Indianapolis is the city where you can spend an afternoon and easily find things to entertain and uplift you. Whether you want to stop and get a coffee at Command Coffee or you want to get tickets to the Indy 500, when you spend an afternoon in Indianapolis, you can have a wonderful time. Indianapolis is surprisingly filled with life, and the sprawling city has a great deal of exciting and unique Indianapolis attractions to explore.
Things to Do Near Me in Indianapolis
When you want to spend an afternoon in Indianapolis or are looking for what to do in Indianapolis this weekend, you have a wide range of Indianapolis attractions to choose from. Whether you have a few hours or a whole day, one of these Indianapolis attractions should catch your interest. Some of the most unique places in Indianapolis might surprise people who have lived here for years! Perhaps you searched for “things to do near me,” and you want to know what to do in Indianapolis this weekend. This is the place to start! There is something to do for every budget and circumstance.
The Children’s Museum
Indianapolis is home to the world’s largest children’s museum! It has hundreds of exhibits and artifacts, and many of the exhibits are hands-on and interactive. You can always find something new to enjoy.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway
A classic Indianapolis staple is the motor speedway, where the Indy 500 races are held yearly. There’s always something to watch, especially if you’re looking for what to do in Indianapolis this weekend. Everyone can understand and enjoy watching an upcoming Indianapolis Motor Speedway event happening, even if you have never watched a type of race like this before! The venue provides a classic Indianapolis experience you can remember for the rest of your life.
Indianapolis Zoo
With a reputation as one of the largest and most diverse zoos in the US, the Indianapolis Zoo is a great place to visit. No matter who you are, the zoo is the perfect option if you want to spend an afternoon in Indianapolis. With over 64 acres of land and plenty of places to relax and take in the scenery, it’s the perfect place to enjoy yourself if you are searching for “things to do near me in Indianapolis.” If you’re looking for peace and quiet, it’s a nice place to enjoy a break from the sights and sounds of the bustling city.
Kurt Vonnegut Museum
Whether you like the works of Kurt Vonnegut or not, the man is an Indianapolis legend. The museum itself is highly renowned and features many exciting exhibits. Vonnegut once said, “Where is home? I've wondered where home is and realized it's not Mars or someplace like that. It was Indianapolis when I was nine years old. I had a brother and a sister, a cat, a dog, a mother and a father, and uncles and aunts. And there's no way I can get there again.” Indianapolis was his home, and if you want to seek the spirit of Indianapolis, the museum is a great place to find it.
Festivals and Events
Not only are there a lot of unique year-round attractions, but there are always new ways to spend an afternoon in Indianapolis that might only be around for a short time. Festivals and events are constantly changing, and Indianapolis is so large that you can easily find something you enjoy!
Indiana State Fair
Running from July to August, the Indiana State Fair hosts much fun and food. It’s been around for almost 200 years, and there are over one hundred rides, with hundreds of food stands and vendors. It’s a unique experience that people of all ages can enjoy! It’s something that you will remember for years to come, and hopefully, it will convince you to come back to Indianapolis next year!
NFL Scouting Combine
Every college football fan’s dream is to see all their favorite players in the same room, which happens every year at the Lucas Oil Stadium before the NFL Draft. This event, along with many others at Lucas Oil Stadium, is an exciting way to spend an afternoon in Indianapolis. Sports fans can find many events like this one in Indianapolis, as there is an NFL team, an NBA team, and many minor league baseball, hockey, and other sporting teams.
Food Events
Many events hold food tours of Indianapolis. You can spend the afternoon savoring delicious drinks, munching on fantastic food, and enjoying an experience you can’t find anywhere else.
Outdoor Events and Places
Indianapolis is also known for its beautiful landscapes and views. There are many places to go hiking, walk or run, zipline, or even just sit and enjoy. There are numerous reservoirs and parks that you can go to as well, including Eagle Creek Park and Nature Reserve, which is a unique urban park.
Stop in for Coffee
When you’re traveling and spending an afternoon or weekend in Indianapolis, you’re sure to need a break at some point. When you do, stop into Command Coffee and grab a delicious coffee. Everyone needs a minute to sit and rest. The afternoon is the perfect time to rest and give yourself a bit more caffeine to enjoy. Afternoons of excitement and entertainment are essential but can also be exhausting. Don’t forget to take proper care of yourself!