When you’re in need of an escape but still want city vibes, Indianapolis is my go-to Midwest getaway. At a 3.5-hour drive from Chicago, it’s doable for a weekend, and has so much to offer every member of the fam. From the largest children’s museum in the world to a new museum for car racing fans, plus elegant hotels and impressive restaurants, Indianapolis is a smaller city worth traveling to.

Indy experiences the whole family will enjoy

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating its 100th year with a centennial Ferris wheel and many fun exhibits. The outdoor Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience is absolutely incredible. You’ll find sport courts to play basketball, hockey, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, track and field, and even a track to drive pedal cars.

The best part is that experiences are accessible and adaptable for most with “my sized” equipment and features like balls with bells. Inside the museum, you’ll find Take Me There: Peru, a new exhibit that immerses visitors in the sights and sounds of the city, rainforest, mountains and culture of colorful Peru. This might be especially fun for kids who liked the Paddington in Peru movie.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum recently reopened after a $61 million renovation and let me tell you, it is impressive. Even if you’re not super into car racing, this museum will pull you into the stories and memorabilia with immersive experiences. You drive under the Indy 500 track to enter the museum parking lot. Plus, you can learn about the milk tradition, evolution of racing suits and so much more.

If you or the kids are ready to climb the walls, North Mass Boulder is the place to do it. With some of the most indoor climbing terrain in the U.S., the many obstacles and challenges will reward you with a sense of accomplishment. Plus, you can join yoga classes, lift weights, or have a snack at the cafe. North Mass Boulder is also near Mass Ave., a trendy area with independent shops and restaurants.

Luxe accommodations in Indianapolis

In February 2025, InterContinental opened the first luxury hotel in Indianapolis in almost 20 years. Located downtown by Monument Circle, Indy’s prominent traffic circle with a tall Soldiers and Sailors monument (which led to Indianapolis’ nickname as the “Circle City”), the hotel is walkable to restaurants and attractions like the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where you can attend a basketball game. Click here for tips on attending an Indiana Fever game.

If you can, swing for connecting rooms, so everyone has a chance to spread out and spend some alone time in the bathroom. The beds at the InterContinental are so plush that our son jumped in and said he was never leaving. Funky, modern artwork from artists with Indiana ties adorn the walls. There’s a swanky rooftop bar if you can nab some adult time. Breakfast at Serliana in the lobby can include savory mushroom toast, sweet pina colada overnight oats or a biscuit sandwich with strawberry preserves, bacon, egg, mustard, strawberries, cheddar and fennel salad- an interesting, indulgent combination.

Conrad Indianapolis is another beautiful hotel nearby, which features an indoor pool, Indy’s only hotel spa, and an impressive artwork collection with pieces by Picasso, Warhol and Dali. It’s a luxurious oasis in the city. If you can whisk yourself away for a massage, consider yourself blessed.

Where to dine with kids in Indy

Café Patachou has a number of locations that serve elevated breakfast, lunch and brunch. They made my daughter a waffle grilled cheese so craveable that she now waffle irons her sandwiches at home. My husband also enjoyed the serve yourself coffee.

Borage Café & Bakery is near the Motor Speedway, and definitely worth stopping in for a meal, or even to just pick up goodies from the bakery and market. My family was impressed with the creative brunch options, like Turkish poached eggs and gluten-free Pop tarts.

Shin Dig is right next to North Mass Boulder climbing gym. It’s a fun place to play patio games like Giant Jenga, Connect Four, cornhole and ping pong. On the menu, you’ll find wings, pizza, burgers and sweets.

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