North America · United States
Family Hotels in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana's capital city pairs world-class family museums, a legendary motorsport heritage, and a walkable downtown with some of the most affordable hotel rates of any major US city.
Why Families Love Indianapolis
Indianapolis punches well above its weight for families. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis — the largest in the world — alone justifies a weekend trip, and the surrounding city delivers a zoo, interactive history parks, and a surprisingly vibrant food scene, all without the price tag of larger destinations.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is a free 8-mile urban bike and pedestrian path connecting all major neighborhoods — rent B-Cycle bikes near the hotel to explore with kids.
Purchase a Punch-In Indianapolis attraction pass online before you arrive; it bundles the Children's Museum, Zoo, and Indiana State Museum at a meaningful discount.
Parking downtown is plentiful and cheap compared to coastal cities — most garages charge $8–$15 per day, making a rental car practical.
The City Market food hall near the convention center is a fantastic, budget-friendly lunch spot that kids enjoy for its variety and indoor market atmosphere.
Hyatt Hotels in Indianapolis
View all Hyatt details →Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
📍 Downtown / State Capitol
$149–$259
12,000–18,000 points
Guests love the central location and spacious rooms; families highlight the easy walkability to the Children's Museum shuttle and Lucas Oil Stadium.
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown
📍 Downtown
$109–$189
8,000–12,000 points
Families consistently praise the free breakfast and extra room space; location draws compliments for easy access to all downtown attractions.
IHG Hotels in Indianapolis
View all IHG details →InterContinental Indianapolis
📍 Downtown / White River State Park
$169–$299
25,000–35,000 IHG One Rewards points
Reviewers rave about the unbeatable location next to White River State Park; families appreciate the spacious rooms and proximity to the Zoo.
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station
📍 Union Station / Downtown South
$129–$219
15,000–22,000 IHG One Rewards points
The train car rooms are the star attraction; families with kids report an unforgettable novelty experience in a well-maintained historic building.
Holiday Inn Express Indianapolis Downtown
📍 Downtown South
$89–$149
8,000–12,000 IHG One Rewards points
Budget-conscious families call this the best deal downtown; breakfast and pool access make it an easy choice for a multi-night stay.
Top Family Attractions in Indianapolis
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
museumThe world's largest children's museum spans five floors of hands-on science, history, art, and cultural exhibits including a full-size dinosaur fossil emerging from the exterior wall.
💡 Tip: Book timed entry tickets online — weekends sell out. Arrive early to beat crowds at the Dinosphere and sports galleries.
Indianapolis Zoo
zooA nationally accredited zoo and botanical garden featuring dolphin shows, a white shark exhibit, African plains, and an insect-filled butterfly kaleidoscope.
💡 Tip: The dolphin presentations run multiple times daily — check the schedule at the entrance and plan your route around them.
Indiana State Museum
museumLocated inside White River State Park, this landmark museum covers Indiana's natural history, art, and cultural heritage across three floors with interactive galleries for children.
💡 Tip: Combine with a walk through White River State Park — the grounds connect the Zoo, Victory Field, and the Canal Walk for a full free-roaming afternoon.
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
historicAn award-winning outdoor living-history museum where costumed interpreters immerse families in 1800s Indiana life across five distinct historical areas, including a Civil War journey and balloon ascent experience.
💡 Tip: Allow a full day. The 1836 Prairietown village and the Follow the North Star immersive experience are especially impactful for kids aged 8 and up.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
museumHome to the largest collection of racing cars in the world, the museum traces 100+ years of motorsport history. A track bus tour lets you ride on the legendary 2.5-mile oval.
💡 Tip: Book the track bus tour in advance; it sells out on weekends. The gift shop has affordable die-cast cars kids adore.
Lucas Oil Stadium Tour
landmarkBehind-the-scenes guided tours of the Indianapolis Colts' stunning retractable-roof stadium cover the field, press boxes, locker rooms, and the massive operable end-zone windows overlooking downtown.
💡 Tip: Tours fill up on game weeks — book well ahead. The stadium is a 10-minute walk from most downtown hotels.
Family Activities in Indianapolis
Canal Walk Paddle Boats
Rent pedal boats or kayaks on the scenic Central Canal that winds through downtown Indianapolis, passing fountains and public art in a car-free setting.
Victory Field Baseball Game
Catch an Indianapolis Indians (Pirates Triple-A affiliate) game at one of the best minor-league ballparks in the country, right in downtown White River State Park with affordable family tickets.
Indiana State Fairgrounds (Seasonal Events)
Year-round family events at the iconic fairgrounds including the Indiana State Fair (August), car shows, and youth sports tournaments.
Holliday Park Nature Center
A free 94-acre urban nature park with woodland trails, a rugged-play nature playground, and a nature center where kids can explore native plants and wildlife.
Indianapolis Family Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Complete Family Guide to Indianapolis
Neighborhoods, dining, transportation, safety, and packing tips — everything you need to plan your family trip.
Read the Full Guide →