolis history in a classic, upscale setting. The restaurant books out often, so please make a reservation.
Bite into a Hoosier Tradition at the Aristocrat Pub & Oxford Room
If you're chasing down a true taste of Indiana, make a stop at Aristocrat Pub & Restaurant and dig into their famed pork tenderloin sandwich. This dish isn’t just a menu item—it’s a Hoosier staple. The sandwich features a center‑cut pork loin that’s been tenderized, breaded, and fried golden, often hanging far beyond its bun with a satisfying crunch. In Indiana, the pork tenderloin sandwich holds legendary status—locals recognize it as the state’s signature sandwich, ubiquitous on menus from dive bars to fine diners. At Aristocrat, you’ll get one of the most celebrated versions in Indianapolis—huge, crisp, and unmistakably Hoosier. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned tenderloin tracker, this is one meal worth carving out for.
Stack it High at Shapiro's Delicatessen
Step into a piece of Indianapolis history at Shapiro’s Delicatessen, where since 1905 the same family has served up generous, piled‑high sandwiches and comforting classics. The downtown location still draws loyal fans for its slow‑cooked corned beef, hand‑sliced pastrami, and fresh‑baked rye bread. For dessert, grab a slice of their famous cheesecake made in‑house with Philadelphia cream cheese. With its old‑school charm and unmistakable flavor, Shapiro’s offers a true taste of Indianapolis tradition—grab a sandwich, find a seat, and dig in.